Gillen, Driscoll battle for key Nassau County congressional seat as control of House hangs in balance
The race for New York's 4th Congressional District is shaping up as one of the region's most closely watched contests, with both parties eyeing its impact on the balance of power in Washington.
More Stories
One of the key battleground races this election season is unfolding in Nassau County's 4th Congressional District, where freshman Democratic incumbent Laura Gillen is seeking reelection against Republican challenger Jeanine Driscoll.
For Gillen, a Democrat from Rockville Centre, another term in Congress would provide an opportunity to continue pursuing what she describes as a bipartisan agenda. Gillen said lowering the cost of living remains a top priority, but she argues that Republican opposition has blocked many of her efforts in Washington. She said those efforts would have a better chance of succeeding if Democrats regain control of the House.
"I'm hoping to get those bills across the finish line. I introduced the bipartisan bill to permanently and fully restore the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction. The SALT deduction that we got, and the one big beautiful bill, that's a SALT surrender. It's temporary," Gillen said.
Republicans, meanwhile, are hoping to maintain their House majority and make gains in Nassau County. To that end, the GOP selected Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll to challenge Gillen.
"I think it's critical. And I don't think that there's any question that we will keep it," Driscoll said of maintaining the Republican majority.
Driscoll acknowledged concerns about affordability but argued that the current economic challenges are a temporary byproduct of President Donald Trump's efforts to protect the United States and Israel.
"We no longer have a nuclear threat, which has been looming over us for 50 years, 47 years," Driscoll said.
She added, "And I will say something else about President Trump is that he knows that this is an issue that is difficult for us to handle to the midterms. But he's committed to, his America first agenda, making America as strong as it can and protecting our number one ally, which is Israel."
A potential boost for Driscoll is the presence of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at the top of the state ticket. However, Gillen has a history of defeating Nassau Republican candidates. Before winning the congressional seat from Republican Anthony D'Esposito two years ago, Gillen served as Hempstead Town supervisor and emerged victorious against the Nassau GOP organization.
"I've always stood up for my residents, and I'll continue to do that in Congress," Gillen said.
Libertarian Party candidate Blay Tarnoff is also on the ballot in the race.
