A Leader Who Shows Up for Her Community
Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco isn’t a career politician—she’s a mom, teacher, and neighbor. As an educator and advocate, Ellen has dedicated her life to improving the lives of Long Island families. She’s always present in the community, knocking on doors, attending events, and listening to people’s concerns.
Unlike her opponent, Dave McDonough—who no longer goes to Albany and votes via Zoom—Ellen is active every day. Whether in person or on social media, she connects with people “where they are,” ensuring everyone is heard. To her, leadership means showing up.
A Leader Who Shows Up for Her Community
Ellen Lederer DeFrancesco isn’t a career politician—she’s a mom, teacher, and neighbor. As an educator and advocate, Ellen has dedicated her life to improving the lives of Long Island families. She’s always present in the community, knocking on doors, attending events, and listening to people’s concerns.
Unlike her opponent, Dave McDonough—who no longer goes to Albany and votes via Zoom—Ellen is active every day. Whether in person or on social media, she connects with people “where they are,” ensuring everyone is heard. To her, leadership means showing up.
A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
Ellen’s public service journey began at The George Washington University, where she earned degrees in Business and Education while interning in Congress. Her desire to give back led her back to Long Island, where she taught English as a Second Language in NYC schools. She later earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Columbia University and expanded her career to online tutoring, consulting, and developing inclusive teaching strategies.
For over a decade, Ellen has been a committed community leader, editing a family newsletter and running a lifestyle website on clean living and sustainability. Through volunteering, fundraising, and environmental advocacy, her goal has always been to build a better future for her community.
A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
Ellen’s public service journey began at The George Washington University, where she earned degrees in Business and Education while interning in Congress. Her desire to give back led her back to Long Island, where she taught English as a Second Language in NYC schools. She later earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Columbia University and expanded her career to online tutoring, consulting, and developing inclusive teaching strategies.
For over a decade, Ellen has been a committed community leader, editing a family newsletter and running a lifestyle website on clean living and sustainability. Through volunteering, fundraising, and environmental advocacy, her goal has always been to build a better future for her community.
Present, Engaged, and Accessible
While Ellen is a constant presence in the community, her opponent is nowhere to be found. Dave McDonough has spent over 22 years in office, but he has become a career politician who no longer goes to Albany and remains disconnected from the community he’s supposed to serve. Ellen finds this lack of engagement unacceptable. As a constituent herself, she believes that McDonough has failed in his duty to represent the people.
Ellen’s approach is different. She listens, learns, and takes action. Through constant communication, both face-to-face and online, Ellen is always available to hear concerns from the community and work with people on solutions. She’s not in this for a career—she’s in it to serve the people.
Present, Engaged, and Accessible
While Ellen is a constant presence in the community, her opponent is nowhere to be found. Dave McDonough has spent over 22 years in office, but he has become a career politician who no longer goes to Albany and remains disconnected from the community he’s supposed to serve. Ellen finds this lack of engagement unacceptable. As a constituent herself, she believes that McDonough has failed in his duty to represent the people.
Ellen’s approach is different. She listens, learns, and takes action. Through constant communication, both face-to-face and online, Ellen is always available to hear concerns from the community and work with people on solutions. She’s not in this for a career—she’s in it to serve the people.
A Common-Sense, Moderate Voice
Ellen is a common-sense moderate who believes in practical, collaborative solutions—not partisan politics. She understands the challenges that Long Island families face because she’s one of them. As a mother, teacher, and concerned neighbor, Ellen knows that the issues her community faces—from the cost of living to public safety—require real, pragmatic solutions.
Unlike her opponent, who is out of touch with his constituents, Ellen is ready to bring a fresh perspective to the New York State Assembly. She believes in fighting for what’s right, prioritizing people over politics, and ensuring that the voices of her neighbors are heard loud and clear in Albany.
A Common-Sense, Moderate Voice
Ellen is a common-sense moderate who believes in practical, collaborative solutions—not partisan politics. She understands the challenges that Long Island families face because she’s one of them. As a mother, teacher, and concerned neighbor, Ellen knows that the issues her community faces—from the cost of living to public safety—require real, pragmatic solutions.
Unlike her opponent, who is out of touch with his constituents, Ellen is ready to bring a fresh perspective to the New York State Assembly. She believes in fighting for what’s right, prioritizing people over politics, and ensuring that the voices of her neighbors are heard loud and clear in Albany.
It’s About Time for New Leadership
Ellen’s campaign is rooted in one simple truth: it’s time for a change. For far too long, Dave McDonough has relied on his position without truly representing the people. He has stopped showing up, doesn’t engage with the community, and casts votes remotely from home. Meanwhile, Ellen is out every day, talking to her neighbors, working for practical solutions, and ready to ensure that the 14th Assembly District has a real voice in Albany.
Ellen doesn’t just talk about representation—she lives it.
And unlike her opponent, she’ll show up.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
HOPE FOR THE CLIMATE
HOPE FOR WOMEN
HOPE FOR OUR SENIORS
HOPE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
Let's Talk About the Issues
Nassau County needs to be more affordable. I will work with unions to create good-paying jobs, locally supported affordable housing, and fight against predatory utility companies and industry monopolies that have run amok in Long Island. We must eliminate wasteful spending and fight for affordable public electricity for families.
I stand with the vast majority of Americans who support a woman’s reproductive rights. I will fight tirelessly to protect access to comprehensive healthcare, including reproductive services. Every woman should have the right to make her own healthcare decisions without interference. Women’s rights are under attack and no state is safe.
During my time first as a public school teacher and later on as a PTA mom I saw firsthand the challenges and rewards of being a teacher. Having been a member of the teachers' union while working in New York City schools, I will tirelessly advocate for educators' rights, fair wages, and workplace safety. Teachers will always have my unwavering support.
I have a history of fighting for clean air and water in my community and it’s a fight I’m determined to win. Companies who pollute our environment need to be held accountable. I am looking to provide more climate-friendly options to our daily lives, rather than force changes that don’t meet your family’s needs.
I fully support our state and local police, firefighters, and EMTs in keeping our communities safe. They deserve our appreciation, respect, and full funding for emergency services to ensure our families' safety. Collaborative efforts among these professionals and community groups are essential in addressing gun violence and opioid addiction effectively.
Our senior population deserves access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including home health care options. I will fight for them to have access to safe, affordable housing that supports aging in place. Our older residents should never fear aging due to a lack of supportive resources.
