LI Press

Long Island Republicans launch bids for Congress, Assembly seats

A slate of Republican candidates on Long Island have launched campaigns for federal and state offices, highlighting themes of taxes, affordability and public safety as they seek to challenge Democratic incumbents and policy priorities heading into the next election cycle. The announcements span congressional, State Assembly and State Senate races, reflecting an early and active reshaping of GOP candidates on Nassau County and surrounding districts ahead of the primary election set for June 23. Jeanine Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, announced her candidacy for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, casting herself as a “proven tax fighter” focused on fiscal restraint and affordability for Long Island residents. “As Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Hempstead, I have spent my career helping families keep more of their hard-earned money,” Driscoll said. “In Congress, I will continue that fight—standing up for taxpayers, seniors, veterans, and working families who are being crushed by rising costs and out-of-touch policies.” Driscoll’s entry comes after months of uncertainty surrounding former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, who had been weighing whether to attempt a return to the seat he won in 2022 before losing it in 2024. Republican officials confirmed Tuesday, April 14, that D’Esposito will not enter the race. In her campaign rollout, Driscoll emphasized her work modernizing tax collection systems in Hempstead and expanding access to property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans and other qualifying residents. She positioned her campaign as a direct contrast to Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen. “The choice in this election could not be clearer,” Driscoll said. “I am running to deliver real, meaningful tax relief and to make life more affordable for Long Islanders. My opponent’s record speaks for itself—higher taxes, fewer opportunities, and policies that hurt the very people we should be helping.” Driscoll joins a crowded field of candidates seeking the Republican nomination in the 4th District. GOP contenders include Martin Suber Williams, Martin Smithmyer, Brian Miller and Dennis McGrath. On the Democratic side, candidates include Gillen, Kiana Bierria-Anderson, Taylor Darling, Gian Jones, Frank Lozada and Nicholas Sciretta. Party officials say the primary contest will determine which candidates advance to what is expected to be a closely watched general election race in a competitive suburban district where issues such as property taxes, housing costs and federal tax policy are expected to dominate. In Nassau County’s state legislative contests, David Hassid announced his campaign for the 16th State Assembly District, focusing heavily on affordability, public safety and criticism of state-level policies in Albany. Hassid, a legislative aide in the Town of North Hempstead working for North Hempstead Council Member Yaron Levy, said Albany lawmakers have “lost touch with the needs of suburban communities.” “I’m running to stand up for our neighbors, protect our way of life, and push back against policies that make it harder to live, work, and raise a family here on Long Island,” Hassid said. Hassid said he would oppose congestion pricing initiatives and housing proposals backed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, arguing they place unfair burdens on suburban commuters and residents. He also called for repealing cashless bail laws and increasing funding and support for law enforcement agencies. He is running to replace Assembly Member Daniel Norber, who announced in February that he would not seek re-election. Hassid is expected to face Democratic candidate Kimberly Kiserman in the general election. In the 15th Assembly District, Paolo Pironi, a small business owner and volunteer firefighter, formally launched his campaign, emphasizing a private-sector approach to state government and a focus on tax reduction and public safety. “Families across Long Island are doing everything right … and yet high taxes and rising costs coming out of Albany are making their lives unaffordable,” Pironi said. “We need to lower the tax burden, rein in spending, and start making it easier—not harder—to live and stay here.” Pironi pointed to his experience running a homebuilding business and serving as a first responder as central to his platform. His campaign argues those experiences give him practical insight into both economic pressures and community safety concerns. Assembly Member Jake Blumencranz currently represents Assembly District 15 but will give up his seat to run for the open State Senate position. The Nassau Democratic Committee has not yet announced its candidate for the 15th District. Blumencranz will replace Jack Martins, who is not seeking another term,  as the GOP candidate for the 7th Senate District seat. He is set to face Democratic candidate Rory Lancman in what both parties are preparing to be a competitive general election contest. Lancman issued a sharply critical statement following Blumencranz’s entry into the race, arguing that his legislative record is out of step with the district. “Jake Blumencranz's brief time in the Assembly only shows how deeply out of step he is with this district,” Lancman said. He cited votes on school funding, reproductive rights, gun safety and anti-discrimination laws, while contrasting his own priorities as focused on lowering costs and improving accountability in state government.  “We deserve serious, results-oriented representation in Albany that will lower the cost of living, make our communities safer, and hold government accountable to taxpayers. That's my record, and that's my agenda,” Lancman said.