Thursday, October 22, 2026
With Election Day approaching, it's important to know who's on the ballot, what they represent and where they stand on the issues that are important to the local community. To learn more about each candidate, read our voter guide below.
For election results right after the polls close on Nov. 3, go to LIHerald.com.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Governor
Affordability and tax relief Hochul identifies lowering costs as a central priority. Her campaign points to inflation refund checks sent to more than 8 million New Yorkers, an expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts as measures aimed at easing household expenses. She also cites universal free school meals as a way to help families save money.
Housing and child care Hochul supports building and preserving more affordable housing. Her campaign highlights her support for running mate Adrienne Adams’ City for All housing plan during Adams’ tenure as New York City Council speaker. The two also worked together to secure child care funding. Hochul says she is working toward universal child care to make it more accessible and affordable for New York families.
Public safety and schools Hochul emphasizes investments in community safety and cites gun safety legislation enacted during her administration. Her campaign also highlights her work with Adams on city and state gun-free zone laws. In schools, Hochul points to the ban on student cellphone use during school hours as another initiative enacted during her tenure.
Federal policies Hochul has made opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies a central part of her campaign. She says she will defend New Yorkers against federal actions she considers harmful and, alongside Adams, oppose what her campaign describes as “MAGA extremism.”
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Nassau County Executive
Affordability and tax relief Blakeman proposes eliminating state income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers.
He also proposes doubling the state’s multibillion-dollar property tax rebate program. Blakeman says restructuring the state budget, using state reserves, could finance the tax cuts and redirecting taxpayer funds currently allocated to services for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.
Housing and childcare Blakeman aims to invest in schools and reduce the overall tax burden on residents. He looks to give families more disposable income as they contend with housing, childcare and other rising costs.
Public safety and schools Blakeman has pledged to increase support for police, expand counterterrorism funding for the NYPD and build or reopen state prisons. He also strongly opposes sanctuary state and city policies and supports greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
He supports restricting biological males from competing in female school sports categories.
Federal policies Blakeman has made opposition to New York’s sanctuary policies and the state’s spending on services for migrants and asylum seekers a central part of his campaign.
He supports working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove undocumented immigrants with criminal records and redirecting state resources currently used for migrant services. His campaign also emphasizes closer cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration and public safety.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: U.S. Representative
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Nassau County Receiver of Taxes
Government experience Driscoll has served as the Town of Hempstead receiver of taxes since 2019. She previously served as an associate justice in Bellerose Village and participated in local civic boards, stating that her experience serving communities has prepared her for Congress. With her current constituency in the Town of Hempstead covering more than 95 percent of New York’s 4th Congressional District, Driscoll believes her qualifications over the past seven years have prepared her for the role of representative.
Taxes, spending and the economy Driscoll identifies as a fiscal conservative who prioritizes reducing taxes and limiting government spending. She supports restoring the full SALT — state and local tax — deduction to provide relief to homeowners facing high property taxes. Driscoll would prioritize an elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits. Driscoll believes the state’s minimum wage is too high and burdens small businesses, which can force business owners to minimize employment opportunities.
Immigration and health care Driscoll has noted that two members of her immediate family are naturalized immigrants. She supports increased clarity of immigration rules as well as a tightening of immigration legislation and a review of policies affecting those currently seeking immigration. Driscoll favors work or volunteer requirements for eligible Medicaid recipients, with exemptions for people with disabilities, caregivers and parents of young children — saying that nondisabled people receiving Medicaid without work requirements is one key reason for high costs.
Education, accountability and constituent services Driscoll supports parental involvement in a school’s curriculum, particularly regarding controversial topics that a parent may personally disagree with, particularly in elementary school. She will look to restrict a school district’s ability to pierce the tax cap. Driscoll plans to remain accessible to constituents and says that representatives should constantly work to secure resources for their communities. Driscoll believes her professional record has established her as an honest, hard worker committed to representing her constituency.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Lawyer
Water safety Vanunu is focusing his campaign on water rates, government spending, small-business costs and public safety in his bid to win. Vanunu said completing the proposed acquisition of Liberty Water by the South Nassau Water Authority should be a priority because of rising water bills. He said the Legislature could hold public hearings and press Liberty and the authority for information about negotiations and the proposed purchase.
Small businesses and spending Vanunu said the county should review fees and regulations affecting small businesses and consider ways to reduce costs, including possible breaks for new businesses or first-time renewals.
He also questioned a $12 million county budget allocation listed as miscellaneous and said taxpayers should have greater information about how the money is spent. He criticized what he considers excessive spending on outside legal services when county attorneys are available.
Public safety Vanunu, a former Queens assistant district attorney, said he wants to ensure the Nassau County Police Department has adequate resources to staff precincts and train officers. He cited concerns about detective shortages, upcoming retirements and staffing problems affecting county services, including emergency dispatch.
Constituent services Vanunu said his office would serve as a bridge between residents and county agencies, helping constituents navigate government and find the appropriate agency to address their concerns. He said he would bring a practical, cooperative and research-driven approach to the Legislature.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Retired, JPMorgan Chase
Constituent service Giangregorio said accessibility has been a central focus of his first term. He said his office works to help residents regardless of whether an issue falls directly under county jurisdiction, connecting constituents with the appropriate level of government when necessary.
Taxes and affordability Giangregorio said he has not voted for a Nassau County tax increase since taking office and supports finding ways to reduce spending and improve efficiency before considering additional taxes. He said the county should look for ways to provide affordable housing for young people, veterans and people with disabilities as property values continue to rise.
Public safety and legislation Giangregorio highlighted legislation he authored or supported, including a law prohibiting hotels and motels from renting rooms by the hour. He said the measure was prompted by constituent concerns about prostitution, drug trafficking and sex trafficking. He also pointed to the Blue Envelope program, which he developed with the Nassau County Police Department to help officers identify neurodivergent drivers and passengers during traffic stops. Participants can carry credentials in a blue envelope, while a blue seat-belt sleeve can identify a neurodivergent passenger.
Infrastructure and development Giangregorio cited several public works and development priorities, including phased improvements in Bellmore. He said planned traffic-signal improvements at Merrick and Camp avenues, including a left-turn signal near Camp Avenue School, are intended to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access. He also said he wants Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead, the state and property owners to work together to address long-vacant commercial properties along Sunrise Highway, including the former Treehouse and HSBC buildings.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Actor, educator, pastor and former nursing school administrator
Affordability and housing Smith says Nassau County’s high cost of living is pushing working families and younger residents out of the county. He supports developing underused property, including areas near railroad lines, for middle-income and working-class housing. He also wants greater access to preschool and child care, which he says are significant costs for families. Smith said he would seek legislation guaranteeing preschool for lower-income families while exploring broader access.
Government transparency and constituent services Smith says Nassau County residents should have more information about how taxpayer money is spent and what happens in the County Legislature. He supports establishing a countywide 311 system for non-emergency requests. Democratic legislators introduced a 311 proposal in February 2026, saying it could reduce pressure on the county’s 911 system and improve access to government services.
Public safety and the county’s armed deputy program Smith says public safety should remain a central responsibility of county government and that Nassau should maintain its existing level of police protection. He opposes spending county resources on the county’s provisional emergency special deputy sheriff program, arguing that those resources could instead support traditional law enforcement. His comments concern a program the county describes as providing provisional emergency special deputy sheriffs who can be activated during declared emergencies.
Government and accountability Smith says he would approach the Legislature as an outspoken advocate for constituents, emphasizing accessibility and frequent communication. He said he does not want to promise specific tax cuts before reviewing the county budget and determining where taxpayer money is going. He also supports directing opioid-settlement resources toward addiction treatment, prevention and support for families affected by substance use.
Party affiliation: Republican, Conservative
Profession: Attorney and Nassau County Legislator
Affordability and taxes Knight says Nassau County must balance the cost of government with the needs of residents. She supports maintaining property-tax exemptions and relief programs for seniors and veterans and says she wants to keep taxes under control while maintaining county services. She has also emphasized the need to make it possible for young people and longtime residents to continue living in Nassau County.
Public safety Knight identifies public safety as one of her primary priorities. She has pointed to county investments in law enforcement, including police staffing, training and technology, and says she would continue supporting resources for police and other public-safety agencies. In the 15th District, she has also identified traffic safety, speeding, potholes and dangerous intersections as issues requiring continued attention.
Community investment and constituent services Knight says she wants to secure additional Community Revitalization Program funding for community organizations, schools and fire departments if reelected. She has also organized district events focused on homeowner exemptions, veterans’ benefits and emergency preparedness. Her district office continues to provide information and assistance on county programs and services.
Development and local control As vice chair of the Legislature’s Planning, Development & the Environment Committee, Knight says development should be consistent with local zoning and the character of existing communities. She supports local control over land-use decisions and says residents should have a significant voice in determining how their neighborhoods develop. Knight has also acknowledged the affordability challenges facing younger residents seeking homes in Nassau County.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: English Professor, Nassau Community College
Access and efficiency Williams wants to make the clerk’s office easier for residents to navigate. She supports developing an app that would allow residents to access town services and track requests, including Freedom of Information Law requests, in real time. She also wants the office to serve as a clearer one-stop source for information so residents are not repeatedly transferred between departments.
Transparency and independence Williams highlights the clerk’s responsibility to operate independently from the town supervisor and Town Board, particularly when handling public records. She argues that properly submitted requests for public information should be handled consistently regardless of who requests the records and supports reviewing how the office processes, approves and denies FOIL requests.
Community outreach Williams proposes the clerk’s office to hold workshops throughout the town explaining services available to residents. Topics could include how to submit FOIL requests, what public information residents can access and how to apply for licenses. She says residents should be better informed about how to obtain town records and services.
Equal access to services Williams says services should be provided consistently across Town of Hempstead communities. She argues that where residents live or voting patterns should not determine the level of government services they receive. Although the clerk does not vote on Town Board policy, Williams says she would advocate for equal access to town resources and services.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Town of Hempstead clerk
Access to services Murray says making government services convenient for residents remains a priority. She points to the clerk’s passport program, which allows residents to have photographs taken, applications reviewed and documents mailed from one location. The office also offers passport services on select weekends and provides marriage licenses, parking permits and other licenses and records.
Residents first Murray says the clerk’s office should help residents navigate government requirements, particularly when they need important documents during difficult circumstances. She supports having staff work within existing laws and policies to find solutions for residents, including delivering documents when someone cannot physically come to Town Hall.
Expanding identification programs Murray has expanded the office’s identification programs for children, seniors and people with special needs. The special-needs identification card includes information that could assist first responders, including whether a person is nonverbal. Murray says the initiative is part of an effort to adapt existing clerk services to additional groups of residents.
Coordination with town departments Murray says her previous experience as town supervisor helped her consider how the clerk’s office interacts with other town departments. She supports coordinating clerk services with programs run by departments such as parks and recreation and considering how the office’s staffing and budget needs affect public safety and other operations.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Veteran, former NYPD, attorney
Affordability and taxes Scianablo supports reviewing the town’s budget, expenditures and propterties to identify wasteful spending and redirect taxpayer dollars toward community services. He has questioned the sustainability and transparency of the town’s proposed 2027 budget and supports rebuilding financial reserves. He also wants to eliminate patronage positions while protecting town employees and maintaining essential services.
Infrastructure and development Scianablo supports reinvesting in roads, parks, pools and other infrastructure while ensuring that resources are distributed fairly across communities. He wants to hold regular town halls to identify neighborhood priorities and purusue state and federal funding for revitalization projects. He also supports redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum site to create jobs, expand medical facilities and stimulate economic growth.
Housing Scianablo supports addressing housing affordability while preserving the character of established neighborhoods. He has raised concerns about overdevelopment and the approval of zoning variances, calling for stricter enforcement of existing building codes. He believes housing and development decisions should reflect the individual needs of communities, particularly younger families, seniors and first-time homebuyers.
Public safety and government transparency Scianablo, a former New York City police officer and prosecutor, supports strengthening partnerships with Nassau County and local law enforcement. He also wants to expand services for domestic violence survivors and their children. He has called for greater government transparency, stricter oversight of town hiring and more accessible town board meetings, including additional evening sessions.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Town of Hempstead Supervisor
Affordability and taxes Ferretti supports reducing property taxes and controlling government spending to make the town more affordable. He pointed to an 18 percent reduction in the town’s general fund tax levy in 2026 and a proposed tax freeze for 2027. He also supports reducing staffing costs, eliminating discretionary spending and finding alternative revenue sources while maintaining town services.
Public safety and infrastructure Ferretti supports continued cooperation with Nassau County and village police departments to strengthen public safety. He also prioritizes roadway improvements, including repaving at least 100 miles annually, installing illuminated stop signs and addressing traffic concerns. He supports maintaining emergency reserves and improving storm preparedness, drainage and coastal protections.
Housing and local zoning Ferretti opposes state housing proposals that would override local zoning authority, arguing that residents should have a say in developments affecting their neighborhoods. While acknowledging the need for affordable housing for seniors and young adults, he favors lowering property taxes and preserving the town’s suburban character. He supports development that considers local concerns about traffic, parking and building density.
Parks and recreation Ferretti supports continued investment in the town's parks, pools and beaches to improve recreational opportunities for residents. He highlighted improvements including new splash pads, upgraded pool facilities and extended swimming seasons. He also supports using state and federal grants to fund recreational projects while minimizing costs to taxpayers.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Former state senator, insurance broker
Affordability and property taxes Brooks identifies lowering costs for Long Island families as a central priority. He points to his work on property tax relief during his time in the State Senate and says he would continue advocating for taxpayers and working families in the Assembly.
Education Brooks supports strong public schools and cites his experience on the Seaford Board of Education as part of his preparation for addressing education issues. His campaign highlights his advocacy for schools during his Senate tenure and emphasizes policies that reflect the needs of Long Island communities.
Public safety and first responders Brooks identifies safer communities and support for veterans and first responders as priorities. A longtime volunteer firefighter, former Seaford Fire Department chief and New York Army National Guard veteran, he points to his emergency response and military experience as foundations for his approach to public service.
Infrastructure and bipartisanship Brooks supports stronger infrastructure and a government that responds to residents’ concerns. He emphasizes working across party lines and says he is willing to challenge his own party’s leadership when statewide policies do not reflect Long Island’s needs. His campaign points to his legislative record and nonpartisan approach to Senate committee work as examples of that philosophy.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Former regional coordinator for Nassau County Republican conference
Affordability and state spending Fredericks identifies affordability as a leading concern among voters and supports reviewing state spending before increasing taxes. She argues that recent budget growth warrants closer scrutiny of how taxpayer money is used. As a young adult, she says she would bring the perspective of her generation to discussions about making New York affordable.
Public safety Fredericks is critical of New York’s cashless bail policies and supports making community safety a legislative priority. She says policies enacted in Albany should help residents maintain safe communities.
Bipartisanship Fredericks emphasizes working across party lines to accomplish legislative goals. She says approaching colleagues with respect, humility and a willingness to collaborate would guide her work in the Assembly.
Constituent representation Fredericks pledges to represent all residents of the 14th Assembly District and seek their input on local concerns. She says listening to constituents is essential to doing the job effectively. She also points to her experience working for State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and the Senate Republican conference as preparation for serving in Albany.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Attorney and State Supreme Court law clerk
Affordability Piddoubny identified affordability as a central concern for 5th Senate District residents. He supports expanding access to early-childhood education beyond the state’s planned universal prekindergarten program, pointing to New York City’s 3-K program and 2-K pilot as models. He would seek a greater share of state funding for Long Island communities to help ease child care and other household expenses.
Homeowners insurance Piddoubny favors stronger scrutiny of homeowners insurance premiums and industry profits. He suggested exploring limits on excessive profits or preventing insurers from raising rates following especially profitable years. Under such an approach, excess revenue could be returned to policyholders rather than retained by insurance companies.
State spending Piddoubny supports reviewing the state budget to identify areas of overspending while ensuring that public money is directed toward effective programs. He said Long Island contributes more in state revenue than it receives and would prioritize securing what he considers a fairer allocation for the region.
Representation Drawing on his legal experience, Piddoubny said he would emphasize negotiation, practical solutions and compromise when working with lawmakers from other parties. He believes serving as a member of the Senate’s majority conference would help him participate directly in budget negotiations, advance legislation and obtain additional state resources for the district.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: State senator
Affordability and spending Rhoads supports restoring a 2 percent cap on annual state spending growth. He argues that slowing spending increases, rather than reducing existing programs, could allow economic growth to generate revenue for a substantial personal income tax cut. He also favors reviewing Medicaid enrollment and other major expenditures to control costs.
Public safety Rhoads opposes New York’s cashless bail policies and supports giving judges greater discretion to detain defendants before trial. He maintains that repeated lower-level offenses can contribute to more serious crime and identifies public safety as a leading concern among district residents.
Children and social media Rhoads cited the state’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act as an example of bipartisan work. The law is intended to regulate social media algorithms and prevent minors from receiving addictive feeds.
First responders and bipartisanship Rhoads is working with Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Cooney on legislation that would provide volunteer first responders with three free credits per semester at SUNY and CUNY colleges. The proposal expands on an initiative Rhoads helped establish as a Nassau County legislator. Although he serves in the Senate minority, Rhoads said he would continue seeking bipartisan agreements while opposing policies he believes increase spending or weaken public safety.
