Politics & Government

New York Primary Previews: Meet Jeanine Driscoll, Candidate For New York’s 4th Congressional District

Patch asked Jeanine Driscoll several questions ahead of the Republican primary in New York's 4th district. Here are her responses.

Jeanine Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead's receiver of taxes, is running for congress in New York's 4th district.
Jeanine Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead's receiver of taxes, is running for congress in New York's 4th district. (Jeanine Driscoll For Congress)

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Jeanine Driscoll is running for congress as a Republican in New York’s 4th congressional district, with a primary election on Tuesday, June 23. Driscoll will face Marvin Williams in the primary to decide who will run against incumbent Democrat and former Town Supervisor Laura Gillen, who is running for reelection.

The 4th district covers much of the southern half of Nassau County, stretching from the Queens border in the west to its eastern borders in East Meadow, North Bellmore, Seaford and Wantagh. The district spans from the barrier islands off the south shore to Garden City and Floral Park in the north.

Ahead of the election, Patch got in touch with Driscoll to ask several questions about his platform, policy positions and district.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article contains information about one of multiple candidates who have announced their campaigns for New York’s 4th district in the 2026 primary. Patch has sent the same questions to other candidates and will post replies as they are received. None of Williams’ responses have been fact-checked.

Patch: How old will you be as of Election Day?

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JD: 59 years old

Patch:Does your campaign have a website?

JD: Driscoll4Congress.com

Patch: What city or town do you live in?

JD: Bellerose Village

Patch: What’s your educational background?

JD: I received a BA in political science at The Catholic University of America in 1989. I received a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School in 1992.

Patch: What is your occupation?

JD: I am an attorney and the Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes.

Patch: Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

JD: My husband Dan and I have been married for almost 28 years and five children. My son Daniel is 26; my son Patrick is 24; my son Aidan is 22; my son James is 20 and my daughter Elizabeth is 17.

Patch: Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

JD: No

Patch: Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

JD: I was elected Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. I was appointed Associate Village Justice in the Village of Bellerose in 2015.

Patch: Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for waging a primary and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

JD: I have been twice elected Hempstead Receiver of Taxes, and I can see the significant impact the federal government has on local taxpayers. We need to ease the burden on coming from both Washington and Albany as a means of lowering property taxes and continue making progress securing the border and keeping our communities safe.

Patch: Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing constituents is:

JD: The cost of living on Long Island.

Patch: What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

JD: Water quality is an extremely important issue. We must take the steps necessary to protect our sole source aquifer by preventing and remediating groundwater contamination and delivering the federal resources needed to clean up the Bethpage Plume.

Patch: What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?

JD: Working with Representatives Garbarino and Lalota, I will fight for Long Island’s fair share of federal infrastructure funding to rebuild our highways and infrastructure without burdening local taxpayers.

Patch: Cost of living is a big issue facing Long Islanders, how would you try to address that if elected?

JD: The quickest way that our member of Congress can make living on Long Island more affordable is by easing the tax burden on hardworking families.

Unlike Laura Gillen, who voted against a tax cut as town supervisor and, as a member of Congress, voted against quadrupling the SALT deduction and voted against no tax on tips, overtime and Social Security, I will continue building upon my record as a tax fighter for Nassau. I will lead the fight to fully restore the SALT deduction.

Patch: How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

JD: We must lower taxes on small businesses and adopt strong monetary and fiscal policies in Washington the fight inflation and lower interest rates.

Patch: How are federal issues impacting local government?

JD: From economic policy to securing the border and public safety, the federal government and its decisions have a massive impact on local governments. That’s why Long Island must receive its fair share from Washington and we must alleviate the burden placed on local governments.

Patch: What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

JD: Laura Gillen is a tax hiker and I’m a tax fighter. Gillen voted for higher taxes in the Town of Hempstead and she voted for the largest tax increase in American history. In contrast, I have helped thousands of Nassau families and seniors reduce their tax bills by qualifying for available exemptions and navigating the assessment process.

Patch: What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

JD: What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I spent over two decades as a practicing attorney specializing in aviation law, then I was appointed village justice and became Hempstead Receiver of Taxes. While I am extremely proud of my professional accomplishments, that pales in comparison to the demands placed on a working mother of five children. I believe my personal and professional experience has well-equipped me to represent our community in Congress.

Patch: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

JD: As Hempstead Receiver of Taxes, I have conducted hundreds of taxpayer forums to help people reduce their tax bills. I have daily contact with my constituents and have consistently made myself available to help them when they have questions or need assistance understanding how they can work to lower tax burdens. Unlike Laura Gillen, when I’m in Congress, I will continue to be present and accessible in the district serving my constituents

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