Long Island Rep Faces Primary Challenge After ICE Funding Vote

Laura Gillen's support for DHS funding sparks fury from left flank of Democratic Party

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:55am

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Long Island Congresswoman Laura Gillen is facing a stiff Democratic primary challenge from former state Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, who is seeking to capitalize on liberal anger over Gillen's vote to continue funding for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Darling, a Black woman married to a Haitian man, is aiming to tap into local fury against ICE as protests rage across the country.

Why it matters

The 4th Congressional District on Long Island's South Shore has a large minority and immigrant population, and the ICE issue could be a key factor in determining which candidate Democratic voters support in the primary. Gillen's vote on DHS funding came between two fatal shootings of protesters by ICE agents in Minneapolis, further fueling the backlash.

The details

Gillen, a first-term incumbent, voted on January 22nd to support continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE. This vote has drawn fierce criticism from the left flank of the Democratic Party, with Darling positioning herself as the more progressive alternative. Darling, who gave up her state Assembly seat in 2024 to run for the state Senate (losing in the primary), is now seeking to unseat Gillen in the Democratic primary.

  • Gillen's vote on DHS funding took place between the two fatal shootings of protesters by ICE agents in Minneapolis in January.
  • Darling announced her primary challenge to Gillen in early 2026.

The players

Laura Gillen

The incumbent first-term Congresswoman representing New York's 4th Congressional District on Long Island's South Shore.

Taylor Darling

A former state Assemblywoman who is challenging Gillen in the Democratic primary, aiming to tap into liberal anger over Gillen's vote to continue funding for DHS and ICE.

Jay Jacobs

The Nassau County Democratic Party chairman and New York State Democratic Party chairman, who is backing Gillen in the primary.

Waylyn Hobbs, Jr.

The Hempstead Village Mayor, who has endorsed Gillen in the primary.

Anthony D'Esposito

A former Congressman who defeated Gillen in 2022 but lost to her in a rematch in 2024, and is now considering another run for the seat.

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What they’re saying

“People want a representative who is going to protect them and work for them — and that's me. Gillen doesn't represent the community. The community is unhappy with the current representation.”

— Taylor Darling, Former state Assemblywoman

“This is not a time for opportunism and ambition to get in the way of electing Hakeem Jeffries [the House Democratic Minority leader] as the next House speaker. The bottom line is we have to win the majority in the House. We have to keep our eye on the ball. District 4 is a moderate seat. Laura Gillen is the candidate to win the seat.”

— Jay Jacobs, Nassau County Democratic Party chairman and New York State Democratic Party chairman

What’s next

The Democratic primary election in New York's 4th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2026.

The takeaway

The primary battle between Gillen and Darling reflects the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over issues like immigration enforcement, with the more progressive wing challenging the party's moderate establishment. The outcome could have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.