Election 2026: What to Watch as Midterm Elections Approach

With the November 3 midterm elections just days away, political analysts are closely watching whether Democrats can gain enough seats to shift control of Congress. Midterm elections often serve as a measure of public satisfaction with the party occupying the White House, and this year's contests could significantly influence the direction of national politics. While some political observers anticipate Democratic gains, questions remain about whether those gains will be enough to change control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found that New Jersey voters favored Democrats by 23 percentage points overall in the midterm race, raising questions about whether the state's Democratic advantage could contribute to a broader national shift. On News 12's Power & Politics, political reporter Brent Johnson, Republican strategist Jeanette Hoffman, and former Democratic Assemblyman John Wisniewski joined host Erik Landskroner to discuss election expectations, political trends, and the races that could determine the balance of power in Washington.

For Long Island residents, the November 3 election also brings important decisions closer to home. In addition to congressional races, voters will select candidates for statewide, state legislative, and numerous local offices. With more local contests appearing on this year's ballot, residents are encouraged to review their choices before heading to the polls. Every vote is an opportunity to have a voice in the future of our communities, state, and country.

Source: News 12 – Power & Politics: Vote 2026 To read the full article click here

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New York on Election Day

With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, New Yorkers are preparing to vote in several important races that could shape the future of both state and national politics. One of the most closely watched contests is the race for governor, where Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul faces Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the current Nassau County Executive. Voters will also decide races for Congress, state attorney general, comptroller, state Senate, and Assembly. With control of the U.S. House of Representatives potentially at stake, New York's congressional elections are drawing significant attention.

Here on Long Island, two congressional contests are particularly important. In the 3rd Congressional District, which includes portions of Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi faces Republican challenger Michael LiPetri Jr. Meanwhile, in Nassau County's 4th Congressional District, Democratic Representative Laura Gillen is being challenged by Republican Jeanine Driscoll. Another closely watched contest is in the Hudson Valley's 17th District, where Republican Mike Lawler faces Democrat Cait Conley. These races could play a significant role in determining which party controls the House, where Democrats need a net gain of three seats to secure a majority.

Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Election Day, with results expected to begin appearing shortly after voting ends. Early and mail-in ballots are generally included in the first reported totals, while Election Day votes are added as counting progresses. Close contests may take longer to determine, and automatic recounts are required when certain vote-margin thresholds are met. For Nassau County residents, this election is an opportunity to make their voices heard on issues affecting their communities, from affordability and taxes to public services and government priorities. Residents are encouraged to review their ballots, learn about the candidates, and participate in the democratic process.

Source: NBC New York – What to Expect in New York on Election Day To Read the complete article click here

Upcoming Community and Family Events

Wonderland Escape Room – Follow the White Rabbit into an Adventure!- 11/02 various times available Curiosity has led you down the rabbit hole, and now you're trapped in the magical and mysterious world of Wonderland! At Challenge Escape Rooms in Franklin Square, you and your team must work together to solve clever puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and find your way back to reality before time runs out. Inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, this interactive adventure challenges your creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. Whether you're planning a fun outing with family, friends, or fellow puzzle enthusiasts, prepare for an unforgettable journey where nothing is quite as it seems!. For more information click here

Access to Capital- Explore Funding Opportunities for Your Business!- 11/02 7pm- 8:30pm Are you a small business owner, entrepreneur, or aspiring business owner looking for ways to secure funding and grow your business? The Access to Capital event is an opportunity to explore the world of business financing and gain a better understanding of the resources that may be available to help turn your business goals into reality. Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding an existing business, or exploring financial opportunities, understanding how to access capital is an important part of building a successful business. Learn about the importance of financing, preparing for funding opportunities, and making informed decisions that support long-term growth. Invest in Your Business's Future! Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your financial knowledge, explore potential funding resources, and move one step closer to achieving your entrepreneurial dreams. For more information click here

Minecraft World Builders Create. Collaborate. Build Together- 11/02-11/03 Calling all young Minecraft fans! Get ready to turn your love of gaming into an exciting, hands-on learning experience with Minecraft World Builders at Valhallan Esports Training in Huntington! This interactive program encourages kids to unleash their imaginations, tackle creative building challenges, and complete exciting missions while connecting with other Minecraft enthusiasts. More than just gaming, Minecraft World Builders helps children develop valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and creative thinking in a fun and supportive environment. Participants will work together, share ideas, and explore new possibilities as they bring their virtual creations to life. It's a wonderful opportunity for young gamers to make new friends, build confidence, and discover how much they can accomplish through collaboration. For more information click here

How to Create Healthy Relationships with Yourself and Others- 11/05 11am- 12pm Discover ways to build stronger, healthier relationships with yourself and those around you at this informative workshop presented by Carol Leitner, holistic wellness educator. Learn practical strategies for improving communication, developing empathy, understanding emotional needs, and creating meaningful connections. The discussion will explore self-awareness, the Five Love Languages, and simple techniques for strengthening personal relationships and improving emotional well-being. For more information click here

The Importance of Income Protection – Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow!- 11/06 2pm-3pm What would happen to your finances if an unexpected illness or injury prevented you from working? Join Sea Cliff Village Library for an informative seminar designed to help individuals and business owners understand the importance of protecting their ability to earn an income. Learn practical strategies for replacing lost income, maintaining your standard of living during a disability, and taking proactive steps toward greater financial security. Whether you're employed, self-employed, or running a business, this workshop offers valuable insights to help you prepare for life's uncertainties. For more information click here

Eisenhower Park Craft Fair- 11/ 07 & 11/ 08  Get ready for a wonderful weekend of shopping and discovering unique treasures at the Eisenhower Park Craft Fair in East Meadow! Browse an assortment of handmade crafts, creative gifts, artwork, and specialty items while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of one of Nassau County's favorite parks. Whether you're searching for something special for your home, looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, or simply enjoying a relaxing outing with family and friends, this two-day fair is a great opportunity to discover unique finds and support local artisans and vendors! For more information click here

Disney's Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Concert Tour – Live at UBS Arena!- 11/08 7pm Get ready for an electrifying Disney experience as the Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Concert Tour takes over UBS Arena for an unforgettable celebration of music, dancing, and Disney magic! This high-energy live concert brings together stars from Disney's wildly popular Descendants and ZOMBIES franchises, along with the excitement of Camp Rock, for a spectacular show filled with fan-favorite songs, dazzling choreography, and incredible performances. Featuring talented Disney stars including Dara Reneé, Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, and more, this exciting musical event invites fans to sing along, dance, and celebrate the characters and stories they love. With colorful costumes, impressive stage effects, and nonstop entertainment, the Worlds Collide Concert Tour promises a thrilling experience for kids, teens, families, and Disney fans of all ages! For more information click here

Upcoming Nightlife Events

$20 for 2 Hours of Open Play Pickleball – Fun, Fitness & Friendly Competition!- 11/02 7:30pm- 9:30pm Looking for a fun and affordable way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition? Join Kings & Queens NY Pickleball for its Fall/Winter Indoor Pickleball Series at Pickleball Prime in Mineola! Whether you're brand-new to pickleball, a beginner learning the ropes, or an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills, everyone is welcome! Enjoy two hours of exciting open play in a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere where the focus is on having fun, improving your game, and connecting with fellow pickleball enthusiasts. Come alone or bring your friends—there's always room for good sportsmanship and great company! For more information click here

Thanksgiving Unboxed – Cooking Class & Dinner Demo with Chef Eric LeVine!- 11/03 6pm Get ready to experience Thanksgiving like never before at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale! Join Chopped Champion Chef Eric LeVine for an exciting cooking demonstration and dinner experience that puts a creative twist on traditional holiday favorites. Discover how classic Thanksgiving flavors can be transformed into extraordinary dishes using global influences, unexpected ingredients, and innovative cooking techniques. Guests will enjoy a delicious six-course experience featuring five-spice turkey roulade, stuffing waffles with sage gravy, miso brown butter sweet potatoes, cranberry-habanero short ribs, and pumpkin tres leches cake, along with four cocktail tastings. Whether you're a food enthusiast, an adventurous eater, or simply looking for fresh inspiration for your holiday menu, this unique culinary event promises an evening of delicious discoveries! For more information click here

80s Music Bingo at 317 Main Street – A Totally Rad Night of Music & Fun!- 11/04 7:30pm  Get ready to travel back to the fabulous 1980s for a night of music, nostalgia, and friendly competition at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale! Put your knowledge of classic 80s hits to the test with a fun twist on traditional bingo. Instead of calling out numbers, you'll listen for familiar songs and mark them off your bingo card for a chance to win exciting prizes! From unforgettable pop anthems to dance-floor favorites, this entertaining evening is perfect for music lovers looking to relive the sounds of the 80s. Bring your friends, enjoy delicious food, and sing along to your favorite throwback tunes. Every bingo winner receives a prize! For more information click here

Jokerz Wild Comedy Event – A Night of Laughter & Good Times!- 11/06 8pm  Get ready to laugh the night away at the Jokerz Wild Comedy Event, coming to Bobby Q's in Freeport! Featuring Rashad Bashir Whether you're looking for a fun date night, an evening out with friends, or simply a chance to unwind after a busy week, this comedy event offers the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy some laughs! Leave your worries at the door and get ready for an entertaining evening filled with humor, good company, and plenty of opportunities to share a laugh. Gather your friends, bring your sense of humor, and make it a memorable Thursday night! For more information click here

Journey – Final Frontier Tour 2026: A Legendary Night of Classic Rock!- 11/07 7:30pm Get ready for an unforgettable evening of timeless rock music as the legendary band Journey brings its Final Frontier Tour 2026 to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum! Known for their soaring vocals, electrifying guitar solos, and unforgettable anthems, Journey has captivated audiences for decades with some of the most beloved songs in rock history. Fans can look forward to celebrating the band's extraordinary musical legacy with iconic hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'," "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," "Open Arms," "Faithfully," and "Any Way You Want It." With their signature sound, powerful performances, and generations of devoted fans, Journey promises a spectacular evening filled with nostalgia, energy, and the music that has become the soundtrack to countless memories. For more information click here

Santa's Workshop Escape Room – A Magical North Pole Adventure!- 11/07 various time Get ready for a holiday adventure filled with mystery, excitement, and Christmas magic at Challenge Escape Rooms in Rockville Centre! You've traveled all the way to the North Pole, and when you spot Santa's famous workshop, curiosity gets the best of you. But after sneaking inside, the door suddenly locks behind you! Now it's up to you and your team to solve clever puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and escape before Santa catches you! This festive, interactive experience combines teamwork, problem-solving, and holiday fun, making it a wonderful outing for families, friends, and anyone looking for a little Christmas excitement. For more information click here

7 in Heaven Speed Dating – Meet New People & Make Meaningful Connections!- 11/08 4pm- 6pm Tired of endless swiping and ready to meet someone face-to-face? Join 7 in Heaven Singles for a fun and exciting afternoon of speed dating at Cabo's Tropical Room in Rockville Centre! Designed for singles ages 50–65, this lively social event offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where participants enjoy a series of 7-minute mini-dates, giving everyone a chance to spark conversations, share a few laughs, and discover potential connections. Your admission includes one complimentary drink and appetizers, and you'll receive a personalized report of your matches the following day. Whether you're looking for romance, friendship, or simply a refreshing way to meet new people, this could be the beginning of something special! For more information click here

Great Eats For the Week

Long Island Restaurant Week Get ready to explore Long Island's incredible dining scene as Long Island Restaurant Week celebrates its 20th anniversary! From November 1–8, 2026, participating restaurants across Long Island will offer specially priced menus, giving food lovers the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites, revisit beloved local eateries, and enjoy delicious meals at exceptional values. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family outing, or a night out with friends, there's something to satisfy every appetite! For more information click here

The Original Vincent’s Clam Bar

Experience the flavors of authentic Italian-American cooking at Vincent's Clam Bar, a beloved Long Island dining destination known for its generous portions, lively atmosphere, and mouthwatering seafood specialties! With roots dating back to 1904 in New York City's Little Italy, Vincent's continues a rich family tradition of serving delicious Italian favorites made with its famous signature sauces, available in mild, medium, or hot. From baked clams oreganata and crispy fried calamari to chicken parmigiana, homemade pasta, seafood dishes, and brick-oven pizza, the menu offers something for every appetite. Save room for tempting desserts like homemade cannoli, tiramisu, and crème brûlée! Whether you're planning a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a hearty Italian meal, Vincent's delivers a welcoming dining experience filled with flavor and tradition. For more information click here  

Community

2nd Annual Breast Cancer Award Dinner – Celebrating Lives, Legacy & Strength!- 11/07 6pm- 10pm Join the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center for an inspiring evening of hope, recognition, and community at its 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Award Dinner! This special celebration honors the courage, resilience, and strength of those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. Guests will come together for an evening of dinner, inspiration, and heartfelt appreciation, celebrating survivors, honoring loved ones, and recognizing the importance of compassion and support. It's a meaningful opportunity to connect with others, share encouragement, and stand united in the spirit of hope and healing. For more information about this event click here

Happening In Nassau

BizGiving Network Event
Connect. Share. Grow. 11/5 6pm- 9pm

Celebrate the season of gratitude while building meaningful business connections at the BizGiving Networking Event! Join fellow entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals for an evening dedicated to networking, sharing ideas, and creating new opportunities. Whether you're looking to expand your professional circle, introduce your business to potential collaborators, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships within Long Island's business community. Come ready to exchange ideas, make valuable connections, and embrace the spirit of supporting one another! For more information click here

Helping Hands

Light The Night Pink- 11/05 6:30pm Enjoy an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and community spirit at Light the Night Pink, a special fundraising celebration benefiting the Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer (MWCABC)! Held at the beautiful Leonard's Palazzo, this inspiring event brings guests together for a night of delicious food, cocktails, shopping, exciting casino games, raffles, and auctions—all in support of an important cause. The evening will also feature a special Light the Night Recipient Celebration, honoring individuals whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. Every contribution helps support the organization's mission of funding breast cancer research, promoting awareness, and providing valuable services to those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. For more information click here

Voices4Veterans Concert Benefit- 11/05 7:30pm

Join the community for an inspiring evening of live music and heartfelt appreciation at the Voices 4 Veterans Benefit Concert, supporting the Fisher House Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping military and veteran families during times of medical need. Held at My Father's Place in Roslyn, this special concert features performances by the Johnny Rain Band and Joe Piket, bringing together talented musicians and music lovers for a meaningful cause. Enjoy a night of great entertainment while showing your gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country and the families who stand beside them. All musicians' proceeds will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, helping provide comfort and support to military families when they need it most. Learn more about this fund raiser

Highway and State Route Closures

  • Major Highway and Pkwy Work Zones

    • Long Island Expressway (I-495): Periodic overnight closures and lane shifts occur between NY-25, Northern State Parkway, South Oyster Bay Road, and Round Swamp Road.

    • Southern State Parkway & Northern State Parkway: Frequent localized lane restrictions and ramp adjustments during off-peak and overnight hours.

    • Sunrise Highway (Route 27) & State Route 135 (Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway): Ongoing maintenance, paving, and bridge work cause shifting lane closures.

    Local Advisories

    • Nassau Expressway (Route 878): Ongoing construction and periodic traffic pattern changes in the Town of Hempstead.

    • Barrier Island / Long Beach Area: Continued local utility and roadway reconfigurations impact parts of Long Beach Boulevard, East Park Avenue, and Lido Boulevard.

  • Before driving, check the 511NY map for live traffic updates.

Weather For The Week
A Final Note with a quote

🍂 A Season of Comfort, Reflection, and Becoming Our Best Selves

Dear Nassau Plus Family,

This week, our message is simple but important: Get out and VOTE!

Election Day is this Tuesday, November 3rd, and each of us has an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities, our state, and our country. Regardless of your political beliefs or party affiliation, your voice matters. Voting is more than a right; it is a responsibility and a powerful way to participate in the decisions that affect our everyday lives.

As President Lyndon B. Johnson once said:

"A man without a vote is a man without protection."

And in the words of civil rights leader John Lewis:

"The vote is precious. It is almost sacred."

These words remind us that the right to vote was not easily won. Generations before us fought, sacrificed, and persevered so that more Americans could have a voice in our democracy. We honor their efforts by exercising that right.

As always, we want to take a moment to thank YOU, our wonderful Nassau Plus readers, for your continued support, encouragement, and for being part of our growing community. We are grateful for every one of you. Together, we can continue building a more informed, connected, and caring Nassau County.

One Final Reminder: Don't Sit This One Out!

This Tuesday, make voting a priority! Set aside the time, make a plan, remind your family and friends, and encourage someone who might otherwise stay home. The polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM in New York.

Don't assume your vote won't make a difference. Every election matters, and every voice deserves to be heard.

Your community. Your future. Your voice. YOUR VOTE!

See you at the polls, Nassau County!

With gratitude and warm wishes,
The Nassau Plus Team
Local. Connected. Hopeful

  • “Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will – his personal responsibility.” — Albert Einstein 

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