Karen Bhatia for
Nassau County Legislator
District 18
"Serving People, Not Politics"
Karen Bhatia is running for Nassau County Legislator (District 18) to move beyond politics as usual and champion bold, innovative solutions. By working together, we can tackle our biggest challenges—affordability, safety, and economic opportunity—while driving forward new ideas that create lasting prosperity for every corner of Nassau County.
Why Karen?
Karen is a professor, attorney and policymaker who has spent her career helping businesses and communities thrive. She is a proven leader in innovation, economic growth, and public service.
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Professor: at Stanford University (NY program) and a Visiting Practitioner at Cornell Tech, where she advises and mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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Attorney: previously at a Wall Street law firm, where she helped businesses raise funds through debt offerings and IPOs. She later founded her own law firm, advising startups on corporate strategy, financing, and growth.
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Policymaker: led New York City’s strategy to grow the tech sector at the NYC Economic Development Corporation. She managed a $200+ million portfolio spanning 30+ tech and entrepreneurship projects, including business support, workforce development, and innovation initiatives.
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Education:
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Stanford University (Bachelor's),
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Harvard University (Master's), and
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George Washington University Law School (Juris Doctorate)
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Commitment to public service and education:
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Since 2008, she serves as a volunteer attorney ensuring voter protection during national elections.
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20+ years volunteering at schools in NY and beyond where she helps shape policies and programs that support students and educators.
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Karen’s proven track record in economic growth, public policy, and innovation makes her the right leader to deliver real solutions for Nassau County.
Karen’s Priorities:
As one of the largest counties in New York, Nassau should be a leader in economic growth, public safety, and innovation. But we need bold leadership that puts people over politics and delivers real results.
Lowering the cost of living
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We need responsible policies that make Nassau more affordable for families, seniors, and young professionals.
Ensuring public safety
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Strong communities start with smart policies that support law enforcement, invest in crime prevention, and prioritize safety for all residents.
Bringing accountability and transparency to government
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It’s time to cut through the dysfunction and make sure leadership works for the people, not political insiders.
Experienced
Karen’s Proven Track Record:
Karen has spent her career bringing people together to negotiate solutions and create opportunities. She’s ready to bring that leadership to lower the cost of living, ensure public safety, and bring accountability to the government in Nassau County.
Economic Prosperity & Lowering the Cost of Living
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Supported thousands of businesses through incubation, acceleration, piloting, and funding.
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Helped businesses create over 1,000 accessible, high-paying jobs.
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Promoted workforce development by training hundreds of workers for jobs in emerging industries.
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Helped businesses raise over $2 Billion in capital.
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Ensuring Public Safety and Building Strong Neighborhoods
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Over 20 years of legal experience, committed to ensuring laws protect and serve our residents.
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Worked with schools to create safer neighborhoods and opportunities for children.
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Expanded broadband access to 10,000+ New Yorkers.
Bringing Accountability and Transparency to Government
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Developed policies and programs for good governance rooted in integrity, transparency, and accountability.
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Developed plans promoting technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in government operations.
Meet
Karen
Karen moved to Roslyn Heights, Nassau County more than 20 years ago and is committed to the community. Her family—parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews—all call Nassau County home. For her, this isn’t just politics. It’s personal.
Born in Brazil to a Brazilian mother and an Indian father, Karen’s family moved to New York for better educational opportunities for her and her brother. She attended K-12 at public schools in NY. Like many families, her parents instilled in her the belief that education is the key to economic opportunity—and she’s dedicated her career to making that opportunity accessible to all.
Why This Election Matters—For Nassau County, New York, and Beyond
The challenges we face in Nassau County—rising costs, crime, and government dysfunction —are not just local issues. Across the country, people are frustrated with leadership that prioritizes partisan battles over real solutions. But here’s the truth: local elections like this one shape the future of our state and nation.
What happens in Nassau County doesn’t stay in Nassau County. Winning this race means proving that practical solutions and good governance can win over partisan gridlock.
✔ Setting a statewide precedent – Nassau County is a key battleground that influences broader political trends in New York. A win here sends a message that voters want leaders who focus on results, not rhetoric or partisanship.
✔ Driving economic growth & innovation – Nassau County is home to industries that impact the entire New York economy. Smart leadership here strengthens business opportunities across the state and beyond.
✔ Creating a national model for good governance – In a time of federal dysfunction, local governments must lead the way. This campaign is going to do things differently. We are moving beyond politics as usual to focus on innovation and develop new solutions together.
Your Support Can Make a Difference
Whether you live in Nassau County, elsewhere in New York, or across the country, your support will help build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for us all.
Invest in leadership that works.
Get in Touch
Reach Out Today
For any inquiries or to join our campaign efforts, feel free to contact us. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and support.