Jeanine Driscoll wants Nassau County taxpayers to know exactly how much they’re spending — and she’s betting that message carries her to Washington.
Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, formally announced her congressional run on Tuesday, April 14, targeting the seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in New York’s competitive suburban districts. She’s joining an already crowded Republican primary field that includes Martin Suber Williams, Martin Smithmyer, Brian Miller and Dennis McGrath. The primary is set for June 23.
That same Tuesday brought another significant development. Former Rep. Anthony Esposito, who’d spent months weighing whether to seek a comeback after losing the seat in 2024, won’t be getting back in. Republican officials confirmed he’s out.
“As Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Hempstead, I have spent my career helping families keep more of their hard-earned money,” Driscoll said. “In Congress, I will continue that fight, standing up for taxpayers, seniors, veterans, and working families who are being crushed by rising costs and out-of-touch policies.”
That’s not boilerplate. Driscoll’s office handled actual tax collection machinery for one of the largest towns in New York, and her campaign is leaning hard on that record. She’s highlighted her work expanding access to property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans and other qualifying homeowners. For a district where the property tax bill lands like a punch every year, that’s a real credential, not just a campaign talking point.
She’s got plenty to work with on Gillen’s record. Driscoll’s rollout didn’t pull punches.
“The choice in this election could not be clearer,” Driscoll said. “I am running to deliver real, meaningful tax relief and to make life more affordable for Long Islanders. My opponent’s record speaks for itself, higher taxes, fewer opportunities, and policies that hurt the very people we should be helping.”
Democrats aren’t sitting still either. Gillen’s primary opposition includes Kiana Bierria-Anderson, Taylor Darling, Gian Jones, Frank Lozada and Nicholas Sciretta. Both primaries land on June 23, with the general expected to draw serious money and attention into a district that’s been a competitive flashpoint.
Nassau County homeowners already know the pressure. The county consistently ranks among the highest effective property tax rates in New York State. That’s the backdrop Driscoll’s campaign is built on, and it’s not a background she invented. It’s the lived reality for families across Hempstead, who’ve watched their tax bills climb while wages don’t keep pace.
The 4th District race isn’t the only one to watch. In the state legislative tier, David Hassid is making noise about Nassau County’s 16th State Assembly District, running on affordability and public safety while taking shots at Albany for losing touch with the suburbs. Hassid currently works as a legislative aide under North Hempstead Council Member Yaron Levy. He’s arguing that state lawmakers have “lost touch with the needs of suburban communities.” It’s a line Republicans have used before on Long Island, but it keeps working because it keeps being true for voters getting squeezed on every side.
Initial reporting on both announcements broke April 14, the same day Driscoll went public with her bid.
What’s worth watching here isn’t just who wins the primary. It’s whether Driscoll’s specific, operational background in tax administration gives her a lane that generic candidates can’t occupy. She can talk about tax code, exemption eligibility and collection systems in concrete terms. That’s different from a candidate who just says taxes are too high. Whether 4th District Republican primary voters reward that distinction over the next few months is the real question.
The June 23 primary will answer it.