It’s a high-stakes political rematch on the south shore of Nassau County, with Republicans and Democrats battling for control of the House of Representatives.

“The district is one that, of course, is getting a tremendous amount of national attention,” Don Levy, director of the Siena College Research Institute, said of NY-04, which covers central and southern Nassau County.

What You Need To Know

  • Incumbent Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and Democratic challenger Laura Gillen are facing off in a rematch of 2022 for the NY-04 House seat

  • D’Esposito is a former NYPD officer and Hempstead Council member, while Gillen is an attorney and former Hempstead Town Supervisor
  • A Siena College poll found voters in the district found Gillen to be the better candidate on the economy and abortion, while D'Esposito was favored on crime and immigration

“We need a congressperson who is going to deliver results for this district!” Laura Gillen, the Democratic challenger in the race, said.

“They’re looking for someone who’s delivered, and I’ve delivered,” incumbent Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito said.

D’Esposito was part of a red wave in deep blue New York in 2022 that helped Republicans take control of the House. Two years later, Gillen is back and D‘Esposito is fighting for his seat.

“Our polling has the challenger Laura Gillen up by 12 points over sitting congressman, the incumbent D’Esposito,” Levy said. “By a margin of 12 points, 47 to 35, voters have a favorable view of Gillen. D’Esposito was seen negatively in the district by net 5 points, 41% positive, 46% negative.

D’Esposito, a former NYPD officer and Hempstead Council member, has been outspoken in Washington on issues including immigration and homeland security.

In his reelection bid, D‘Esposito has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. In September, Trump rallied thousands of supporters at Nassau Coliseum.

“I want Donald Trump to make our economy stronger, I want Donald Trump to secure our border,” D’Esposito said at the rally.

Days later, the New York Times reported D‘Esposito put both his mistress and his fiancé’s daughter on the payroll of his congressional office, raising ethical questions.

“There was nothing done that was not ethical,” D’Esposito said.

“The only reason he stopped there is because he got caught,” Gillen said.

Gillen is an attorney and former Hempstead Town Supervisor. Abortion has been a key issue in her campaign. Gillen believes the Dobbs’ decision that overturned Roe v. Wade was disastrous.

“Abortion continues to be an issue and access to reproductive health continues to be an issue,” Gillen said.

D’Esposito believes abortion rights should be decided on a state-by-state basis, saying he does not support a nationwide abortion ban.

“A plurality of voters in Congressional District 4 feel as though Gillen, 49%, would be better than D’Esposito on the economy,” Levy said. “Where do voters feel as tho D’Esposito is a stronger candidate? On the issue of crime: 49% to 43% and on the border 47% to 42%.”