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Asm. Marianne Buttenschon

District 119 Democrat First elected 2019

Marianne Buttenschon, a Democrat first elected in 2019, represents AD-119, a D+3 district with a voter registration breakdown of 35.3% Democrat, 32.7% Republican, and 25.5% Independent, making her one of the chamber's more electorally exposed members. Her 2024 general election result — a 1.6-point margin over Christine Esposito — marks a sharp decline from her 12.6-point margin in 2022, and her 2026 vulnerability model places the seat at Toss-up under a favorable Republican environment, with a base lean of only D+6. The district has a median household income of $61,574, a 20.8% poverty rate, and a population that is 70.9% white, reflecting a working-class, mixed urban-suburban character in Central New York. Buttenschon's 208 sponsored bills in the 2025 session are concentrated in Penal law (18 bills), Education (14 bills), and Public Health (7 bills), with top lobbying sectors not specified in the brief; her sponsorship pattern spans criminal justice, mental hygiene, and vehicle and traffic law, suggesting a broad legislative portfolio oriented toward public safety and community services.AI

Vulnerability Index

Base lean: D+6

Favorable D
Likely D
Neutral
Lean D
Favorable R
Toss-up
  • Won last contested race by only 1.5 points

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+6). 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

General Elections

Year Winner Runner-up Margin
2024 Marianne Buttenschon 50.8% (23,337) Christine Esposito 49.2% (22,629) 1.6pts
2022 Marianne Buttenschon 56.3% (19,350) John S. Zielinski 43.7% (15,022) 12.6pts
2020 Marianne Buttenschon 57.4% (27,434) John S. Zielinski 42.1% (20,122) 15.3pts
2018 Marianne Buttenschon 55.5% (20,889) Dennis B. Bova, Jr. 44.5% (16,732) 11.0pts
2016 Anthony J. Brindisi 100.0% (32,970) Uncontested
2014 Anthony J. Brindisi 100.0% (18,920) Uncontested
2012 Anthony J. Brindisi 100.0% (32,951) Uncontested
2010 Sam Roberts 54.5% (19,589) John W. Sharon 32.1% (11,562) 22.4pts
2008 Joan K. Christensen 69.3% (35,371) Christina Fadden Fitch 30.7% (15,639) 38.6pts
2006 Joan K. Christensen 73.5% (28,095) Jacques Zenner 26.5% (10,153) 47.0pts
2004 Joan K. Christensen 68.5% (33,701) Charles M. lavarone 31.5% (15,515) 37.0pts
2002 Joan K. Christensen 59.4% (22,634) William E. Sanford 40.6% (15,475) 18.8pts
2000 Joan K. Christensen 66.3% (24,970) Robert S. Faulkner 31.7% (11,922) 34.6pts
1998 Joan K. Christensen 65.5% (19,445) James G. Di Stefano 32.8% (9,750) 32.7pts
1996 Joan K. Christensen 72.7% (26,169) Thomas F. Auffhammer 27.3% (9,804) 45.4pts

Primary Elections

Year Winner Runner-up Margin
2018 (Republican) Dennis B. Bova, Jr. 51.7% (992) Frederick L. Nichols 48.3% (928) 3.4pts

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

Voter Registration

35%
33%
32%
Dem 35.3% Rep 32.7% Ind/Other 32.1%

District 119 Profile

Population 130,231
Median income $61,574
Median rent $946
Homeownership 58.4%
Education (BA+) 24.0%
Poverty rate 20.8%
Uninsured rate 3.8%
Unemployment rate 6.0%

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

Demographics

White 70.9%
Black 10.3%
Hispanic 10.0%
Asian 6.2%
Median age 37.5
Foreign born 12.2%
Limited English households 4.5%
Veterans 5.7%
Disability rate 16.6%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 71.8%
Public transit 2.0%

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 208
Floor debate appearances 25
Years in office 7

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

Floor Session Activity

A08087 PASSED 2026-03-09
An act to amend the Military Law, in relation to the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal
The Assembly passed A08087, sponsored by Assemblymember Stern and others, authorizing the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal. Assemblymember Slater spoke in support, noting that Cold War veterans answered their nation's call and deserve special recognition. He stated that Cold War era veterans in his district have specifically requested this commemorative medal and that state recognition would be meaningful to many veterans.
A08089 PASSED 2026-03-09
An act to amend the Veterans' Services Law, in relation to establishing a New York State Veterans' and Service Member Law Book
The Assembly passed A08089, establishing a New York State Veterans' and Service Member Law Book. Assemblymember Dais explained that the bill ensures veterans and their families have access to needed resources and makes it easier for veterans to obtain information. Assemblymember Walsh expressed support but raised concerns about the Department of Veterans Services' capacity to undertake this significant effort, citing past issues with distributing tax checkoff funds to veterans' organizations. The bill passed unanimously last year and is currently pending in the Senate.
A01034 PASSED 2026-03-04
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to including masking products within the definition of drug-related paraphernalia
The Assembly passed A01034, sponsored by Assemblywoman Buttenschon, amending the General Business Law to include masking products within the definition of drug-related paraphernalia. Buttenschon explained the bill addresses manufacturer concerns about worker safety by ensuring that masking products used to conceal the use of mind-altering substances are included in the definition of drug-related paraphernalia, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety in the workplace.
A08022-A PASSED 2026-02-09
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to requiring certain covered platforms to provide a process for law enforcement agencies to contact such platform and to comply with search warrants within 72 hours
A04944 PASSED 2026-02-09
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to prohibiting the operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure
A08490-A PASSED 2025-06-09
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing occupancy taxes in the City of Utica and the City of Rome
A06741 PASSED 2025-06-09
An act to amend the Judiciary Law, in relation to increasing the daily rate of compensation for interpreters in town and village courts
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Asm. Conrad increasing the daily compensation rate for interpreters in town and village courts from $25 per day to $110 per day. The rate has remained unchanged since 1990. Conrad argued the increase is necessary because interpreter demand has grown significantly due to multiple languages and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and the current rate makes it difficult to attract qualified interpreters. The bill is supported by the New York State Magistrate's Association and Association of Towns. Asm. Walsh raised concerns that the quadrupling of the rate creates an unfunded mandate on counties, noting that towns and villages already pay above the $25 rate when interpreters demand higher fees. Asm. Shimsky supported the bill, arguing that language fluency is a serious skill requiring thousands of hours of effort and should not be compensated at such low rates. Asm. Buttenschon, a former court clerk, commended the sponsor for addressing the need for interpreters to help non-English speakers understand court proceedings. The Republican Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference voted in favor.
A08490-A PASSED 2025-06-09
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing occupancy taxes in the City of Utica and the City of Rome
A06741 PASSED 2025-06-09
An act to amend the Judiciary Law, in relation to increasing the daily rate of compensation for interpreters in town and village courts
The Assembly passed A06741, sponsored by Asm. Conrad, increasing the daily compensation rate for interpreters in town and village courts from $25 to $110 per day—the first increase since 1990. Conrad explained that the outdated rate fails to meet current demand for interpreters in multiple languages and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The funds come from court fees, fines, and court-ordered payments held in county trust accounts, not direct county appropriations. Asm. Walsh raised concerns that the quadrupling of the rate constitutes an unfunded mandate on municipalities, which must cover any interpreter fees exceeding $110. She noted that counties already face uncontrolled costs from recent increases to 18B attorney rates. Conrad countered that Erie County towns and villages submitted only $4,400 in reimbursement requests in 2024 (approximately 176 days at the current rate) and that state courts pay $385 for full-day interpreter services. The bill is supported by the New York State Magistrate's Association and the Association of Towns. Asm. Shimsky and Asm. Buttenschon, a former town court clerk, spoke in favor, emphasizing that professional interpretation is a valuable skill and necessary for fair court proceedings.
A06721-A PASSED 2025-06-06
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing confidentiality for communications arising out of law enforcement peer support counseling
The Assembly passed A06721-A, sponsored by Asm. Judy Griffin, establishing confidentiality protections for law enforcement peer support counseling communications. The bill creates a formal peer-to-peer mental health support program for police officers modeled on the successful Joseph P. Dwyer program for veterans. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing that law enforcement officers face suicide rates 54 percent higher than the general population and that peer support with confidentiality protections is critical to address the trauma officers experience responding to violent crimes and life-threatening situations. Asm. Griffin noted the legislation was years in the making with input from police organizations statewide, including the Nassau County PBA. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, with speakers including former law enforcement officer Asm. O'Pharrow and members from across the state.
A07334 PASSED 2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing Oneida County to impose additional rates of sales and compensating use taxes and providing for allocation and distribution of a portion of net collections from such additional rates.
A07334 PASSED 2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing Oneida County to impose additional rates of sales and compensating use taxes and providing for allocation and distribution of a portion of net collections from such additional rates.
A07334 PASSED 2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing Oneida County to impose additional rates of sales and compensating use taxes and providing for allocation and distribution of a portion of net collections from such additional rates.
A00688 PASSED 2025-05-12
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing minimum basic training related to handling emergency situations involving individuals with any physical and/or developmental disability to all firefighters
A04649-A PASSED 2025-05-05
An act to amend the Veterans' Services Law, in relation to Certificates of Honorable Separation from or services in the Armed Forces of the United States
A00688 2025-04-01
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing minimum basic training related to handling emergency situations involving individuals with any physical and/or developmental disability to all firefighters
A06138 PASSED 2025-04-01
Amend Election Law in relation to split shifts for election inspectors or poll clerks
A07279 PASSED 2025-04-01
Amend Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to require development and posting of a senior trail guide identifying walking and hiking opportunities for active seniors within the State park system and along public non-motorized multi-use trails
A00688 2025-04-01
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to providing minimum basic training related to handling emergency situations involving individuals with any physical and/or developmental disability to all firefighters
A01053-A PASSED 2025-03-25
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to the recall of Class B firefighting foam and prohibiting the sale of distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment that contains intentionally-added PFAS
A01470 / S8596-A PASSED 2025-02-04
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to Veterans Tuition Awards program eligibility
A01588-A / S____ PASSED 2024-06-07
Requiring public institutions and buildings to be equipped with opioid antagonists
A09205-A / S09205-A PASSED 2024-06-07
Expanding eligibility under the Veterans Tuition Awards Program
A01588-A PASSED 2024-06-07
Opioid antagonists in public institutions and buildings
A09205-A / S09205-A PASSED 2024-06-07
Expanding eligibility under the Veterans Tuition Awards Program

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

Bill Focus Areas

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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.