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D
Asm. Sarah Clark
District 136
Democrat
First elected 2019
Sarah Clark has represented AD-136, a D+31 district in the Rochester area, since her first election in 2019, and holds a commanding electoral position — she won her 2024 general election with 67.4% of the vote against Orlando J. Rivera by a margin of 34.8 points, and her 2026 outlook is rated Safe D across all modeled environments. The district's 49.5% Democratic registration against 18.3% Republican, combined with a racially diverse population (65.4% white, 15.8% Black, 13.0% Hispanic) and a median household income of $68,782, reflects a mixed urban constituency with a 13.5% poverty rate and 63.3% homeownership rate. In the 2025 session, Clark sponsored 61 bills, with her heaviest focus in Education (14 bills) and Social Services (12 bills), followed by Executive (6 bills) and Public Health (5 bills), with 1 joint hearing engagement on record. No committee chairmanship is indicated in this brief, and lobbying sector data was not provided.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-136
Base lean: D+36
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+36). 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-136
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sarah H. Clark 67.4% (40,919) | Orlando J. Rivera 32.6% (19,769) | 34.8pts |
| 2022 | Sarah H. Clark 66.4% (31,963) | Orlando J. Rivera 33.6% (16,185) | 32.8pts |
| 2020 | Sarah Clark 86.7% (45,035) | Justin F. Wilcox 7.6% (3,955) | 79.1pts |
| 2018 | Jamie L. Romeo 100.0% (38,737) | Uncontested | — |
| 2016 | Joseph D. Morelle 100.0% (46,097) | Uncontested | — |
| 2014 | Joseph D. Morelle 100.0% (27,161) | Uncontested | — |
| 2012 | Joseph D. Morelle 100.0% (44,403) | Uncontested | — |
| 2010 | Philip A. Palmesano 89.8% (24,830) | Jason D. Jordan 10.2% (2,814) | 79.6pts |
| 2008 | James G. Bacalles 100.0% (31,333) | Uncontested | — |
| 2006 | James G. Bacalles 100.0% (25,559) | Uncontested | — |
| 2004 | James G. Bacalles 100.0% (35,670) | Uncontested | — |
| 2002 | James G. Bacalles 95.4% (25,922) | Eric M. Johnson 4.6% (1,256) | 90.8pts |
| 2000 | Joe Errigo 52.5% (28,059) | Christine W. Saltzberg 47.5% (25,428) | ⚡ 5.0pts |
| 1998 | Jerry Johnson 87.0% (26,184) | Daniel C. Fulmer 10.6% (3,200) | 76.4pts |
| 1996 | Jerry Johnson 92.8% (34,020) | Stephen P. Corryn 7.2% (2,654) | 85.6pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Democratic) | Sarah Clark 63.5% (9,206) | Justin F. Wilcox 27.7% (4,025) | 35.8pts |
| 2020 (Republican) | Jeff L. Gallahan 38.6% (3,479) | Cindy Wade 34.1% (3,077) | ⚡ 4.5pts |
| 2018 (Democratic) | Jamie L. Romeo 62.3% (6,621) | Jaclyn Richard 25.4% (2,695) | 36.9pts |
| 2010 (Republican) | Philip A. Palmesano 73.4% (6,773) | Steven R. Kula 26.6% (2,460) | 46.8pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 136 Profile
Population
133,792
Median income
$68,782
Median rent
$1,145
Homeownership
63.3%
Education (BA+)
43.5%
Poverty rate
13.5%
Uninsured rate
3.9%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
65.4%
Black
15.8%
Hispanic
13.0%
Asian
4.5%
Median age
40.4
Foreign born
8.7%
Limited English households
4.0%
Veterans
5.0%
Disability rate
14.0%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
70.9%
Public transit
2.2%
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
61
Joint hearing appearances
1
Floor debate appearances
24
Years in office
7
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A04909
PASSED
2026-03-04
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to creating the "Checkout NY" pass, a comprehensive pass that allows for free or discounted use of State parks, historic sites and recreational facilities, and provides one such pass to each consolidated, federated and cooperative public library system within the State free of charge for circulation
A07345-A
PASSED
2025-06-06
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to granting peace officer status to certain security officers employed by Highland Hospital
A00707
TABLED
2025-05-29
Law enforcement safety standards and training for biological hazards
A04003
PASSED
2025-05-12
An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to caregiver requirements for certain day care homes
The Assembly passed A04003, sponsored by Assemblywoman Clark, which amends Social Services Law to equalize caregiver requirements for home-based and center-based child care providers. The bill extends the infant-only designation to 18 months for home-based providers, matching existing center-based practice, allowing increased child-to-caregiver ratios after that age. Clark stated the change poses no danger to children, citing successful implementation in center-based settings, and will open additional child care slots to reduce waitlists for families seeking care.
A03008-C
PASSED
2025-05-07
Budget Bill - Rules Report No. 181. Comprehensive budget implementation legislation covering transportation, environment, economic development, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, and energy provisions.
The Assembly passed A03008-C, a comprehensive budget implementation bill (Rules Report No. 181), following extensive floor debate on multiple provisions. The bill covers transportation, environmental, economic development, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, and energy matters. Key provisions include reclassifying the Cannabis Control Board chair as a per diem rather than salaried position; requiring disclosure of algorithmically-determined dynamic pricing by retailers; regulating buy-now-pay-later lenders under Department of Financial Services oversight; extending DMV pre-licensing course provisions; redefining abandoned vehicles to expedite removal from streets; authorizing weigh-in-motion technology for overweight vehicle enforcement; committing $6 billion to the MTA 2025-2029 Capital Plan; and allowing tax data sharing between the Department of Taxation and Finance and environmental agencies for Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act implementation. During colloquy, Assemblymember Ra questioned provisions on AI companion systems, EV weight impacts on roads, and safeguards for tax data sharing. Chair Pretlow confirmed drug driving provisions were omitted and will appear in a future bill. The bill drew criticism from members concerned about corrections officer staffing and support, though others praised domestic violence victim protections and NYPD pension enhancements included in the measure.
A03008-C
PASSED
2025-05-07
Budget Bill - FY 2025-26 implementation legislation covering transportation, environment, economic development, and consumer protection provisions
The Assembly passed A03008-C, a comprehensive budget implementation bill covering FY 2025-26 provisions across transportation, environment, economic development, and consumer protection. The bill includes provisions reclassifying the Cannabis Control Board chair from salaried to per diem status while maintaining Section 73 ethics compliance; requiring dynamic pricing disclosure by retailers; regulating buy-now-pay-later lenders under DFS oversight; extending DMV pre-licensing courses; redefining abandoned vehicles to expedite removal; committing $6 billion to the MTA 2025-29 Capital Plan ($3 billion each from state and city); allowing tax data sharing with DEC and NYSERDA for CLCPA implementation; and prioritizing Superfund remediation at disadvantaged community sites. During floor debate, Asm. Ra questioned omission of drug driving provisions and MTA funding mechanisms, while Asm. Walsh and Manktelow opposed provisions allowing 18-21 year-olds in correctional facilities, citing maturity and retention concerns. Asm. Clark praised domestic violence victim support provisions using self-attestation for benefits. The bill passed without recorded vote tally being announced.
A03008-C
PASSED
2025-05-07
Budget Bill - Rules Report No. 181. Comprehensive budget implementation legislation covering transportation, environment, economic development, cannabis regulation, consumer protection, and energy provisions for State fiscal year 2025-26.
The Assembly passed A03008-C, a comprehensive budget implementation bill (Rules Report No. 181) covering transportation, environment, economic development, cannabis regulation, and consumer protection for fiscal year 2025-26. The bill drew debate on multiple provisions including allowing 18-21 year olds to work in correctional facilities, domestic violence victim benefits, NYPD pension increases, and cannabis board chair reclassification. Minority Leader Ra extensively questioned Chair Pretlow on dynamic pricing disclosure requirements, AI companion notification standards, MTA funding gaps, and buy-now-pay-later lending regulation. Assemblywoman Walsh opposed the corrections officer recruitment provision, citing maturity concerns and inadequate support for experienced officers. Assemblyman Manktelow similarly criticized the lack of corrections officer retention measures. The bill passed with support from members including Asm. Clark, who praised domestic violence victim self-attestation provisions, and Asm. Pheffer Amato, who defended the youth recruitment provision and highlighted NYPD pension improvements.
A04938
PASSED
2025-05-05
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians
A01012
2025-02-10
Public Authorities Law amendment requiring NYSERDA to develop comprehensive electric vehicle fast-charging station implementation plan
A00915 / S4667-A
PASSED
2025-01-22
Child care block grant funds for Statewide presumptive eligibility period
The Assembly passed A915, sponsored by Asm. Clark, amending the Social Services Law to allow child care block grant funds for the Statewide presumptive eligibility period for child care assistance. The bill, which also amends a 2024 law on the same subject, takes effect immediately. Clark spoke in favor during her vote explanation, calling it part of broader efforts to achieve universal child care in New York and noting the personal significance of the issue as a working parent of three children.
A00914 / S7702-A
PASSED
2025-01-21
Chapter amendment to Public Health Law relating to maternal health care and birthing best practices; modifies workgroup requirements
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to Public Health Law relating to maternal health care and birthing standards. Assemblywoman Walsh voted in the affirmative but expressed concern that the amendment weakens the original bill by eliminating a required workgroup and instead authorizing only the Commissioner of Health to evaluate and make recommendations, cutting the Legislature out of the reporting process.
A01303-A
PASSED
2024-06-05
An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to prohibiting requiring parents or caretakers to earn a minimum wage to be eligible for child care assistance
A01303-A
PASSED
2024-06-05
An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to prohibiting requiring parents or caretakers to earn a minimum wage to be eligible for child care assistance
A06563-A
PASSED
2024-05-14
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to requiring an education campaign about the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline and the crisis text line
The Assembly passed A06563-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Clark, requiring an education campaign about the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline and crisis text line. Clark explained that suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses and that SUNY, CUNY, and independent colleges are struggling to meet student mental health needs. The bill will place both the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis text line information on the back of student ID cards as an additional resource for students in crisis. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025.
A07264
2024-03-21
An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in relation to the awarding of certain purchase contracts to purchase food
A00856
PASSED
2024-03-18
An act to amend the General Obligations Law, in relation to prohibiting employers from requiring certain conditions or preconditions of employment
The Assembly passed A856, sponsored by Asm. Dinowitz, which prohibits employers from requiring employees to waive or arbitrate claims and rights under state or federal law as a condition of employment. The bill exempts agreements negotiated through collective bargaining. The measure sparked debate over federal preemption, with Republican Asm. Goodell citing multiple Supreme Court decisions striking down similar state legislation under the Federal Arbitration Act. Goodell argued arbitration clauses benefit employees by providing faster, cheaper dispute resolution, while Dinowitz countered that individual employees lack bargaining power and should not be coerced into signing away rights. The Democratic majority supported the bill, which passed on a party-line vote with Republicans generally opposed.
A09310-A
PASSED
2024-02-28
An act to amend the State Law, in relation to establishing congressional districts; and to repeal Article 7 of such law relating thereto
The New York State Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday establishing four designated judicial venues—New York County, Westchester County, Albany County, and Erie County—for all future reapportionment and redistricting challenges. The bill (A09310-A), sponsored by Asm. Zebrowski, aims to centralize expertise and discourage venue shopping in apportionment cases. Supporters argued that specialized courts with concentrated expertise are necessary to protect voting rights and democratic integrity, comparing the approach to federal specialized courts like the Tax Court. However, critics contended the measure effectively disenfranchises rural residents in the state's 62 counties who lack convenient access to the four designated venues, with some calling it unconstitutional. Asm. Goodell questioned why the Legislature would not designate Steuben County, where a judge's reapportionment ruling was repeatedly affirmed on appeal. The bill passed following extended debate over access to courts and the proper balance between judicial expertise and constitutional rights.
A08499
PASSED
2024-02-27
An act to amend the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974, in relation to authorizing a civil penalty when owners refuse to participate in a vacancy survey or submit false vacancy information
The Assembly passed legislation allowing municipalities to impose civil penalties up to $500 on property owners who refuse to participate in vacancy surveys or submit false information under the Emergency Tenant Protection Act. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Clark, the bill is a chapter amendment to prior legislation and removes a provision that would have revoked Certificates of Occupancy for non-compliance. The measure enables municipalities to gather housing data and optionally implement rent stabilization policies. Assemblyman Goodell opposed the bill, arguing that rent stabilization has failed to address New York City's housing crisis over 50 years and that extending such policies upstate would discourage private investment and worsen housing shortages. The Democratic majority supported the bill while the Republican Conference generally opposed it.
A08604 / S5935
PASSED
2024-01-29
Chapter Amendment relating to the Hope Card Act for domestic violence survivors
The Assembly passed A08604, a Chapter Amendment to the Hope Card Act sponsored by Assemblywoman Clark, which expands protections for domestic violence survivors by providing both physical and digital access to Orders of Protection. The amendment makes New York the sixth state to enact the Hope Card Act. Assemblywoman Clark praised the Governor's team for expanding access options beyond the originally proposed physical cards to include digital alternatives, giving survivors more flexibility in how they carry proof of their protective orders.
A08207-A / S____
PASSED
2024-01-23
An act to require the Department of Health to convene a maternal health care and birthing standards workgroup; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
The Assembly passed legislation requiring the Department of Health to convene a maternal health care and birthing standards workgroup on Maternal Health Awareness Day. Sponsor Assemblywoman Clark, speaking on the bill, highlighted declining maternal and infant health outcomes in New York State and her county, calling the measure a necessary first step in a broader package of maternal health bills. Clark, a mother of three, emphasized the need to adapt services to meet mothers' needs and ensure safer birthing experiences.
A02656
PASSED
2024-01-22
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to permitting pregnant women to enroll in health insurance during a special enrollment period without penalty.
A05040 / S____
PASSED
2023-06-09
An act to amend the Judiciary Law, in relation to enacting the "Hope Card Act"
The Assembly passed the Hope Card Act, making New York the sixth state to adopt wallet-sized laminated cards for domestic violence survivors with orders of protection. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Clark, the bill empowers survivors to share the cards with employers, schools, and neighbors to inform them of protection orders and enforcement procedures. Assemblywoman Walsh noted the practical benefit, as traditional orders of protection often deteriorate from being carried in purses and pockets. The bill also enhances law enforcement's ability to enforce the protections.
A06843-A
2023-06-09
Amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974 in relation to studies to determine vacancy rates
A03113-A / S[NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED]
PASSED
2023-06-07
Health equity impact assessments - reproductive health and maternal health care
The Assembly passed legislation expanding health equity impact assessments required under the Certificate of Need process to specifically include reproductive health services and maternal healthcare. Sponsor Asm. Clark argued that because New York has statutorily protected reproductive rights through the Reproductive Health Act, these services deserve specific attention in assessments. She noted that 1.2 million New Yorkers live in contraceptive deserts and two counties have no access to reproductive care. Opponents, including Asm. Jensen, Asm. Ra, and Asm. K. Brown, raised concerns that the bill could disproportionately impact faith-based healthcare systems that do not provide certain reproductive services, potentially affecting their ability to expand or merge. They also questioned whether the timing—with an effective date of June 23—could disrupt ongoing Certificate of Need applications. Clark clarified that the assessment is informational and does not require providers to offer services outside their mission. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with Republicans 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
bills
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bills
bills
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bills
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.