Monday, December 2, 2024
In a closely contested 4th Congressional District race, Democrat Laura Gillen declared victory over incumbent Republican Congressman Anthony D’Esposito Tuesday night, in a race whose results remained unofficial at press time.
Gillen, who previously served as Hempstead town supervisor and ran on a platform centered on improving infrastructure, expanding health care access and restoring the state and local tax deduction, received 51 percent of the vote.
Addressing her supporters in a heartfelt victory speech on election night, Gillen expressed gratitude and a commitment to her district.
“It has been a long, long campaign, and we have worked so, so hard, and I couldn’t have done it without so many of the people in this room,” she said.
Gillen thanked Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs and praised the work of a campaign that, she said, involved knocking on 300,000 doors and making over 600,000 phone calls, which she touted as a “winning campaign that we will emulate in the years to come.”
She emphasized her connection to labor, which she described as the “backbone of our middle class.” She also thanked her family, singling out her mother and siblings, as well as her husband and children. “I’m only here because of great grace,” she said. “And the great grace that I got from God was to be born to a family that has gotten me through everything.”
“It’s time to stop pointing fingers and start getting the work done and reaching across the aisle,” Gillen added. “I look forward to humbly serving every constituent of this district.”
In races for the State Senate, Democrat Siela Bynoe celebrated her win in District 6, defeating Republican Thomas Montefinise.
Known for her advocacy of social justice and focus on quality-of-life issues, Bynoe promised to continue her work for her district. She thanked her supporters, her family and the county Democratic Party for supporting her “people-powered campaign,” highlighting her mentor, Robert Troiano, who “started me on this journey some 20 years ago.”
Bynoe underscored her commitment to infrastructure, education and job creation, sharing her vision to “move this county forward” and bring resources into her district.
Meanwhile, Democrat Noah Burroughs, a longtime community advocate, claimed victory in Assembly District 18, decisively defeating Republican Danielle Smikle.
Burroughs has a history of service in his district, which includes Freeport, Roosevelt and Uniondale. Burroughs attributed his win to the strength of the Democratic Party’s coordinated campaign strategy.
He thanked Jacobs, and reflected on his close relationship with County Legislator Scott Davis, noting that teamwork is essential to addressing the district’s challenges.
“We need to all understand that we need to continue to work together to continue to push this county forward,” Burroughs said, expressing gratitude to the clergy and community members who supported him.
In another Assembly race, Democrat Judy Griffin reclaimed the District 21 seat, winning it back two years after losing it to Republican Brian Curran.
Griffin expressed her eagerness to return to Albany to make a positive impact on her constituents’ lives.
The election also included a special race in the Town of Hempstead, in which Republican Chris Schneider won a full term on the Town Board, having been appointed to the seat in August. Schneider defeated Democrat Kevan Abrahams.
“To my constituents, the trust that they’re placing in me means the world to me …,” Schneider said. “This is the honor of my professional life.”
Prop 1, an amendment with the stated aim of adding protections against discrimination to the state Constitution, was approved overwhelmingly.
