Wednesday, November 4, 2026
A blue wave swept across several key Nassau County races Tuesday night. Democratic incumbents secured re-election in congressional, state and the county, according to unofficial election results.
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen secured a second term representing New York’s 4th Congressional District, on Tuesday’s election. Gillen defeated Republican challenger Jeanine Driscoll.
“I promise each and every one of you that I will continue to work with anyone and stand up to anyone to make life better and bring down the costs for Nassau County,” Gillen said.
Gillen made the rising cost of living a central issue in her campaign, pledging to ease financial pressures on Long Island families while improving infrastructure and public safety. She also stressed the importance of working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to bring federal funding and resources back to the district.
Another big-ticket win came for Democratic State Sen. Siela Bynoe, who secured a second term representing New York’s 6th Senate District. Bynoe defeated Republican challenger Matthew Capp.
Bynoe set her campaign to emphasize her record on education, affordability and public safety. Bynoe highlighted her efforts to secure additional state funding for local schools, improve flood mitigation and invest in road infrastructure.
Democratic Assemblyman Noah Burroughs secured another term representing New York’s 18th Assembly District, defeating Republican challenger Charlene Jackson. Burroughs, a Hempstead resident and former civics teacher, centered his re-election campaign on increasing funding for public schools and addressing the financial impact of charter schools on local districts.
“My biggest dream is that we have a complete chain, and that’s the state assembly, county legislator and the town,” Burroughs said. “We have three partners where we could all work together to solve all the issues that we have throughout all the districts.”
Democratic Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks won re-election in the 5th District, defeating Republican challenger Moshe Hill. A Uniondale native and second lieutenant with the Uniondale Fire Department, Nicks focused her campaign on making neighborhoods safer and helping residents access county resources.
She pledged to address dangerous roads and pedestrian safety concerns, support local libraries and expand opportunities for affordable homeownership. Nicks also emphasized remaining accessible to constituents and working across party lines to address community needs.
The Town of Hempstead shifted to Democratic control in Tuesday’s elections, with Joe Scianablo unseating Republican Supervisor John Ferretti. Scianablo will be the second Democratic town supervisor in the last decade. The race between Democrat Joylette Williams and Republican incumbent Kate Murray for Hempstead town clerk was too close to call.
“Let’s be clear: We see what’s going on in this country. The voters decided that enough is enough.” Scianablo said on Tuesday night. “They’re sick and tired of the nonsense that’s going on in the Town of Hempstead.”
