Special election set to fill Nassau's 2nd District seat, formerly held by Siela Bynoe

Nassau County is gearing up for a special election on Feb. 25 to elect the next legislator to fill a seat in a Democratic stronghold that covers Westbury, New Cassel and Hempstead.

Until last month, Siela Bynoe served as the legislator representing Nassau's 2nd District for 10 years. She is now a state senator in Albany, mostly representing the same communities.

Nassau Democrats have picked Olena Nicks, 32, of Uniondale, to run for the seat. Republicans have picked Karin Campbell, 64, of Westbury.

Nicks, a lieutenant in the Uniondale Fire Department, is an elected trustee for the Uniondale Public Library and a committee member for the Uniondale school district, which fall in District 2. Campbell was the president and a trustee for the Westbury school board. She ran unsuccessfully against Bynoe in 2023. 

"As I embark on this campaign, I understand the communities I am advocating for," Nicks wrote in a statement. "I will be the voice that fights for our neighbors, families, public servants, and local businesses — ensuring that Nassau County remains a place where people can thrive."

Nicks graduated from Uniondale High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in business operations from Baruch College and an MBA from American University, according to her campaign website.

 As a high school student, Nicks worked as an advocate for Planned Parenthood on reducing teen pregnancy and STD rates. She later worked for the organization full time, overseeing its budget and grant portfolio. Nicks went on to become president of the Uniondale Public Library and a captain in the Uniondale Fire Department. 

"Olena Nicks has a well-earned reputation for getting things done," Jay Jacobs, Democratic Party chair for the state and Nassau County, wrote in a statement. "From her service on the frontlines to her fight for affordable housing and stronger communities, Olena has proven she is ready to lead."

Campbell has taught career and technical programs in Nassau schools, and served as house manager for local residential group homes. Throughout the pandemic, Campbell helped find housing and medical supplies for homeless veterans.

"My entire career has been about helping neighborhoods in my community ... Now, I want to bring that same commitment to the Nassau County Legislature to help neighbors by delivering lower taxes, safer streets, more economic opportunity, and real solutions for our veterans and working families," Campbell wrote in a statement.

In her bid against Bynoe in 2023, Campbell said the county should give low-income residents more housing, job training and schooling. She also pledged to support controlling the county's annual spending. According to a statement, her plan includes cutting property taxes. 

"[Campbell] will be a fighter for her neighbors as a member of the Nassau County Legislature," Joseph Cairo, Republican Party chair for Nassau County, wrote in a statement. "Republicans are going to work on overdrive to help Karin Campbell during this campaign and ensure this lifelong community advocate can continue her service."

 District 2 is one of Nassau’s so-called "majority-minority" areas, where nearly 40% of residents are Hispanic and 23% are Black. Bynoe, the last District 2 legislator, won 80% of the vote when she was elected in 2014. 

The district is expected to tweak its borders under Nassau's new legislative map, redrawn after two lawsuits alleged the old map violated federal and state voting laws. The new map will take effect in the upcoming November elections. District 2 will take in Hicksville, lose Nicks' home-base of Uniondale and retain its majority-minority status, according to a review of the new legislative map. 

Legislators serve two-year terms. There are no term limits.

District 2 residents can vote early at the Nassau County Board of Elections in Mineola, the Yes We Can Center at 141 Garden St. in Westbury and Hofstra University in Hempstead between Feb. 15 and 23. They can also vote on the day of the election between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.