The balance of power in both county legislatures is on the line this Election Day.  

In Nassau, Republican Legislature’s Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello is retiring. Nicollello is an original member of the Legislature who has been in office since 1996.

Two other lawmakers from the majority declined to seek reelection– Legislators Denise Ford and Laura Schaefer.

The Democrats will be without their longtime leader as well. Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams is also not seeking reelection and there are new district lines this year.  

In Suffolk, Republicans are trying to keep their grip on the county’s legislative body.

They won the majority two years ago after more than 15 years of Democrat control.

The balance of power in each county’s Legislature will likely be decided by just a handful of swing races.

Political consultant Michael Dawidsiak, who works primarily with Republicans, says the group is leaning into discontent with Democratic policy at the state level. While Democrats are pointing to voter angst with Congressional Republicans.