Who's In The Race

Nassau County homeowners are hearing the same promise from both candidates in New York's 4th District: bring back the full federal deduction for state and local taxes. Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY), a first-term Democrat, faces Republican Jeanine Driscoll, Hempstead's elected receiver of taxes. The Long Island seat has flipped parties in each of the last two elections. [](#ngr-111fd070-adbf-4ac3-a67c-dcc5b3a2db9a)

Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Driscoll, an attorney and village justice in Bellerose, won the June 23 Republican primary with about 91% of the vote over Marvin Williams, and she has President Donald Trump's endorsement.

What They Stand For

In 2025, Gillen pushed for a full repeal of the cap on state and local tax deductions, which she calls unfair double taxation of high-cost states like New York. She has also backed legislation to guarantee nationwide access to IVF. Her campaign pitches her as willing to work with anyone to get things done for Long Island.

Driscoll also wants to restore the full deduction and to end federal taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits, according to Smarter.vote. She has promised to work with Trump on border security, including ending what she calls abuse of birthright citizenship. She also wants to tackle rising housing costs, insurance premiums and property taxes.

The Money Behind The Race

Gillen reported raising about $5.1 million through June 30, according to Federal Election Commission filings. She had about $3.8 million in the bank. Driscoll entered the race in the spring, reported raising about $265,000 over the same period and had about $226,000 on hand.

Outside groups have reported spending about $3,000 in the race, nearly all of it from Planned Parenthood Votes backing Gillen.

Race Outlook: Ratings And Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rates the race Lean Democratic as of Sept. 25, and Sabato's Crystal Ball does the same as of Sept. 29. Inside Elections rates it Tilt Democratic. On Kalshi, traders favored Gillen at about 92% as of Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Gillen lost to Republican Anthony D'Esposito with about 48% of the vote in 2022, then beat him with about 51% in 2024, according to Ballotpedia. Kamala Harris carried New York with about 56% in 2024.

New Yorkers have until Saturday, Oct. 24, to register or to apply for a mail ballot, and early voting runs from that day through Sunday, Nov. 1. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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