Your feedback ensures we stay focused on the facts that matter to you most—take our survey.

Gian Jones

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Gian Jones
Image of Gian Jones

Candidate, U.S. House New York District 4

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

High school

Martin Luther King Jr. High School

Bachelor's

New York University, 2005

Personal
Birthplace
New York
Religion
Christian
Profession
Businessman
Contact

Gian Jones (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 4th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]

Jones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Gian Jones was born in New York, New York. Jones' professional experience includes working as a real estate professional. He earned a bachelor's degree from New York University in 2005.[1]

Jones worked on election campaigns of Congressman Gregory Meeks, including his first run for New York City Council in 1991, as well as his campaigns for New York State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. Jones has also worked on campaigns for David Dinkins, Carl McCall, Floyd Flake, Mario Cuomo, and Charles Schumer, and was on the advance team for Hilary Rodham Clinton's bid for the United States Senate. Jones served as Senior Adviser to James Neal in his race for the United States Senate in North Carolina.[2]

Jones has been affiliated with the following organizations:[2]

  • Board of Directors of the Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corporation
  • Council of Urban Professionals
  • Thurgood Marshal Democratic Club
  • Ocean Village Youth Committee
  • Manhattan Borough Student Council
  • 101st Precinct Community Council
  • Queens County District Attorney's African American Advisory Council
  • Queens Community Board 14

Elections

2026

See also: New York's 4th Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House New York District 4

Incumbent Laura Gillen, Gian Jones, Nicholas Sciretta, Brian Miller, and Martin Smithmyer are running in the general election for U.S. House New York District 4 on November 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

See also: New York's 4th Congressional District election, 2024

New York's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

New York's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 4

Laura Gillen defeated incumbent Anthony D'Esposito in the general election for U.S. House New York District 4 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Laura Gillen
Laura Gillen (D / Common Sense Party)
 
51.1
 
191,760
Image of Anthony D'Esposito
Anthony D'Esposito (R / Conservative Party) Candidate Connection
 
48.8
 
183,157
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
601

Total votes: 375,518
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Laura Gillen advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 4.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Anthony D'Esposito advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 4.

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Anthony D'Esposito advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 4.

2014

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the New York State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on September 9, 2014. The general election took place November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 10, 2014. Incumbent James Sanders, Jr. defeated Everly Brown and Gian Jones in the Democratic primary. Sanders also ran on the Working Families Party ticket. Sanders was unchallenged in the general election.[3][4][5]

New York State Senate, District 10 Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJames Sanders, Jr. Incumbent 73.9% 6,340
Everly Brown 22.1% 1,893
Gian Jones 4% 341
Total Votes 8,574

2012

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2012

Jones ran in the 2012 election for New York State Senate District 10. He was defeated by James Sanders, Jr. in the Democratic primary on September 13, 2012.[6][7][8][9]

New York State Senate, District 10 Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJames Sanders, Jr. 56.6% 5,322
Shirley Huntley Incumbent 39.9% 3,747
Gian Jones 3.5% 328
Total Votes 9,397

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Gian Jones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Jones' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

My name is Gian A. Jones, and I’m running for Congress in New York’s 4th District because I know firsthand how hard it’s become for working families to get ahead. Raised by a single mother who was a dedicated public-school teacher, I learned early on about sacrifice, service, and the power of community. Now, as a father raising my son here in Long Island, I’m committed to fighting for a future where every family has a fair shot at success.

My journey began in the Rockaways as the oldest of three siblings. From serving as an altar boy and youth volunteer to working on Congressman Gregory Meeks’ early campaigns, public service has been part of my life from the start. I put myself through NYU, worked full-time, and never stopped giving back.

Over the years, I’ve served on Queens Community Board 14, the Advisory Board of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, and was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg to the Empire Development Zone to help small businesses grow. With over 25 years of experience in finance and real estate, I understand how to jumpstart our economy, create jobs, and expand affordable housing.

I’m running because our communities need real leadership—someone who listens, who shows up, and who brings people together to solve real problems. From economic instability to rising crime and the urgent need for immigration and climate reform, I will bring practical, bipartisan solutions to Washington.

It’s time for bold, steady leadership. That’s why I’m running—for you, your family,
  • Leadership Rooted in Service: From my early days as a youth volunteer and community liaison to serving on local boards and economic development councils, I’ve spent my life working to uplift others. I’m running for Congress to continue that mission — to be a leader who listens, serves with integrity, and brings real solutions to the challenges our communities face.
  • Real-World Experience That Delivers: With over 25 years in finance and real estate, I know how to grow businesses, create jobs, and deliver affordable housing. I understand the economy not just from textbooks, but from real life. I’ll bring that experience to Washington to fight for working families, small business owners, and economic policies that actually work
  • A Voice for Every Community: Raised by a single mother and now raising my son here in Long Island, I understand the struggles families face today. I’m running to ensure that every voice — regardless of background or political belief — is heard. I’ll work across the aisle to make progress on the issues that matter most: cost of living, public safety, healthcare, and education.
I’m passionate about public policies that create opportunity and uplift working families. With over 25 years in finance and real estate, I support economic development that helps small businesses grow and communities thrive. I’m committed to expanding affordable housing, strengthening public education, and ensuring fairer criminal justice practices that give people real second chances. As a father and lifelong public servant, I know we need leaders who bring people together to solve real problems—not divide us. I’ll work across the aisle to deliver practical, lasting solutions.
I believe that leadership, lived experience, and a deep commitment to service are the qualities that would make me a successful officeholder.

First, I bring real-world experience—as a small business owner with over 25 years in finance and real estate, I understand how policies affect everyday people, working families, and entrepreneurs. I’ve created jobs, balanced budgets, and navigated complex regulations—experience that translates directly to sound, practical policymaking.

Second, I possess resilience and empathy. I was raised by a single mother who worked as a public-school teacher and sacrificed to give her children a better future. I understand the struggles working families face because I’ve lived them. I’m now a father myself, and I carry those responsibilities with pride. My journey has taught me to listen, to stay grounded, and to lead with heart and humility.

Third, I have a track record of public service. From serving on community boards and advisory councils to advocating for local development and justice reform, I’ve consistently worked to uplift underserved communities. My work has always been about bringing people together, solving problems, and delivering results—not chasing headlines.

Fourth, I bring integrity, persistence, and the ability to work across divides. I know how to build consensus, navigate challenges, and fight for what’s right. I believe in progress, not partisanship—and I’m committed to representing everyone in the district, regardless of political background.

Lastly, I lead with purpose. My campaign isn’t about politics—it’s about people. I’m running to serve, to lead, and to make government work better for the people it’s meant to serve. I’ll bring hard work, honesty, and accountability to Washington every single day.
The core responsibilities of a U.S. Representative are to serve the people of their district with integrity, transparency, and dedication. First and foremost, a Representative is a voice for their constituents in Washington—someone who listens, understands the needs of the community, and fights every day to improve the lives of the people they represent.

A Member of Congress must actively participate in the legislative process by introducing, debating, and voting on laws that impact both their district and the country. This includes crafting policies that support economic development, public safety, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, while also ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability in government spending.
Another critical responsibility is constituent services—helping residents navigate federal agencies, secure benefits they are entitled to, and resolve issues involving the federal government. A strong congressional office should be accessible, responsive, and proactive in delivering support to individuals, families, and local organizations.
Additionally, a Representative must provide oversight of the executive branch, ensuring that the administration and federal agencies are acting within the law and in the best interest of the American people. This requires diligence, courage, and a commitment to upholding democratic principles and checks and balances.
Equally important is the responsibility to build bipartisan relationships and find common ground to move the nation forward. While political disagreements are inevitable, a good Representative puts progress over partisanship and focuses on practical solutions rather than political gamesmanship.

Lastly, a Representative must be engaged in the broader dialogue about America’s future—advocating for justice, equity, and opportunity while preparing our nation to meet the challenges of the 21st century with boldness and vision.

Ultimately, this office is about public trust, and that trust must be
I want my legacy to be one of service, impact, and transformation—to be remembered as a leader who stood up for people when it mattered most, and who made government work for the people it’s supposed to serve.

I want to be known as someone who helped level the playing field—who broke down barriers, expanded opportunity, and made life better for working families, small business owners, and underserved communities. I want my time in office to be marked by bold action, not empty rhetoric—by real policies that helped people afford a home, access quality healthcare, educate their children, and live with dignity.

I also want my story to serve as a testament to redemption, resilience, and possibility. That a kid from the Rockaways—raised by a single mother, shaped by faith, and guided by purpose—could rise to serve in the U.S. Congress. And that others, especially young people, returning citizens, and those who’ve faced hardship, can see in my journey a reflection of what’s possible when someone refuses to give up.

Ultimately, I want to leave behind a legacy of hope, courage, and progress—where people felt heard, where lives were changed, and where communities that had been overlooked finally had a champion who delivered for them. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be—and the legacy I hope to leave behind.
While I respect the intent behind a two-year term—keeping members of Congress accountable to the people—I believe a four-year term would better serve both representatives and the communities they represent. The current two-year cycle forces members to focus heavily on fundraising and campaigning, often at the expense of long-term policy work. Extending the term to four years would give representatives the time needed to focus more on delivering real results, building bipartisan coalitions, and addressing the complex issues our country faces without being in a constant election cycle. It’s a change worth serious consideration.
Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking. Real leadership means finding common ground to deliver real results. We’re facing serious issues—economic uncertainty, public safety, education, and healthcare—that require practical, bipartisan solutions. While I’ll always stand firm on my core values, I also understand that progress often comes through collaboration, not confrontation. Voters deserve representatives who are willing to listen, work across the aisle, and put people over politics to move our communities forward.
If elected, I would be honored to serve on committees that align with my professional experience, personal interests, and the pressing needs of both my district and the nation. The committees that most interest me include: Foreign Affairs – In today’s globalized world, our foreign policy must be forward-thinking, strategic, and rooted in diplomacy. I believe in strengthening our global alliances, protecting American interests abroad, and promoting human rights and democratic values. The Foreign Affairs Committee plays a critical role in shaping how we engage with the world, and I want to be a voice for smart, principled leadership on the global stage. Energy and Commerce – This committee oversees a wide range of issues that directly affect American families—energy policy, healthcare, telecommunications, and consumer protection. With our district’s economic and environmental interests in mind, I’m especially interested in clean energy innovation, lowering healthcare costs, and ensuring fair access to broadband and technology for all communities. Homeland Security – Protecting our nation from internal and external threats is a top priority. I’m interested in policies that strengthen cybersecurity, modernize emergency management systems, and promote smart, effective border security while respecting civil liberties and human dignity. Intelligence – National security demands thoughtful oversight and strategic insight. As a member of this committee, I would work to ensure our intelligence agencies are effective, accountable, and equipped to meet 21st-century challenges, from cyber threats to international terrorism. Financial Services – With over 25 years in finance and real estate, I bring real-world experience to policy discussions around banking, housing, capital markets, and consumer protection. I understand how to create conditions for small businesses and working families to thrive, and I want to ensure our financial system works for everyone.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2024

Candidate Connection

Gian Jones completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Jones' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Gian Jones is a father, community leader, and business owner with 25 years of experience. Gian grew up the oldest of three in a single-parent moderate-income household. From an early age, Gian learned the importance of hard work and resilience as he watched his mother sacrifice every day for their family. Gian worked his way through NYU and built himself into the business and community leader he is today. Gian is now proudly raising his son in Long Island with the same values his mother instilled in him.
  • Gian has over 25 years of experience as a business owner, building a real estate company from the ground up and helping Long Island families achieve their dream of homeownership. While most politicians speak theoretically on the economy, Gian has the real-world experience to create the change we need.
  • Long Islanders deserve a leader who will fight for them in Washington. A leader who isn’t afraid to take on big issues like job security, housing, and immigration, and who will work across the aisle to get the job done. That’s why Gian is running on a pro-business platform that prioritizes restoring the SALT Act for Long Island families, reducing taxes and red-tape for small businesses, and cracking down on crime throughout Long Island.
  • Democrats lost big in NY-04 and throughout Long Island last year, because we ran overly progressive candidates who were popular with party leaders and donors in Washington, DC, but not with regular Long Islanders. As an authentic, unapologetic pro-business, anti-crime Democrat with 25 years of experience in finance and real estate, Gian has the background to connect with and excite the moderate and independent voters whom we lost last time.
As a business and community leader Gian understands that working families throughout Long Island are struggling right now. The cost of living, health care, and housing are all out of control and our leaders in Washington offer nothing but empty promises. We elect our representatives to be our voice in government and fight for our communities. But these days Congress is incapable of solving even the most basic of problems and are elected leaders seem more interested in fighting with each other than fighting for our communities. It's time for a leader from outside the political machine, with the real-world experience to get our country working again, and who isn't afraid to work across the aisle to get the job done.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2014

Jones' campaign website highlighted the following issues:[10]

Creating Jobs and Growing the Economy

  • Excerpt: "As State Senator, Gian will fight for common sense solutions in Albany that will create more jobs and spur economic growth by investing in infrastructure, expanding access to high-speed internet, reforming our state tax code and training workers for the new economy. Gian believes this will help grow and sustain the economy of the district while contributing to the overall economy of the city and state."

Affordable Housing

  • Excerpt: "Gian supports the Mayor DiBlasio plan to develop 200,000 units of affordable housing in the city and will support measures that encourage additional, socially responsible housing development. He will fight to ensure residents of public housing receive the attention to their complaints and that they can live in homes that are safe and comfortable."

Protecting Our Environment

  • Excerpt: "Gian is an advocate for protecting our environment and the incredible natural resources in our state. In Albany, Gian will fight for environmental protection and greater action to prevent climate change, and he will support conservation programs and investments in renewable energy that are critical to our state."

Strengthening Schools

  • Excerpt: "Gian believes students deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for an increasingly global economy. In Albany, Gian will advocate for strengthening our schools by working to expand early childhood education, make city and state colleges more affordable, reform high-stakes-testing, and ensure that our students are trained for the new economy."

Honoring Our Veterans

  • Excerpt: "Gian believes we must honor our commitment to those who have served our country. As a small business owner, Gian believes we must help grow veteran-owned businesses and support veteran employment in our state. As a member of the State Senate, Gian will work to ensure veterans have access to job training, employment support, and quality health care."

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Gian Jones campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2026* U.S. House New York District 4Candidacy Declared general$0 N/A**
2024* U.S. House New York District 4Withdrew primary$19,928 $10,345
Grand total$19,928 $10,345
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Jones is a native of Queens and life-long resident of Far Rockaway.[11]

See also


External links

Footnotes


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
Pat Ryan (D)
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
Democratic Party (21)
Republican Party (7)