NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Incumbent Scott Strauss, running on the Republican line, and Democratic challenger Juleigh Chin are tied in the race for Nassau County's 9th Legislative District, according to unofficial election results.
Both candidates received 13,764 votes, or 49.96 percent, as of Thursday night, according to the Nassau County Board of Elections.
Although all 1,083 election districts have been counted, absentee ballots remain outstanding, and results are not yet official.
It could be several days before a winner is determined, as absentee ballots can be received by the Board of Elections no later than Nov. 10 to be counted.
The race has shifted several times since Election Day.
On Wednesday morning, Chin led by 106 votes, with 13,256 votes (50.16 percent) to Strauss' 13,150 votes (49.76 percent). By late Wednesday afternoon, Strauss had taken the lead by 66 votes.
Strauss and Chin competed for the same seat in 2025, with Strauss winning the race. If elected, Chin would become the first Asian-American to serve in the history of the Nassau County Legislature.
Chin shared a message with her supporters on Instagram Wednesday morning, when she was in the lead:
"There are still ballots to be counted, and we may be looking at a recount, so we're not declaring victory just yet. But I am feeling hopeful and incredibly grateful."
She added that every vote counts, and this year is a little different than last.
"Last year, we were 11 points behind. This year, through hard work, countless conversations, listening to more people, understanding their concerns, and offering ideas and solutions, we've made up that difference and then some."
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