Four years ago, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena (R-Manhasset) was swept into office as part of a red wave of GOP victories across Long Island.

In 2023, Republican gains in North Hempstead continued, leading to GOP control of the town board.

DeSena says her administration has been able to overhaul the town’s much maligned buildings department, cut taxes and costs, and rebuild the town’s infrastructure.

“We cut taxes three years in a row. While doing that, we have expanded our parks. We have finished long-stalled projects, “DeSena said.

“We're making our roads safer by paving more. 43 miles of roads are budgeted to be paved this year. That's compared to eight before I came into office.”

Democrats in the former reliably blue town are turning to a political newcomer to turn the tide in North Hempstead. Dave Kerpen (D-Port Washington) is an entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author.

“There’s only one way I know how to do things, and that’s out of the box,” Kerpen says.

Kerpen’s campaign has a large social media presence and its own theme song. The candidate says if elected, he’ll be easily accessible to residents.

“We're going to do a major culture shift in town government. If you're with me, if you're here to serve the people, wonderful. If not, we're going to help find another place for you to work,” Kerpen says.

Kerpen says he’ll also work to accelerate the overhaul of the buildings department, and will cut taxes further by raising new sources of tax revenue.

“Another big idea is to turn North Hempstead Beach Park from the disarray that it's in right now to the crown jewel of North Hempstead and bring in a minor league baseball team,” Kerpen says.

Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting begins on Oct. 25.