Election Day Digest: New York’s 4th Congressional District

The congressional race in New York’s 4th Congressional District is shaping up to be a competitive rematch between freshman incumbent Republican Anthony D’Esposito and Democrat Laura Gillen. The district covers central and southern Nassau County and is the second-wealthiest congressional district in New York, and among the wealthiest nationally.

D’Esposito narrowly defeated Gillen in 2022, winning 51.8% to her 48.2%, driven largely by support from suburban voters and a national environment favorable to Republicans at the time. This district has been identified as a key battleground, and Gillen, former Town of Hempstead Supervisor, has been added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s (DCCC) “Red to Blue” program, signaling strong support from national Democrats.

Though Biden won the district 57%-42% in 2020, polling data currently gives Gillen a slight edge – with a 61% chance of winning – but the race is still very much in play. Both candidates have raised significant campaign funds, with Gillen reporting $2.5 million in cash on hand as of the last filing, closely matching D’Esposito’s $2.2 million.

National issues appear to be driving the race in this district with immigration and border security, public safety, and cost of living front and center. Both candidates are trying to appeal to centrist voters.

D’Esposito, a former NYPD detective and council member for the Town of Hempstead, has positioned himself as a moderate Republican (which he substantiates by having voted to expel fellow Long Island Republican George Santos from Congress). He emphasizes a platform of public safety and fiscal responsibility. His experience in law enforcement is a focal point of his campaign, particularly as he frames himself as a protector of the community from rising crime and liberal criminal justice policies. A recent blow to his campaign came when the New York Times reported that he hired in his governmental office both his fiancée’s daughter and a women with whom he was having an affair.

Laura Gillen made history as the first Democrat elected as Hempstead Town Supervisor in over a century. Gillen has positioned herself as a bipartisan problem-solver aiming to reclaim the district for Democrats and focuses on restoring the SALT deduction to lower taxes, defending reproductive rights, and urging a bipartisan approach to fixing the immigration system. She has been critical of D’Esposito’s voting record, particularly on issues like healthcare and reproductive rights. In a race where women’s rights and healthcare access are key issues, she is working to galvanize Democratic turnout. Her support from national organizations like EMILY’s List underscores the broader importance of her campaign for the Democratic Party’s efforts to regain the House majority.

The 2024 race for New York’s 4th District will be one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country, as it could have significant implications for which party controls the House of Representatives. This rematch exemplifies the challenges both parties face in appealing to an electorate that is simultaneously concerned about economic issues, public safety, and social policies.

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