Former Assemblywoman Taylor Darling Challenges Rep. Laura Gillen in Democratic Primary Over ICE Funding Vote

Former state Assemblywoman Taylor Darling is mounting a Democratic primary challenge against first-term Rep. Laura Gillen, targeting the incumbent’s controversial vote to fund federal immigration enforcement.

Darling announced her candidacy following widespread criticism of Gillen’s January 22 vote supporting Department of Homeland Security funding, according to recent interviews. The vote occurred between two fatal shootings of protesters by ICE agents in Minneapolis, intensifying national backlash against immigration enforcement policies.

“People want a representative who is going to protect them and work for them — and that’s me,” Darling said in a recent interview. “Gillen doesn’t represent the community. The community is unhappy with the current representation.”

The primary battle centers on Long Island’s 4th Congressional District, which encompasses Nassau County’s largest minority and immigrant communities from Elmont on the Queens border to Hempstead and Freeport. According to district demographics, about half of constituents are non-white, including 23% Hispanic, 17% black/African-American/Afro-Caribbean and 8% Asian residents.

Darling, who is black and married to a Haitian husband, aims to capitalize on local opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement as protests continue nationwide against increased raids and enforcement actions. The ICE funding issue could significantly influence Democratic voter preferences in the upcoming primary.

Despite the challenge, Gillen maintains support from much of the Democratic Party establishment, including Nassau County Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs, who also serves as state Democratic Party chairman.

“This is not a time for opportunism and ambition to get in the way of electing Hakeem Jeffries as the next House speaker,” Jacobs said. “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.”

Jacobs delivered a warning to Darling, stating she has made social media statements that could become problematic and provide ammunition for Republicans if she secures the Democratic nomination for the general election.

The incumbent’s campaign announced endorsements Monday from black elected officials in the district, including Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., signaling efforts to maintain coalition support despite the primary challenge.

Darling previously made headlines in 2020 when she revealed donating her eggs at a fertility clinic five times to help other couples have children. She gave up her Assembly seat in 2024 to run for state Senate but lost in the primary to Siela Bynoe.

Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, won her first congressional term representing the competitive district. The seat’s moderate nature makes it a key battleground for both parties in determining House control.

At least two Republicans have filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission declaring intentions to run, including Brian Miller and an Air Force veteran, setting up a potentially contentious general election regardless of the Democratic primary outcome.

The primary challenge reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party over immigration policy and enforcement funding. Liberal activists have increasingly criticized moderate Democrats who support immigration enforcement funding, viewing such votes as enabling aggressive deportation policies.

The 4th District’s diverse demographics make immigration policy particularly sensitive for voters, many of whom have direct connections to immigrant communities. Darling’s challenge suggests these concerns could translate into electoral consequences for incumbents perceived as insufficiently protective of immigrant rights.

The primary campaign will test whether establishment support can overcome grassroots opposition to Gillen’s immigration vote, with implications for Democratic strategy in competitive districts nationwide.