Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Democratic U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen has won re-election to New York’s 4th Congressional District, securing another two-year term in Washington after a campaign focused on affordability, bipartisan cooperation and bringing federal resources back to Long Island.
“In this election, Democrats, Republicans, and independent voters chose common sense over chaos,” Gillen said. “They agreed that we have to focus on solving the problems that working families face, and not making their lives harder and more expensive each day. I promise each and every one of you that I will continue to work with anyone and stand up to anyone to make life better and bring down the costs for Nassau County.”
Gillen previously served as Town of Hempstead supervisor from 2018 to 2020, becoming the first Democrat elected to the position in more than a century. She was elected to Congress in 2024, defeating Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito in a closely contested race. Two years before she had lost to D’Esposito.
During her campaign, Gillen emphasized her commitment to working across party lines, arguing that partisan divisions have prevented Congress from addressing issues affecting everyday Americans.
“I feel like this has been a Congress that has been very unproductive,” she said. “I'm a workhorse. I like to get things done. I'm really not hyperpartisan. I just want to get things done for the American people, for the community that I represent.”
Affordability remains one of Gillen’s central priorities. She has called for reinstating Affordable Care Act tax credits, lowering prescription drug prices and utility costs, and eliminating tariffs that she said have increased household expenses.
“Bringing down the cost of healthcare is something that I think is a top priority going into the next Congress,” she said.
Housing affordability is another concern. Gillen cited Nassau County’s average home price of roughly $900,000 and said younger residents, including her own children, face increasing difficulty establishing their futures on Long Island.
She has supported bipartisan legislation intended to streamline housing development and introduced legislation to establish regional quantum computing hubs, which she hopes could bring high-paying jobs to Long Island.
Gillen also plans to continue pushing for the full restoration of the federal state and local tax deduction, known as SALT, after an amendment she introduced was rejected by House Republicans.
Mental health legislation remains another priority. Gillen has introduced bipartisan bills addressing youth suicide prevention and mental health support for law enforcement officers. She said those measures have struggled to advance despite bipartisan sponsorship.
Gillen also highlighted her efforts to secure federal funding for local communities, including millions for improvements to the NICE bus system, water filtration projects, flood prevention initiatives and public safety equipment.
“I've been fighting tooth and nail to get every dollar that we can get back into this district,” she said.
Looking ahead, Gillen said she hopes Congress will address emerging challenges involving artificial intelligence, particularly its potential effects on employment and the economy.
“This is not a partisan issue,” she said. “This is going to affect all our kids. It doesn't matter what party you are.”
As she prepares for another term, Gillen said her approach to governing will continue to emphasize practical results over political divisions.
“I did what I said I was going to do, which is always advocate and put my residents first, not engage in partisan warfare, and just try to deliver results for them every day,” she said.
