Thursday, October 22, 2026
With Election Day approaching, it's important to know who's on the ballot, what they represent and where they stand on the issues that are important to the local community. To learn more about each candidate, read our voter guide below.
For election results right after the polls close on Nov. 3, go to LIHerald.com.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Governor
Affordability and tax relief Hochul identifies lowering costs as a central priority. Her campaign points to inflation refund checks sent to more than 8 million New Yorkers, an expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts as measures aimed at easing household expenses. She also cites universal free school meals as a way to help families save money.
Housing and child care Hochul supports building and preserving more affordable housing. Her campaign highlights her support for running mate Adrienne Adams’ City for All housing plan during Adams’ tenure as New York City Council speaker. The two also worked together to secure child care funding. Hochul says she is working toward universal child care to make it more accessible and affordable for New York families.
Public safety and schools Hochul emphasizes investments in community safety and cites gun safety legislation enacted during her administration. Her campaign also highlights her work with Adams on city and state gun-free zone laws. In schools, Hochul points to the ban on student cellphone use during school hours as another initiative enacted during her tenure.
Federal policies Hochul has made opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies a central part of her campaign. She says she will defend New Yorkers against federal actions she considers harmful and, alongside Adams, oppose what her campaign describes as “MAGA extremism.”
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Nassau County Executive
Affordability and tax relief Blakeman proposes eliminating state income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers.
He also proposes doubling the state’s multibillion-dollar property tax rebate program. Blakeman says restructuring the state budget, using state reserves, could finance the tax cuts and redirecting taxpayer funds currently allocated to services for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.
Housing and childcare Blakeman aims to invest in schools and reduce the overall tax burden on residents. He looks to give families more disposable income as they contend with housing, childcare and other rising costs.
Public safety and schools Blakeman has pledged to increase support for police, expand counterterrorism funding for the NYPD and build or reopen state prisons. He also strongly opposes sanctuary state and city policies and supports greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
He supports restricting biological males from competing in female school sports categories.
Federal policies Blakeman has made opposition to New York’s sanctuary policies and the state’s spending on services for migrants and asylum seekers a central part of his campaign.
He supports working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove undocumented immigrants with criminal records and redirecting state resources currently used for migrant services. His campaign also emphasizes closer cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration and public safety.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Attorney; certified public accountant
Affordability Suozzi identified the rising cost of living as voters’ leading concern, citing tariffs, the war with Iran, federal debt, energy costs and health insurance expenses. He said addressing household expenses should be Congress’s priority and emphasized bipartisan cooperation to solve problems.
Immigration Suozzi supports permanently securing the border and reforming the asylum system while creating a pathway to work authorization for certain longtime residents without legal status who have lived in the country for more than 10 years without committing crimes. He also cited efforts with Republican lawmakers to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices.
Environment and drinking water Suozzi opposes the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project and has sought a public hearing on potential impacts to Hempstead Harbor and its shellfish beds. He supports a regional drinking water plan to address contamination, saltwater intrusion, stormwater runoff and aquifer protection.
Public services and foreign policy Suozzi said his office helped address mail delivery problems affecting Glenwood Landing residents. On Iran, he opposed abruptly ending American military involvement, instead advocating a phased withdrawal coordinated with Congress and allies. He said bipartisan cooperation remains central to his work in Congress.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney; former state assemblyman
Affordability and housing LiPetri proposed adjusting capital gains calculations on home sales for inflation and offering first-time homebuyers a five-year federal income tax exemption. He also supports tax deductions for child care and expenses such as diapers, formula and strollers to help families manage costs.
Health care LiPetri advocates preventive screenings, greater price transparency and insurance arrangements that allow patients to keep their preferred doctors when changing jobs. He said the health care system should be modernized to accommodate patients’ needs.
Public safety and immigration LiPetri supports enforcement against people without legal status, emphasizing public safety and resources for citizens and legal immigrants. He said he accompanied federal immigration agents while serving in the Assembly and witnessed arrests involving people accused of serious crimes.
Environment and energy LiPetri opposes the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project and said he would consult federal permitting agencies about stopping it. To protect drinking water, he proposed expanding federal infrastructure grants for recharge basins, injection wells and lead-pipe replacement.
Other priorities LiPetri pledged to consult the U.S. Postal Service about home mail delivery requests in Glenwood Landing. He also supports continued pressure on Iran to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons and supports abortion rights, identifying the issue as an area of disagreement with President Donald Trump.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Nassau County legislator
Infrastructure DeRiggi-Whitton said she wants to complete unfinished infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements and a Shore Road overhaul in Glen Cove. She cited persistent flooding near Woolsey Avenue and Dosoris Lane and said existing stormwater pipes cannot handle runoff from extensive development and major storms.
Environmental protection DeRiggi-Whitton supports expanding sewer connections around Hempstead Harbor and protecting the underground aquifer. She highlighted legislation encouraging water-saving sprinkler systems and said she wants to revisit restrictions on nitrogen in lawn fertilizer. She also raised concerns about the environmental effects of the proposed Propel NY Energy project.
Affordability and housing DeRiggi-Whitton supports reducing the county’s sales tax on gasoline and expanding affordable housing for seniors, veterans and younger residents on suitable redevelopment sites. She emphasized preserving local control over development and questioned whether communities would receive sufficient benefits from the proposed energy project to justify its costs.
County spending and oversight DeRiggi-Whitton questioned the management of county reserves despite strong sales tax receipts. She also criticized delays in distributing opioid settlement funds for treatment, education and prevention, calling for closer scrutiny of spending. On immigration enforcement, she supports deporting people without legal status who have criminal convictions but expressed concern about affected families and children.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Attorney; Town of Oyster Bay human resources commissioner
Budget Canning said he would focus on controlling county expenditures and scrutinizing staffing costs. He praised recent county property tax freezes and said he would work to prevent increases, noting that residents are under strain from school taxes and household expenses.
Public safety Canning identified public safety as one of his three leading priorities. On immigration enforcement, he said authorities should focus on people convicted of crimes while remaining sensitive to longtime residents and families. He did not advocate broader enforcement against people simply going about their daily lives.
Infrastructure Canning opposes the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project, arguing that construction along major North Shore roads would disrupt residents and businesses. He raised concerns about traffic in Glen Head and Glenwood Landing and potential environmental impacts on Hempstead Harbor. He also called for limiting development at local country clubs to prevent additional traffic congestion.
Social justice Canning said he would bring a willingness to work across party lines to the Nassau County Legislature. He has volunteered locally, including emceeing North Shore Reads events and wheelchair basketball games, and serving on the Glen Cove Cares board. He also emphasized preserving local control over development and energy decisions.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Assemblyman
Budget Lavine said the state budget must include sufficient funding for education, health care and environmental protection. He maintained that public education is a major reason people live on Long Island and noted the grants he has secured for school districts, like North Shore to make capital improvements and help pay staff.
Public Safety Lavine has been outspoken against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying he believes it is important to speak out “in favor of fairness.” He supports removing undocumented immigrants committing violent crimes but asserted that most being held at the Nassau County Correctional Center have not been convicted of violent crimes.
Infrastructure Lavine supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to revitalize downtown areas and incorporate transit-oriented development. He also supports creating more housing that is affordable. Lavine said he believes New York needs to modernize its infrastructure, citing underground pipes in Glen Cove. He said he would continue to work to secure funding to update infrastructure in the city to prevent flooding, an ongoing issue.
Social justice Like with ICE activity, Lavine has been outspoken on antisemitism and Islamophobia. He is a member of the National Board of Directors of Jewish Legislators, and president of the National Association of Jewish Legislators’ New York chapter.
Party affiliation: Republican
Profession: Communications Specialist, Town of Hempstead
Public Safety Dunleavy opposes the Local Cops Local Crimes Act, a state law banning state and local law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said he believes communities are safe when law enforcement works together. Dunleavy cited products being locked up in stores as evidence of “decline” in New York and criticized state law regarding theft.
Affordability Dunleavy supports County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s plan to eliminate state income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for married filers. He also supports increasing the Empire State Child Tax Credit, which currently provides up to $1,000 per qualifying child under age 4 and up to $500 per qualifying child aged 4 to 16.
Local control Dunleavy is a member of the City of Glen Cove Planning Board. He supports local planning and zoning boards’ ability to control development within municipalities. Dunleavy said local municipalities should decide and maintain the character of their communities.
Infrastructure Dunleavy opposes the Propel NY Energy project, which received approval from the state Public Service Commission in September. He expressed concerns about the project moving forward without a specific power source yet chosen. Dunleavy said he believes it is important for local elected officials to speak out on the project.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Attorney and former state assemblyman
Affordability and taxes Lancman said he is running because Nassau County residents face excessive costs that state government could help reduce. He cited property taxes, sales taxes, auto insurance and utility bills as burdens. He wants the state to hold local governments accountable for how they assess property taxes, arguing that Nassau’s system sends many homeowners inflated bills and forces them to challenge assessments, often by hiring lawyers.
Health care costs Lancman identified health care as a major affordability concern for residents, including the costs of prescription drugs, copayments and long-term care. As a board member of Nassau University Medical Center and chair of its finance committee, he said he has seen the consequences of mismanagement at the public safety-net hospital. He said reforms to improve oversight and efficiency can protect taxpayers.
Environmental protection and Propel NY Energy Lancman said the Propel NY Energy transmission project could help address Long Island’s high energy costs by improving the movement of electricity into and out of the region. However, he said officials must address residents’ concerns about construction impacts, business disruption and possible harm to Hempstead Harbor. He supports mitigating the effects of necessary infrastructure projects.
Water quality and the aquifer Lancman said the state should increase investment in protecting Long Island’s drinking water supply, particularly by reducing nitrogen pollution. He supports replacing aging septic systems, improving water infrastructure and cleaning up contaminated areas of the aquifer. He said environmental bond funding and state water-quality programs could help pay for the work, while financial assistance could make septic upgrades affordable for homeowners.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Profession: Insurance professional and state assemblyman
Affordability and insurance costs Blumencranz identified affordability as a central concern among constituents, particularly rising housing, grocery and insurance costs. Drawing on his experience in the insurance industry and his role on the Assembly’s insurance committee, he is developing a five-point plan intended to lower auto and homeowners insurance premiums.
Childcare and family support Blumencranz said New York should improve access to childcare and preschool programs, particularly for families facing inconsistent availability from year to year. He said some districts struggle to budget and accommodate students because the number of available seats does not consistently match demand. He supports streamlining the process so school districts can better plan around enrollment fluctuations and state funding.
Public safety and first responders Blumencranz supports expanding the use of technology and intelligence-led policing to help local law enforcement prevent and investigate crime. He cited legislation addressing Wi-Fi signal jammers used in some home invasions and supported license plate reader systems as tools for police. He also wants to strengthen recruitment pipelines for first responders.
School safety and artificial intelligence Blumencranz said schools must prepare for emerging threats involving artificial intelligence and social media. As ranking member of the Assembly’s science and technology committee, he has introduced the Swift Act and Child Safety AI Act, which he said would create consequences for social media companies that fail to respond to harmful content and for individuals involved in distributing it.
