A proud daughter of a Teamsters porter who began serving in 1965, Viviana comes from a family that proudly celebrates 60 years of union membership. Guided by her strong Christian faith, she is deeply committed to public service and advocating for working families and economic development. She lives in New Cassel/Westbury with her husband Gary. They have three children—Gary Jr., Imani, and Malachi—and two grandchildren.

About Viviana

My public service is grounded in community. I began as a PTA parent, then became a civic leader, senior advocate and district liaison for the 13th Assembly District, roles that sharpened my ability to connect policy to real people’s lives. These experiences shaped my commitment to inclusive governance and responsive leadership.

Viviana L. Russell has been a PTA parent, civic leader, senior advocate, and district liaison for the 13th Assembly District. She lives in New Cassel/Westbury with her husband, Gary, and they have three children and two grandchildren.

Viviana L. Russell earned a bachelor's degree from The College of New Rochelle. She is married and has three children.

Viviana's Background

Viviana is a small business owner, realtor and longtime government professional. From 2010 to 2021, she served as Councilwoman for District 1 in the Town of North Hempstead, championing community revitalization, affordable housing, and environmental justice.

Viviana is a small business owner, realtor and longtime government professional. From 2010 to 2021, she served as Councilwoman for District 1 in the Town of North Hempstead, championing community revitalization, affordable housing, and environmental justice. Her efforts led to major projects such as the “Yes We Can” Community Center and affordable housing in Westbury, as well as downtown revitilization and parks improvements in Carle Place and New Cassel. After leaving office Viviana was a part of the Performance Management Team for Suffolk County as an Executive Analyst working on Continuous Improvement and Innovation for county departments and overseeing operations for the Suffolk 311 Call Center.

Viviana L. Russell is a small business owner and realtor. She previously worked as an executive analyst on Suffolk County's Performance Management Team.

Legislators
Legislator District 1 Scott Davis
Legislator District 2 Viviana L. Russell
Legislator District 3 Carrié Solages
Legislator District 4 Patrick Mullaney
Legislator District 5 Olena Nicks
Legislator District 6 Debra Mulé
Legislator District 7 Howard J. Kopel
Legislator District 8 John J. Giuffrè
Legislator District 9 Scott Strauss
Legislator District 10 Mazi Melesa Pilip
Legislator District 11 Delia DeRiggi-Whitton
Legislator District 12 Michael Giangiorgio
Legislator District 13 Thomas McKevitt
Legislator District 14 Cynthia Nuñez
Legislator District 15 Kayla Knight
Legislator District 16 Arnold W. Drucker
Legislator District 17 Rose Marie Walker
Legislator District 18 Samantha Goetz
Legislator District 19 James Kennedy

Legislators

Viviana's Background

Viviana is a small business owner, realtor and longtime government professional. From 2010 to 2021, she served as Councilwoman for District 1 in the Town of North Hempstead, championing community revitalization, affordable housing, and environmental justice. Her efforts led to major projects such as the “Yes We Can” Community Center and affordable housing in Westbury, as well as downtown revitilization and parks improvements in Carle Place and New Cassel.

Viviana currently serves as Nassau County Legislator for District 2. She previously served as a councilwoman for District 1 in the Town of North Hempstead from 2010 to 2021.

District 2 - Viviana L. Russell | Nassau County, NY - Official Website

2026 New York General Election

During my tenure, I led major redevelopment projects that transformed vacant properties into vibrant spaces—creating over 200 units of senior, affordable, and workforce housing. I championed economic development while safeguarding the unique character of our neighborhoods. I worked to ensure that public resources were used efficiently and equitably, particularly in historically underserved areas. From leading $80 million in downtown revitalization projects to overseeing the creation of the $26 million “Yes We Can” Community Center, my focus has always been on smart development, quality of life, and real solutions.

Champions economic development while safeguarding neighborhood character.

- Champions economic development while safeguarding neighborhood character.

Economy

Nassau County Legislator Viviana L. Russell presented two Community Revitalization Project grants totaling $251,562.90 for the Westbury Union Free School District during visits to school buildings on Thursday, Sept. 17. Read on...

District 2 - Viviana L. Russell

Led $80 million in downtown revitalization projects and oversaw creation of the $26 million “Yes We Can” Community Center.

As a county legislator, presented $251,562.90 in Community Revitalization Project grants to the Westbury Union Free School District.

- Led $80 million in downtown revitalization projects and oversaw creation of the $26 million “Yes We Can” Community Center.
- As a county legislator, presented $251,562.90 in Community Revitalization Project grants to the Westbury Union Free School District.

Public Services

Together we will advocate for equitable investment, strengthen public safety with community trust, expand diverse and affordable housing options, and ensure that our district receives the resources and attention it deserves.

Viviana L. Russell: Another historic win, but there are challenges ahead

Plans to expand diverse and affordable housing options, building on redevelopment work that created senior, affordable, and workforce housing.

- Plans to expand diverse and affordable housing options, building on redevelopment work that created senior, affordable, and workforce housing.

Housing & Urban Development

Advocates strengthening public safety through community trust.

- Advocates strengthening public safety through community trust.

Public Safety

Nassau County Legislator Viviana L. Russell (D–Westbury) recently presented a $126,000 Community Revitalization Project (CRP) grant to the Westbury Water and Fire District. Read on...

As a county legislator, presented a $126,000 Community Revitalization Project grant to the Westbury Water and Fire District.

- As a county legislator, presented a $126,000 Community Revitalization Project grant to the Westbury Water and Fire District.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of October 26, 2026, Viviana L. Russell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Viviana L. Russell

Economy

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment