Candidate Profile: Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco For NY Assembly District 14

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between incumbent Republican state Assemblyman David McDonough and Democratic challenger Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco in the general election on Nov. 5 for New York State Assembly District 14.

The 14th Assembly District covers Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, North Merrick, North Wantagh, and North Bellmore.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as election day draws near. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco

Campaign website

https://ellen4assembly.com/

City or town of residence

Oceanside

Office sought

State Assembly District 14

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

• Bachelor of Business Administration – The George Washington University
• Master of Education – The George Washington University
• Master of Education – Teachers College, Columbia University
• Doctor of Education – Teachers College, Columbia University

Occupation

Full-time candidate

Family

I’ve been married to my husband, Mark, an Air Force veteran for 22 years. We have two daughters, ages 19 and 17 and two rescue dogs, Han Solo and Leia. I was raised in Nassau County and have lived in Oceanside for the past 14 years.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NO

Age

54

Previous public office, appointive or elective?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for the New York State Assembly because I will be the representative we deserve. This office will allow me to combine my lifelong dedication to public service, education, and environmental advocacy to better serve our community and make a positive impact.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent is a career politician who has been in office for over 22 years. He votes remotely via Zoom and is rarely seen in the community, failing to engage with constituents. Ironically, he uses technology to vote against women, the environment, and public safety but not to connect with voters. We need leadership focused on in-person discussions about our community. I’m committed to collaborating with elected officials and community leaders to address today’s challenges. I’m running to prioritize people over partisan politics. As a moderate candidate, I actively engage with residents through weekly updates, social media, door knocking, phone calls, and attending events to stay connected.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

It’s important to me that people know who I am and what I stand for. I’m committed to making Long Island more affordable. Predatory utility companies prioritize profits over service quality. Like many of you, I believe our water and electricity should be public utilities providing better service at lower prices. Having watched my children grow and my parents age, I strongly feel Long Island must be affordable for seniors to live with dignity and for the next generation to pursue their American dream here. I also stand firmly for women’s reproductive rights, common-sense gun laws, and the right to clean air and water.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen and learn. I don’t claim to be an expert in everything and I’m not afraid to say, “I don’t know.” My strength lies in surrounding myself with knowledgeable people and genuinely considering their perspectives. If I have questions about law enforcement, I’ll ask the police. For education, I’ll consult teachers. To understand seniors' needs, I’ll speak with the seniors in our community. I thrive in collaborative environments where diverse experiences come together to solve problems. Throughout my campaign, I’ve sent a weekly newsletter featuring the quote, “Ask them what they want, don’t tell them what they need.” This approach helps me make informed decisions that positively impact the community.

What problems facing your district would you look to solve if you are elected/re-elected?

There’s a lot of work to be done on topics like women’s reproductive care and the climate crisis, but my top priority is cost of living. Families like mine are feeling the strain and need solutions now. We need affordable solutions for our seniors and a financial plan for the future to keep our younger generation on Long Island.

Cancer is a prominent health issue for Long Islanders and is a leading cause of death for children. What measures would you take to help lower cancer rates and bolster research in the field?

We need to dig deeper into why cancer is such a prominent health issue for Long Islanders by focusing on toxins in our air, water, and soil that may be contributing to high cancer rates. Removing PFAS, or “forever chemicals” from our water and banning their unnecessary use in products is essential as they have become a major environmental and health concern in recent years. I also strongly support early detection efforts, and I’ll work to improve access to affordable healthcare and cancer screenings to help ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment.

What would you do to help small businesses struggling with inflation and the cost of goods needed to manufacture their products?

I plan to use a three-pronged approach to this issue. I would advocate for targeted tax breaks and incentives for small businesses and push for state-backed grants and low-interest loans to help businesses manage the rising costs. I think working with small business owners directly and getting their perspectives on where the pain points are is critical and would help focus on the most effective solutions. Finally, I would work with local chambers of commerce to provide resources and workshops on how to navigate economic challenges and improve efficiency in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Water quality is critical to the region. What plans do you have to help improve water quality and keep it safe for generations?

Improving and protecting our water quality is essential for the health of our residents. I plan to join the fight in holding corporations accountable for polluting our waterways and introducing toxins into our water supply.

How can the immigration crisis be addressed at the federal and local level? Can federal and local officials work together?

Yes, I believe federal and local officials can and should work together. On the federal level, immigration reform is essential, and the bipartisan bill needs to be introduced. This would help ensure that local resources aren’t overwhelmed.

What can be done about inflation, which some say can be attributed to price gouging?

I support initiatives aimed at holding large corporations accountable for unfairly raising prices and exploiting consumers. Price gouging will not be tolerated.

The median cost of renting on Long Island falls between $2,000 and $3,100. How can more affordable housing options be created?

More affordable housing is a major concern for many Long Islanders with low inventory driving up both rental and purchase prices. We need to build responsibly, ensuring housing is compatible with existing communities and sustainable for the future. Rather than focusing solely on “affordable housing” we should start talking about “NextGen housing” so our children and young professionals can afford to live on Long Island. This will allow us to retain a talented workforce, give younger families a shot at the American dream of homeownership and allow seniors to stay close to their families.

What is your stance on SALT (State and Local Tax Relief)?

We must restore the SALT tax.

What needs to be done to keep Long Island streets safe from crime?

Recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked Nassau County as the number one safest county in America. I support our police and first responders and plan to work in conjunction with local law enforcement to provide them the tools they need to keep our communities safe.

The DWI/DWAI rate is escalating island wide. What measures can you fight for, to address the escalating addiction crisis?

We need a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, treatment, and enforcement. I strongly endorse education and rehabilitation programs for those in need. This would include legislation that addresses addiction treatment funding and mental health resources. However, I also support tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I ever received was to "always lead with empathy and integrity." It reminds me to listen to others, understand their perspectives, and act with honesty and compassion in everything I do. Whether in teaching, community service, or public advocacy, staying true to these values ensures that I'm making decisions that uplift and unite the people I serve.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want voters to know that I’m focused on real solutions to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. I am dedicated to advocating for affordable living, supporting small businesses, protecting our environment, and ensuring access to healthcare and education for all. Public service is about listening and collaborating to find solutions for the greater good. My experiences as an educator, advocate, and community leader have prepared me to represent our district with compassion and integrity. Together, we can build a better future for all of us.