Democratic Rep. Gillen accuses Republican Driscoll of $42 M tax hike in campaign mailers
Rep. Laura Gillen sent mailers claiming Republican nominee Jeanine Driscoll backed a $42 million tax increase in Hempstead, a charge Driscoll says is false.
During the NY-4 congressional campaign, Rep. Laura Gillen circulated mailers that blamed Republican nominee Jeanine Driscoll for a $42 million tax hike in the Town of Hempstead. Driscoll, who serves as the town’s Receiver of Taxes, clarified that her office only collects and distributes taxes and has no authority to set tax rates. Both Driscoll and Nassau County Republican Party chair Joseph Cairo Jr. accused Gillen of misrepresenting the facts, noting that Gillen herself voted for a major tax increase and opposed certain tax cuts.
The mailers were authorized by Gillen’s campaign and mailed by the New York State Democratic Party, led by Jay Jacobs. The controversy highlights the tight race in the swing NY-4 district, which returned to Democratic control in 2024 after a Republican win in 2022. Local political observers warned that such negative tactics could backfire as the contest tightens.
Why it matters
Voter mailers misrepresenting tax responsibilities could influence a closely contested congressional race.
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