Laura Gillen

Laura Gillen, candidate for Congress in New York’s 4th Congressional District, has experience with challenges.

In 2017, she became the first Democrat to be elected Hempstead Town Supervisor in 112 years. In that role, she managed a budget of nearly $500 million and led the operations of all town departments. Targeting waste and corruption, she made the town government more accessible, transparent, and accountable to taxpayers. Her cost saving measures enabled the Town to lower taxes for residents after years of tax hikes.

Born in Nassau County, Gillen earned a B.A in political science and government from Georgetown University When she returned to New York state, Gillen volunteered to help people living with HIV/AIDS through GMHC (formerly Gay Men’s Health Crisis) during the height of the AIDS epidemic. She then traveled to Kolkata, India, where she worked for St. Mother Teresa in her home for the dying.

Gillen earned her J.D. from NYU School of Law and worked as a lawyer, taking on pro bono work representing victims of domestic violence.

Gillen has a shot at flipping NY-04. She is running in a district that Biden carried by almost 15%, while her opponent – deemed one of the most vulnerable opponents -- won in 2022 by less than 4%.

A gun sense candidate, Gillen has gained endorsements from Emily’s List, the League of Conservation Voters, and Planned Parenthood.

Gillen can boast that E Street Band and Sopranos actor Steve Van Zandt has released an endorsement video for her.