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Asm. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
District 42
Democrat
First elected 2015
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has represented AD-42 since 2015 in one of New York's most heavily Democratic districts, carrying a D+72 registration lean and a base electoral model of D+80; she ran uncontested in 2020, 2022, and 2024, and in contested cycles never fell below an 81.2-point margin, placing her in the Safe D category across all modeled environments. The district is a majority-Black urban constituency — 53.2% Black, 20.3% white, 14.4% Hispanic — with a 22.2% homeownership rate, a 15.8% poverty rate, and a median household income of $79,710, set against a voter registration breakdown of 76.6% Democrat and 5.0% Republican. In the 2025 session, Bichotte Hermelyn sponsored 149 bills, with her heaviest concentrations in Executive law (23 bills), Education (13 bills), Public Health (12 bills), and State Finance (10 bills), reflecting a broad legislative portfolio spanning government operations, social services, insurance, and real property.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-42
Base lean: D+80
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
- Limited contested election data — registration lean used as primary signal
- Ran uncontested in most recent election
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+80). Base lean blends voter registration (40%) with recent contested general election margins (60%), using up to the last 4 general elections with margins under 40 points. Ratings: Safe D/R = 15+ pts, Likely = 8–14 pts, Lean = 3–7 pts, Toss-up = within 2 pts. Generic ballot from Silver Bulletin (Nate Silver), as of 5/1/2026. Not a prediction — reflects structural competitiveness under different cycle environments.
Electoral History AD-42
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Rodneyse Bichotte 100.0% (34,509) | Uncontested | — |
| 2022 | Rodneyse Bichotte 100.0% (22,255) | Uncontested | — |
| 2020 | Rodneyse Bichotte 100.0% (39,649) | Uncontested | — |
| 2018 | Rodneyse Bichotte 90.6% (28,612) | Matthew Williams 7.2% (2,264) | 83.4pts |
| 2016 | Rodneyse Bichotte 90.6% (34,379) | Matthew Williams 9.4% (3,562) | 81.2pts |
| 2014 | Rodneyse Bichotte 90.3% (12,716) | Matthew G. Williams 5.9% (837) | 84.4pts |
| 2012 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 100.0% (31,891) | Uncontested | — |
| 2010 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 92.4% (15,363) | Alan Kesler 7.6% (1,260) | 84.8pts |
| 2008 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 93.9% (25,108) | Alan Kesler 6.1% (1,643) | 87.8pts |
| 2006 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 94.1% (11,073) | Harriet Katz 5.9% (697) | 88.2pts |
| 2004 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 93.1% (21,798) | Harriet Katz 6.9% (1,606) | 86.2pts |
| 2002 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 100.0% (10,812) | Uncontested | — |
| 2000 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 82.0% (17,418) | Zacary Lareche 15.1% (3,207) | 66.9pts |
| 1998 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 93.0% (11,180) | Rock Hermon Hackshaw 3.7% (445) | 89.3pts |
| 1996 | Rhoda S. Jacobs 99.2% (13,585) | Richard Hartley 0.8% (109) | 98.4pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (Democratic) | Rodneyse Bichotte 71.9% (10,821) | Victor Jordan 28.1% (4,233) | 43.8pts |
| 2016 (Democratic) | Rodneyse Bichotte 78.8% (2,471) | Victor A. Jordan 21.2% (666) | 57.6pts |
| 2014 (Democratic) | Rodneyse Bichotte 48.9% (2,758) | L. Rickie Tulloch 30.1% (1,696) | 18.8pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 42 Profile
Population
119,952
Median income
$79,710
Median rent
$1,770
Homeownership
22.2%
Education (BA+)
38.4%
Poverty rate
15.8%
Uninsured rate
6.9%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
20.3%
Black
53.2%
Hispanic
14.4%
Asian
6.2%
Median age
38.1
Foreign born
41.7%
Limited English households
8.0%
Veterans
1.3%
Disability rate
9.9%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
17.2%
Public transit
57.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024). Race and ethnicity figures may not sum to 100% — Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity category that overlaps with racial groups.
Legislative Activity (2025–2026)
Bills sponsored
149
Floor debate appearances
25
Years in office
11
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A07125
PASSED
2026-03-05
An act to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to requiring that public contracts be divided by size into large, medium, small and micro contracts for the purpose of increasing opportunities for small businesses to participate in state contracts
The Assembly passed A07125, sponsored by Asm. Bichotte Hermelyn, amending State Finance Law to divide public contracts by size into large, medium, small, and micro categories. The bill aims to increase opportunities for small businesses to participate in state contracts by allowing procurement to be broken into smaller pieces. Asm. Walsh noted the measure could help smaller businesses bid on portions of contracts and grow, while cautioning that the process should not unduly delay procurement timelines.
A09455
PASSED
2026-01-13
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring that the annual report from the Division of Minority and Women's Business Development contain information on the annual Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise utilization and expenditure categorized by minority-owned enterprises, women-owned enterprises, and total utilization and expenditure, and be organized by certain industry categories
A03515-C
PASSED
2025-06-16
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to requiring school districts to provide information regarding water safety in formation to certain parents or students upon enrollment
The Assembly passed A03515-C, sponsored by Asm. Bichotte Hermelyn, requiring school districts to provide parents and guardians with information on drowning prevention and water safety at the beginning of the school year. Bichotte Hermelyn cited statistics showing approximately 4,000 people die from drowning annually in the U.S., with one in four being children. She shared the story of Rees Specht, a 22-month-old who drowned in a backyard pond, noting that the child's father believed the tragedy could have been prevented with basic water safety information. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
A03595-A
2025-06-16
An act authorizing and directing the commissioner of education to conduct a study on the number of children who are caregivers and how being a caregiver impacts their education
A08412-D
PASSED
2025-06-16
An act to amend the Public Housing Law, in relation to succession rights for New York City Housing Authority properties
The Assembly passed legislation (A8412-D) sponsored by Asm. Bichotte Hermelyn to strengthen succession rights for New York City Housing Authority residents. The bill requires NYCHA to formalize in writing the succession policies that allow household members to claim continued residency or take over a lease when the primary leaseholder dies or leaves. Sponsor Bichotte Hermelyn illustrated the bill's importance through a personal anecdote about a Haitian immigrant family forced from their NYCHA apartment after the primary leaseholder's death because no succession policy existed at the time. The bill protects vulnerable populations from homelessness by allowing spouses, partners, and other long-term household members to maintain housing stability during periods of grief. NYCHA oversees over 300 developments with more than 160,000 apartments. The bill takes effect immediately.
A08699-A / S08338
PASSED
2025-06-16
Clarifying disparate impact standard for employment discrimination under Human Rights Law
The Assembly passed legislation codifying the disparate impact standard in New York's employment discrimination law, ensuring that unlawful discrimination can be established based on a practice's discriminatory effect even without proof of discriminatory intent. Sponsor Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn argued the codification is critical as the current federal Administration has issued Executive Orders seeking to eliminate disparate impact analysis, and that codifying the standard in state law protects New Yorkers from being shut out of jobs and promotions due to arbitrary discriminatory rules. The Minority Conference opposed the bill, with Assemblywoman Walsh arguing that disparate impact has been established in New York case law for years and questioning whether the legislation is necessary or merely preemptively "Trump-proofing" the state. Supporters including Assemblymembers Burdick and Simon emphasized the urgency of protecting the standard as the Administration actively moves to eliminate it through rulemaking and litigation.
A07194-B
LAID ASIDE
2025-06-10
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prohibiting student loan payment credit history checks in making employment decisions
A07222
PASSED
2025-06-10
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requirements of the annual report from the Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
The Assembly passed A07222, sponsored by Asm. Bichotte Hermelyn, requiring additional information in the annual report from the Division of Minority and Women's Business Development. Assemblywoman Walsh supported the bill as part of broader efforts to address problems with MWBE certification and recertification, arguing that additional reporting is necessary to track whether improvements are working. Assemblywoman Giglio also supported the measure, noting that many constituents have experienced problems getting certified and recertified, and emphasizing that the MWBE program is important for starting new businesses and helping contractors meet state requirements for public works projects.
A07277-A
PASSED
2025-06-10
An act to amend the Elder Law, in relation to establishing the Interagency Elder Justice Task Force; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
A07194-B
LAID ASIDE
2025-06-10
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prohibiting student loan payment credit history checks in making employment decisions
A07222
PASSED
2025-06-10
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requirements of the annual report from the Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
The Assembly passed A07222, requiring additional information in the annual report from the Division of Minority and Women's Business Development. Sponsor Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn sought to improve transparency in the MWBE program. Assemblywoman Walsh supported the bill as part of broader efforts to address certification and recertification problems, arguing that additional reporting is necessary to track whether recent reforms are working. Assemblywoman Giglio also supported the measure, noting that constituents throughout the state have experienced problems with both initial certification and recertification, and emphasizing the program's importance for starting new businesses and helping contractors meet state public works requirements.
A07277-A
PASSED
2025-06-10
An act to amend the Elder Law, in relation to establishing the Interagency Elder Justice Task Force; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
A08639-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to a license to sell liquor at retail for consumption on certain premises
A08639-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to a license to sell liquor at retail for consumption on certain premises
A07235
PASSED
2025-06-06
An act to amend the Executive Law, the State Finance Law and the Public Authorities Law, in relation to establishing expanded construction mentorship opportunities for small and minority and women-owned business enterprises
A08418
PASSED
2025-06-06
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to a license to sell liquor at retail for consumption on certain premises
A05660 / S4106
PASSED
2025-04-29
Medical Aid in Dying Act (Death with Dignity)
The New York State Assembly passed landmark medical aid in dying legislation on Tuesday, April 29, establishing a program allowing terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to request medication to end their lives. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, passed after an emotional floor debate that transcended party lines, with members sharing deeply personal experiences of family deaths and end-of-life suffering. Supporters cited 30 years of data from ten states and Washington D.C. showing no abuse under similar laws, while opponents raised concerns about vulnerable populations, the adequacy of hospice care, and the vagueness of the six-month terminal illness standard. The legislation includes strict safeguards requiring multiple physician evaluations and a 15-day waiting period. The vote came after Paulin's 11-year effort to bring the bill to the floor.
A1014 / S752
PASSED
2025-03-12
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to ballot drop-off locations
The Assembly passed legislation authorizing county Boards of Elections to establish secure ballot drop-boxes for absentee and early mail ballots, expanding voting access options in New York. Sponsor Assemblyman Simone cited successful implementation in 33 states and D.C., with fraud rates below 0.003 percent, and noted that mail delivery problems invalidated 84,000 absentee ballots in the 2021 Democratic primary. The bill clarifies a 2024 law by explicitly authorizing drop-boxes for both absentee and early mail ballots and requires the State Board of Elections to develop security and operational guidelines. Republicans opposed the measure, with Assemblyman Tague arguing it creates fraud opportunities and lacks uniform security standards, particularly problematic for rural counties with limited resources. Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn, as chair of New York County, supported the bill as a nonpartisan measure protecting voters' right to vote. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Democratic majority supporting it.
A02168
PASSED
2025-02-10
Public Health Law amendment requiring Department of Health to develop and maternal health care providers to distribute written information about episiotomy to maternity patients
A10384 / S____
PASSED
2024-06-06
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to requiring boards of visitors provide greater transparency to the public regarding such boards' activities
A10397 / S____
PASSED
2024-06-06
An act to require the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to conduct a study on domestic violence in the transgender community
A10384 / S____
PASSED
2024-06-06
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to requiring boards of visitors provide greater transparency to the public regarding such boards' activities
A10397 / S____
PASSED
2024-06-06
An act to require the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to conduct a study on domestic violence in the transgender community
A06042-B
PASSED
2024-06-05
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to requiring insurance policies to provide coverage for transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy
The Assembly passed A06042-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn, requiring insurance companies to cover transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy when recommended by nationally-recognized clinical practice guidelines. The bill aims to address New York's maternal and infant mortality crisis by ensuring access to a routine screening procedure that can detect conditions like cervical insufficiency that lead to premature birth and miscarriage. Bichotte Hermelyn shared personal testimony about losing her first child and cited the story of a woman whose son died at 23 weeks after a condition was not detected early. She noted that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Assemblywoman Walsh raised concerns during debate that the bill's definition of qualifying guidelines could create ambiguity if different guidelines recommend different treatments, but acknowledged the procedure's medical value. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
A06042-B
PASSED
2024-06-05
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to requiring insurance policies to provide coverage for transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy
The Assembly passed A06042-B, sponsored by Asm. Bichotte Hermelyn, requiring insurance coverage of transvaginal ultrasounds during pregnancy when recommended by nationally-recognized clinical practice guidelines. The bill aims to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes by ensuring access to a procedure that can detect cervical insufficiency and prevent premature birth. Bichotte Hermelyn shared personal testimony about losing her first child and cited the case of Carolyn Spiro-Levitt, whose son died at 23 weeks due to undetected cervical insufficiency. Supporters argued the procedure is routine and safe, with Asm. DiPietro noting that 85-90 percent of women who see an ultrasound choose to continue their pregnancies. Asm. Walsh raised concerns that the bill's definition of clinical practice guidelines lacks specificity and could create ambiguity if different guidelines conflict, though she acknowledged the procedure's medical value. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.
Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026
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Grouped by law section from sponsored Assembly bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation API.
Lobbying Activity
No lobbying disclosures on record for this member in the available dataset (JCOPE filings targeting Assembly members).
Source: NY Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government via data.ny.gov.