Asm. Kenneth Blankenbush — The Commons Gallery

Kenneth Blankenbush has represented AD-117 as a Republican since 2011 and has run uncontested in every general election from 2012 through 2024, in a district carrying a base lean of R+31 that rates Safe R across all modeled electoral environments. The district is majority-white (87.6%), largely homeowning (68.1%), and Republican-registered at 47.2% against 22.0% Democratic enrollment, with a median household income of $66,751 and a poverty rate of 13.2%, reflecting a rural to small-town profile in upstate New York. In the 2025 session, Blankenbush sponsored 43 bills, with his heaviest concentration in Vehicle and Traffic (7 bills) and Insurance (6 bills), followed by Tax (3 bills) and smaller clusters across Correction, Criminal Procedure, Education, and Penal law. Top lobbying sectors active in the district and Blankenbush's legislative focus areas have not been flagged in this brief, though his Insurance sponsorship activity places him in proximity to one of the most heavily lobbied law areas in the chamber.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-117

Base lean: R+31

Favorable D

Safe R

Neutral

Safe R

Favorable R

Safe 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 (R+31). 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-117

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (41,447)	Uncontested	—
2022	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (33,221)	Uncontested	—
2020	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (44,072)	Uncontested	—
2018	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (31,573)	Uncontested	—
2016	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (37,418)	Uncontested	—
2014	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (23,226)	Uncontested	—
2012	Kenneth Blankenbush 100.0% (32,992)	Uncontested	—
2010	Marc W. Butler 100.0% (28,816)	Uncontested	—
2008	Marc W. Butler 70.9% (30,813)	Daniel R. Carter 29.1% (12,667)	41.8pts
2006	Marc W. Butler 100.0% (25,980)	Uncontested	—
2004	Marc W. Butler 91.9% (35,164)	Joan M. Carrig 8.1% (3,113)	83.8pts
2002	Marc W. Butler 100.0% (29,515)	Uncontested	—
2000	Frances T. Sullivan 61.5% (27,430)	Terrence M. Hammill 38.5% (17,186)	23.0pts
1998	Frances T. Sullivan 67.2% (21,817)	Shirley Taber 32.8% (10,663)	34.4pts
1996	Frances T. Sullivan 65.2% (25,224)	Robert C. Bowman 34.8% (13,449)	30.4pts

Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.

Voter Registration

22%

47%

31%

Dem 22.0% Rep 47.2% Ind/Other 30.8%

District 117 Profile

Population 130,325

Median income $66,751

Median rent $1,234

Homeownership 68.1%

Education (BA+) 21.8%

Poverty rate 13.2%

Uninsured rate 4.9%

Unemployment rate 5.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).

Demographics

White 87.6%

Black 3.0%

Hispanic 5.7%

Asian 1.0%

Median age 36.8

Foreign born 3.2%

Limited English households 0.7%

Veterans 10.8%

Disability rate 15.8%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 77.5%

Public transit 0.4%

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)

43

25

Years in office 15

Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.

Floor Session Activity 2025–2026

A10710 PASSED 2026-04-21

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to including the recommendations of certain entities in the establishment of immunization administration regulations

The Assembly passed A10710, sponsored by Assemblyman Dilan, which amends Insurance Law to allow the Commissioner of Health to recommend immunizations for insurance coverage based on guidance from multiple medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American College of Physicians, as well as other nationally or internationally-recognized scientific organizations. The bill would provide state-level protections should federal immunization policy change adversely. Assemblyman Blankenbush opposed the measure, questioning its necessity and expressing concern that a single commissioner could override federal recommendations when medical organizations disagree. He also criticized the bill's rapid advancement through committee and floor debate, suggesting political motivations. Sponsor Dilan characterized the bill as a safeguard for New York's 19 million residents while maintaining flexibility to adopt sound federal policy. The Majority Conference supported the bill while the Minority Conference generally opposed it, though individual votes could be cast at the desk.

A00536-A PASSED 2026-03-11

Amends Insurance Law to require insurers to provide summaries of readable and understandable insurance policies for auto and homeowners coverage

The Assembly passed A00536-A, requiring insurers to provide auto and homeowners policyholders with simplified, readable summaries of their coverage, on a party-line vote with the Majority Conference supporting and the Minority Conference opposing. Sponsor Asm. Paulin explained the bill mandates a one-page summary in large print and plain English covering coverage limits, policy terms, premiums, and major exclusions—information not currently consolidated in Declaration Pages. Paulin cited her personal experience with a missing auto policy exclusion when her daughter was hit by a car, arguing the summary would help consumers understand their policies. Opponents, led by Asm. Blankenbush, a licensed insurance agent since 1986, contended the required information already appears on Declaration Pages and that mandating a summary in red ink would only increase costs without benefit, as most consumers do not read policies. Mr. Gandolfo criticized the bill as government bureaucracy, noting it requires a 210-day advisory committee process to produce the summary. Mrs. Peoples-Stokes defended the bill, suggesting AI technology could easily create summaries at minimal cost to large insurance companies. The bill takes effect October 1st.

A06652-B PASSED 2026-02-26

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to permitting licensed insurance agents, brokers, adjusters, consultants, and intermediaries to carryover up to five hours of continuing education credit per biennial licensing period

The Assembly passed A06652-B, sponsored by Assemblymembers Weprin, Dilan, Cruz, Blankenbush, Berger, Santabarbara, and Hawley, allowing licensed insurance professionals to carry over up to five hours of continuing education credit per biennial licensing period. The bill takes effect immediately and was advanced on consent.

A05514 PASSED 2025-06-17

An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending authorization for the County of Lewis to impose an additional one percent of sales and compensating use taxes

A06688 PASSED 2025-06-17

An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing the County of Jefferson to impose an additional sales tax

A893 / S____ 2025-06-10

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting certain restrictions as it relates to dog breed

The Assembly debated A893, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal and 25 co-sponsors, which would prohibit insurers from canceling, refusing to renew, or increasing premiums on renters insurance policies based solely on dog breed. The bill extends 2021 homeowners insurance protections to renters. Rosenthal argued breed-based restrictions are myths contradicted by veterinary science, while Asm. Blankenbush countered with statistics showing pit bulls account for 64% of fatal dog bite incidents. Blankenbush argued the bill prevents insurers from using actuarial data to manage risk and forces non-dog-owning policyholders to subsidize higher claims. Rosenthal clarified insurers can still deny coverage for individual dogs deemed dangerous by courts, but not based on breed alone. The debate remained unresolved at transcript's end.

A06576-B PASSED 2025-06-10

Relating to prohibiting insurance companies from denying or increasing premiums on renter's insurance based on dog breed

The Assembly passed legislation extending to renters the same protections homeowners currently have against insurance discrimination based on dog breed. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, the bill prohibits insurance companies from denying renter's insurance coverage or increasing premiums solely because of a dog's breed. The measure sparked heated debate, with opponents arguing that certain breeds like pit bulls are statistically more likely to cause severe injuries and that insurers should be able to price in this risk. Proponents countered that breed-based determinations are unreliable and that individual dog temperament, training, and behavior should determine coverage. Rosenthal cited examples of pit bulls that saved lives, including one that alerted owners to a gas leak. The bill passed with the Majority Conference voting affirmatively, though the Minority Conference generally opposed it.

A00536-A PASSED 2025-06-10

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to summaries of readable and understandable insurance policies

The Assembly passed A00536-A, sponsored by Asm. Paulin, requiring insurers to provide auto and homeowners policyholders with simplified, large-print summary documents outlining coverage separately from declarations pages. The bill aims to help consumers understand their policies at a glance, addressing complaints that current declarations pages are difficult to read and navigate. Sponsor Paulin cited feedback from the Department of Insurance that consumers often do not understand what coverage they have purchased. Opponents argued the bill creates unnecessary bureaucracy by duplicating information already in declarations pages and may overwhelm consumers with additional paperwork. The Republican Conference voted against the bill, while the Democratic Majority supported it. The bill takes effect October 1st.

A893 / S____ 2025-06-10

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting certain restrictions as it relates to dog breed

The Assembly debated A893, sponsored by Asm. Rosenthal and co-sponsored by 25 members, which would prohibit insurers from canceling, refusing to issue or renew, or restricting renter's insurance based solely on dog breed. The bill extends protections previously granted to homeowners in 2021 to renters. Rosenthal argued breed-based restrictions contradict veterinary science and that the American Veterinary Medical Association confirms breed does not determine dangerousness. Asm. Blankenbush opposed the measure, citing statistics showing pit bulls account for 64% of fatal dog bite incidents and arguing the bill prevents insurers from managing actuarial risk, forcing non-dog-owning policyholders to subsidize claims through higher premiums. The debate remained unresolved at the end of the transcript segment.

A06576-B PASSED 2025-06-10

Relating to prohibiting insurance companies from denying or increasing premiums on renter's insurance based on dog breed

The Assembly passed legislation extending to renters the same insurance protections homeowners currently enjoy, prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage or raising premiums based on dog breed. Sponsor Assemblywoman Rosenthal argued that individual dog temperament, training, and behavior—not breed—should determine insurability, citing American Veterinary Medical Association research and anecdotes of pit bulls performing heroic acts. Opponents including Assemblymen Blankenbush, A. Brown, and Gandolfo countered that pit bulls and similar breeds are statistically involved in the majority of severe dog bites and that insurance companies should be able to price in the damage potential of larger breeds to prevent costs from rising for other policyholders. The bill passed with a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference voting affirmatively and the Minority Conference generally voting negatively, though some members voted at their desks.

A00536-A PASSED 2025-06-10

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to summaries of readable and understandable insurance policies

The Assembly passed A00536-A, sponsored by Asm. Paulin, requiring insurers to provide auto and homeowners policyholders with simplified, large-print summary documents outlining coverage separately from declarations pages. Paulin argued current declarations pages are difficult to read and consumers often do not understand their coverage, citing a 2023 storm in Asm. Eachus's district where nearly 600 homeowners with damage could not collect because flood coverage was unclear. Opponents contended the bill duplicates existing information and may overwhelm consumers with additional paperwork rather than clarify coverage. The Republican Conference voted against the bill, while the Democratic Majority supported it. The bill takes effect October 1st.

A01450 PASSED 2025-05-27

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to restricting insurers from demanding intrusive personal, financial and tax information from insureds as a standard practice in processing ordinary theft claims

The Assembly passed A01450, sponsored by Assemblyman Dinowitz, which restricts insurers from demanding personal, financial, and tax information during theft claim investigations unless they can demonstrate 'special articulable circumstances' directly related to suspected fraud. Dinowitz argued that insurers routinely request irrelevant information—such as voter registration records, business tax returns, and loan applications—as a harassment tactic to delay or deny valid claims. He contended the bill would streamline investigations and reduce costs by eliminating extraneous requests. Opponents including Assemblymen Gandolfo and Ra warned that restricting information access would hamper fraud detection, citing estimates that insurance fraud costs policyholders $400-$700 annually in increased premiums. They argued financial records can reveal organized theft rings and fraud patterns. Assemblyman Blankenbush voted against the bill, noting that financial stress is a primary driver of fraudulent claims and insurers need financial data to detect it. The bill passed with a party-line vote, with Republicans opposed and Democrats generally in favor.

A01450 PASSED 2025-05-27

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to restricting insurers from demanding intrusive personal, financial and tax information from insureds as a standard practice in processing ordinary theft claims

The Assembly passed A01450, sponsored by Assemblyman Dinowitz, which restricts insurers from demanding personal, financial, and tax information during theft claim investigations unless they can demonstrate special articulable circumstances directly related to potential fraud. The bill prohibits requests for business tax returns, voter registration information, loan applications, and similar records as standard practice. Dinowitz argued that insurers use fraud investigations as a pretext to harass policyholders with irrelevant information requests, while opponents including Assemblymen Gandolfo and Ra contended that restricting information access would hamper fraud detection and ultimately increase premiums for all policyholders, citing estimates that insurance fraud costs $400-$700 per policyholder annually. Dinowitz countered that legitimate fraud investigations can still proceed when circumstances warrant, but insurers should not use fraud suspicion as a default justification. The bill passed with a party-line vote, with Republicans opposed and Democrats generally in favor, though some Democrats voted no.

A01572 PASSED 2025-03-25

Insurance Law amendment requiring standardized definitions for commonly-used terms in homeowners and commercial insurance policies

The Assembly passed A1572, sponsored by Asm. Weprin, requiring the Department of Financial Services to promulgate regulations establishing standardized definitions for commonly-used terms in homeowners and commercial insurance policies. The bill, which emerged from post-Superstorm Sandy hearings examining consumer confusion over inconsistent policy language, allows alternative definitions if equally favorable to policyholders. Debate revealed sharp disagreement over whether the measure represents necessary consumer protection or excessive delegation of legislative authority. Opponents, including Asm. Ra and Mr. Blankenbush, argued existing readability requirements and over a century of case law already protect policyholders and that standardization could harm commercial insurers and drive business offshore. Supporters countered that the Senate-confirmed DFS director and public rulemaking process provide adequate oversight. The Minority Conference voted against the bill, though individual members could vote otherwise. The Majority Conference generally supported passage.

A10343 PASSED 2024-05-29

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to anti-concurrent causation clauses

The Assembly passed legislation on May 29 that prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage for sewage and water backup damage based on anti-concurrent causation clauses. Sponsored by Assemblymember Weprin, the bill (A10343) addresses a consumer protection gap exposed by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Tropical Depression Ida in 2021, when many homeowners with sewage backup coverage found their claims denied because damage resulted from multiple concurrent causes. The Department of Financial Services supports the measure. However, Republican members and some Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it will increase insurance premiums statewide and could drive insurers from New York, citing the departure of State Farm and Allstate from California following similar mandates. The bill applies only to policies that include sewage backup coverage and limits payouts to the endorsement limits, not the full policy limits. The measure passed on a party-line vote, with the Majority Conference supporting it and the Republican Conference generally opposed.

A1687 PASSED 2024-05-07

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint

The Assembly passed A1687, sponsored by Asm. Rivera, which prohibits insurance companies from excluding coverage for losses caused by lead-based paint exposure in general liability policies. The measure drew sharp partisan debate, with Republicans warning it would spike insurance premiums, reduce policy availability for rental properties, and harm lower-income renters by increasing housing costs. Asm. Goodell argued the bill creates perverse incentives by insuring irresponsible landlords rather than holding them personally liable for lead abatement, and unfairly raises premiums on compliant property owners who have already invested tens of thousands in lead remediation. Democrats supported the public health protections. The Majority Conference voted generally in favor while the Republican Conference opposed the measure.

A04010 PASSED 2024-03-13

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to summaries of readable and understandable insurance policies

The Assembly passed legislation requiring insurance companies to provide auto and homeowners policyholders with a separate summary document listing coverage limits, policy terms, annual premiums, and principal exclusions in large, colored font designed to stand out. Sponsor Assemblywoman Paulin argued that current declaration pages use illegibly small print and that consumers need clear information about exclusions, particularly regarding water damage and flooding—risks that have become increasingly common. Opponents, including Assemblyman Blankenbush, a former insurance agent, contended that exclusions are too complex to summarize on a single page without confusing policyholders and that existing law already mandates plain language and minimum font sizes. The bill passed with support from the Democratic majority, though Republicans generally opposed it. Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes noted that many consumers discover exclusions only when making claims after paying premiums for years, calling the bill a necessary consumer protection measure.

A06795-A PASSED 2023-06-09

Transfer of Village of West Carthage Housing Authority to Town of Wilna Housing Authority

S07157 / A07357 PASSED 2023-06-06

An act to amend Chapter 490 of the Laws of 2017 amending the Insurance Law relating to limits on certain supplementary insurance, in relation to the effectiveness thereof

The Assembly passed S07157, extending until June 30, 2026 provisions of the Insurance Law allowing the sale of supplemental uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance in amounts equal to the bodily injury liability limits of an insured's auto policy. Sponsored by Senator Breslin and Assemblyman Taylor, the bill makes such coverage automatic for new policyholders unless they sign a written waiver to opt out. The debate focused on consumer choice and control. Assemblyman Blankenbush supported higher coverage limits but objected to the automatic opt-out approach, arguing it removes consumer decision-making over premium costs. Assemblyman Blumencranz expressed concern about government mandating insurance decisions rather than leaving that to consumers and brokers. Assemblyman Goodell argued that insurance brokers will recommend more coverage to consumers who want it, and that the automatic opt-out removes consumer control over costs; he preferred an opt-in approach. Despite the opposition, the bill passed.

A04994 PASSED 2023-05-24

An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to permitting the electronic appearance of a defendant in the County of Jefferson

A01880-A PASSED 2023-05-18

An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to establishing the New York Electronic Communications Privacy Act (NYECPA)

The Assembly passed A01880-A, the New York Electronic Communications Privacy Act, establishing warrant requirements for government access to electronic communications. Sponsor Asm. Dinowitz argued the measure protects privacy rights in the digital age, requiring law enforcement to obtain warrants for device information except where federal law permits voluntary disclosure. The bill includes exceptions for emergency situations and requires annual reporting to the Attorney General. Republicans generally opposed the measure, with Asm. Goodell warning it removes valuable investigative tools for identifying suspects in serious crimes using cell tower data and locating missing persons. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes defended the bill as essential privacy protection, noting citizens would voluntarily cooperate with law enforcement if asked. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Democratic majority supporting it despite some Republican concerns about law enforcement capabilities.

A02078 2023-05-18

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to standards for prompt investigation and settlement of claims arising from states of emergency

The Assembly debated A02078, which would establish 15-day and 30-day timeframes for insurance companies to investigate and settle claims during declared emergencies or natural disasters. Sponsor Asm. Stern argued the measure is necessary to prevent families and businesses from waiting extended periods for claim resolution, citing Superstorm Sandy where some claims took over a year to settle. He noted the insurance industry successfully processed over 300,000 claims with expedited timelines during Sandy and demonstrated capacity to handle emergency claims. However, opponents including Asm. Blankenbush argued the deadlines are unrealistic, contending that contractors cannot be obtained within 15-30 days during major disasters and that insurers would be forced to approve claims without complete information. Blankenbush also noted the bill has been pending for nine years. Asm. Blumencranz raised concerns about potential fraud during emergency claims processing. The bill includes a $1,000 fine per claim for violations and allows a 15-day extension if insurers can demonstrate reasonable need for additional time.

A5610-C PASSED 2023-05-16

Rain check requirements for retail sales

The Assembly passed A5610-C on May 16, a bill requiring retailers to notify rain check holders within 10 days when advertised items are back in stock and prohibiting re-sale of items without rain checks for 120 days. Sponsor Asm. Alvarez defended the consumer protection measure, but Republicans and several Democrats raised significant concerns about implementation. Critics argued the phone notification requirement for potentially thousands of customers would be prohibitively expensive for low-cost items, likely discouraging retailers from offering rain checks altogether. Asm. Goodell identified potential drafting ambiguities regarding the 120-day restriction. The Republican Conference opposed the bill as written, though members were permitted to vote individually. The Democratic Majority voted in favor. The bill takes effect 180 days after passage.

A02741 PASSED 2023-05-09

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to summaries of readable and understandable insurance policies

The Assembly passed A02741, sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin, requiring insurers to provide auto and homeowners policyholders with a summary document clearly listing coverage inclusions and exclusions. The bill mandates the summary be in readable 16-point type. Assemblywoman Paulin argued the measure would clarify policy terms and reduce consumer confusion by explicitly listing principal exclusions not currently required on declaration pages. Assemblyman Blankenbush opposed the bill, contending that declaration pages already convey all necessary information and that the summary would merely duplicate existing content in a different format without providing substantive consumer benefit. The Majority Conference supported passage while the Republican Conference was generally opposed.

A04011 PASSED 2023-05-09

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to requiring the Superintendent of Financial Services to promulgate regulations which provide standardized definitions for commonly-used terms and phrases in certain insurance policies

The Assembly passed A04011, sponsored by Assemblyman Weprin, requiring the Superintendent of Financial Services to promulgate regulations establishing standardized definitions for commonly-used terms in homeowners and commercial property insurance policies by January 1, 2025. The bill aims to increase transparency and reduce consumer confusion stemming from Superstorm Sandy. Assemblyman Blankenbush opposed the measure, contending that standardized definitions would eliminate business flexibility and force commercial policyholders to purchase unnecessary coverages tailored to other businesses' needs. Assemblyman Blumencranz questioned whether the bill's broad language would apply to specialized industries like energy or inland marine. Sponsor Weprin noted the proposed regulations will undergo a 60-day public comment period and the superintendent can approve alternative definitions. The Majority Conference supported the bill while the Republican Conference was generally opposed.

Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.

Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026

bills

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.