Laura Gillen

Laura Gillen is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 4th congressional district, a position she has held since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Gillen previously served as the town supervisor of Hempstead, New York. Her congressional district encompasses central and southern Nassau County, which is located on Long Island and is characterized by its suburban environment.

Early life and career

Laura Anne Gillen was born on July 10, 1969, in Rockville Centre, New York. She grew up in Baldwin, New York, as one of five siblings. Gillen attended Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, where she completed her early education. She then pursued higher education at Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government in 1991. Following her graduation, Gillen began her career in the entertainment industry, working at an agency before embarking on international travel. During this time, she became a scuba diving instructor in Thailand and volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India, experiences that contributed to her understanding of global issues and humanitarian efforts.

Upon returning to the United States, Gillen continued her education at the New York University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2000. Following her graduation from law school, she began her legal career as an associate at the law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel, where she worked until 2005. Afterward, she joined Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein, focusing on commercial litigation. In addition to her legal practice, Gillen later took on the role of an adjunct professor at Hofstra University Law School, sharing her expertise with aspiring legal professionals.

Gillen's entry into politics began in 2017 when she ran for the position of Hempstead Town Supervisor. In a notable election, she defeated the incumbent, Anthony J. Santino, becoming the first Democrat to hold the position in a century. Despite being significantly outspent during her campaign, Gillen won by a narrow margin, which highlighted her ability to connect with voters on local issues. During her tenure as supervisor, she proposed a five-year capital plan aimed at improving local infrastructure, including a rehabilitation project for a town facility and significant investments in highway improvements. However, her time in this role was cut short when she lost her bid for reelection in 2019 to Republican Donald X. Clavin Jr.

House tenure

Gillen's political career continued when she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2022 elections, seeking to represent New York's 4th congressional district, which was vacated by Democratic incumbent Kathleen Rice. She won the Democratic primary but was ultimately defeated in the general election by Republican candidate Anthony D'Esposito. Undeterred, Gillen announced her intention to run for the same seat again in 2024. In this subsequent election, she successfully defeated D'Esposito, flipping the seat and marking her entry into the U.S. Congress.

Since taking office in January 2025, Gillen has participated in various legislative actions. Notably, she was among a group of House Democrats who voted alongside Republicans on certain bills, including the Laken Riley Act. She also participated in a significant censure vote against a fellow Democratic congressman, demonstrating her willingness to take a stand on contentious issues within her party. Additionally, Gillen publicly expressed her opposition to the candidacy of Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, citing concerns over his campaign promises and their feasibility.

Gillen's legislative actions have included voting against a bill to reopen the federal government while simultaneously promoting the benefits that the bill would bring to her district. This duality reflects the complexities of political decision-making in a divided Congress. In early 2026, she supported funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including provisions related to immigration enforcement. Furthermore, she was one of a small number of Democrats who voted in favor of legislation aimed at restricting discussions of transgender topics in schools, indicating her alignment with certain conservative viewpoints on social issues.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gillen serves on several committees that shape her legislative focus. For the 119th Congress, she is a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where she participates in subcommittees that address highways, transit, aviation, water resources, and environmental issues. This committee work aligns with her interest in infrastructure development and community improvement, reflecting her background as a local government leader.

In addition to her role on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Gillen is also a member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where she serves on subcommittees related to water resources and space exploration. Her involvement in these committees allows her to engage with a broad range of issues, from environmental concerns to advancements in technology and science.

Gillen is also affiliated with several caucuses that reflect her policy interests and priorities. She is a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, the New Democrat Coalition, which focuses on modernizing the Democratic Party's approach to governance, the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which addresses disparities in maternal health outcomes, and the Labor Caucus, which supports workers' rights and labor issues.

In her personal life, Gillen is married to Christopher Finegan, a producer, and they have four children. The family resides in Rockville Centre, New York. Gillen identifies as Catholic, which may influence her perspectives on various social and ethical issues. Her diverse background in law, local government, and community service informs her approach as a legislator, as she continues to navigate the complexities of representing her constituents in Congress.