Biography

Laura Gillen, born on July 10, 1969, in Rockville Centre, New York, is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 4th Congressional District. Raised in Baldwin, she attended Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead. Gillen's early commitment to public service included volunteering at South Nassau Communities Hospital and Camp Anchor, a camp for individuals with special needs. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgetown University in 1991, she worked at an entertainment agency and later became a scuba diving instructor in Thailand. She also volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India. Upon returning to the U.S., Gillen pursued a Juris Doctor at New York University School of Law, graduating in 2000. She began her legal career as an associate at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, where she represented victims of domestic violence through the firm's pro bono program. In 2017, Gillen made history by becoming the first Democrat in 112 years to be elected as Hempstead Town Supervisor, where she focused on revitalizing infrastructure, reducing taxes, and enhancing government transparency. In 2024, she was elected to Congress, unseating incumbent Republican Anthony D'Esposito. ,

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Georgetown University, 1991
  • Juris Doctor, New York University School of Law, 2000

• Political Experience:

  • Hempstead Town Supervisor, 2018–2019
  • U.S. Representative for New York's 4th Congressional District, 2025–present

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Hempstead Town Supervisor:

  • First Democrat elected in 112 years
  • Led efforts to revitalize infrastructure
  • Reduced taxes for residents
  • Enhanced government transparency

• U.S. Representative:

  • Serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
  • Subcommittee on Aviation
  • Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
  • Serves on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee
  • Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
  • Member of the New Democrat Coalition

Gillen's legislative priorities include environmental protection, infrastructure development, and advocating for veterans' benefits. ,