James F. Gaughran (born January 5, 1957) is an American attorney and politician from Suffolk County, New York, currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate from the 5th district. The district is located around the border of Nassau County and Suffolk County, encompassing the town of Huntington and the northern part of the town of Oyster Bay. Gaughran is a member of the Democratic Party. In 2018, Gaughran was elected to the New York State Senate from the 5th district, defeating the long-time Republican incumbent, Carl Marcellino. He took office on January 1, 2019.