Asm. William Colton — The Commons Gallery

William Colton has represented AD-47, a D+31 district in Brooklyn, since 1996, and holds a Safe D rating across all modeled 2026 scenarios; his most recent contest in 2024 produced a 21.6-point margin over David Sepiashvili, a recovery from the district's closest race in recent history — a 9.6-point margin in 2022 against Dmitriy Kugel. The district is a densely urban, majority-minority constituency with a population of 131,078 that is 39.3% Asian and 17.2% Hispanic, carries a 20.2% poverty rate, a median household income of $68,155, and a low homeownership rate of 34.2%; registered Democrats hold a 48.3% to 17.0% advantage over Republicans, with 32.4% enrolled as independents. Colton's 60 sponsored bills in the 2025 session concentrate most heavily in Public Authorities (9 bills), Environmental Conservation (6 bills), and Vehicle and Traffic (6 bills), with additional activity in Education, Insurance, and New York City Administrative Code (4 bills each). The top lobbying sectors active in his district have not been separately enumerated in this brief, but his Public Authorities sponsorship volume — including MTA-related notification legislation — reflects sustained engagement with transit and infrastructure policy.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-47

Base lean: D+25

Favorable D

Safe D

Neutral

Safe D

Favorable R

Safe D

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+25). 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-47

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	William Colton 60.8% (16,365)	David Sepiashvili 39.2% (10,566)	21.6pts
2022	William Colton 54.8% (9,503)	Dmitriy Kugel 45.2% (7,838)	⚡ 9.6pts
2020	William Colton 61.9% (18,859)	Barbara Marino 38.1% (11,612)	23.8pts
2018	William Colton 69.5% (12,525)	Florence A. LaSalle 30.5% (5,501)	39.0pts
2016	William Colton 88.7% (18,872)	Malka Shahar 11.3% (2,416)	77.4pts
2014	William Colton 70.9% (6,447)	Joseph D. Baranello 29.1% (2,641)	41.8pts
2012	William Colton 74.4% (14,370)	James Rippa 25.6% (4,942)	48.8pts
2010	William Colton 65.9% (8,605)	Phyllis Carbo 34.1% (4,457)	31.8pts
2008	William Colton 72.7% (14,949)	Russell C. Gallo 27.3% (5,627)	45.4pts
2006	William Colton 78.5% (9,168)	Phyllis Carbo 21.5% (2,509)	57.0pts
2004	William Colton 94.8% (15,064)	Glenn D. Bell 5.2% (821)	89.6pts
2002	William Colton 93.2% (7,681)	Rose Delgiudice 6.8% (561)	86.4pts
2000	William Colton 71.1% (15,034)	Nora DeAngelo 23.5% (4,973)	47.6pts
1998	William Colton 63.9% (9,564)	Anthony А. Laucella 35.3% (5,278)	28.6pts
1996	William Colton 65.6% (11,274)	Sergio Santomauro 34.4% (5,899)	31.2pts

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

Voter Registration

48%

17%

35%

Dem 48.3% Rep 17.0% Ind/Other 34.6%

District 47 Profile

Population 131,078

Median income $68,155

Median rent $1,729

Homeownership 34.2%

Education (BA+) 33.2%

Poverty rate 20.2%

Uninsured rate 7.4%

Unemployment rate 7.0%

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

Demographics

White 38.9%

Black 2.6%

Hispanic 17.2%

Asian 39.3%

Median age 40.7

Foreign born 54.9%

Limited English households 33.4%

Veterans 1.5%

Disability rate 11.2%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 22.3%

Public transit 45.7%

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)

60

25

Years in office 30

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

Floor Session Activity 2025–2026

A01906 PASSED 2026-03-25

An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to providing notification to customers of bed bug infestations on MTA subways, trains and buses

The Assembly passed A1906, sponsored by Asm. Colton, requiring the MTA to notify customers of bed bug infestations within 24 hours of discovery. Colton argued the measure ensures transparency and public confidence in the transit system, noting New York City ranks second nationally for bed bug problems and millions use transit daily. The bill would use existing MTA communication systems (email, text, apps) to alert riders. However, opponents Gandolfo and Durso raised significant concerns: the bill mandates notification without requiring MTA staff to be trained to identify bed bugs, lacks specificity about which vehicles are affected, does not require removal of infested vehicles from service, and provides no follow-up notification about remediation. Durso argued the bill puts the cart before the horse by legislating notification without ensuring the MTA has the expertise to identify bed bugs. The Minority Conference voted against the bill while the Majority Conference voted in favor.

A09465 / S02709 PASSED 2026-02-25

An act to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to protections for telecommunications tower technicians

A02010-A PASSED 2026-02-24

Notice requirement for changes in NYC Transit Authority service levels

A00357-B / S00357 PASSED 2025-06-13

An act to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, in relation to access to adjoining property to make improvements or repairs

The Assembly passed A357-B, sponsored by Assemblymember Rajkumar, amending the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to modify access rights for adjoining property owners making improvements or repairs. Assemblymember Colton voted against the measure, arguing it favors larger developers by allowing permanent relocation of building elements like chimneys and vents on neighboring properties without requiring full disclosure of plans. Colton warned the change would force existing property owners to hire private attorneys to protect their rights and incur additional environmental and legal expenses. The bill passed on a voice vote.

A08465 PASSED 2025-06-05

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prevailing wage for those involved in the hauling of concrete and asphalt

The Assembly passed A08465, a multi-sponsored bill amending Labor Law to establish prevailing wage requirements for those involved in hauling concrete and asphalt. The measure was considered on the consent calendar. Asm. Palmesano voted against the bill, citing concerns that the term 'public works website' is not defined and questioning whether utilities performing excavation work would be required to pay prevailing wage for hauling under the legislation. Palmesano expressed concern that such requirements could increase costs passed to ratepayers at a time when utility rates are rising across the board.

A08465 2025-05-29

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prevailing wage for those involved in the hauling of concrete and asphalt

A01906 PASSED 2025-05-15

An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to providing notification to customers of bed bug infestations on MTA subways, trains and buses

The Assembly passed A1906, sponsored by Asm. Colton, requiring the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to notify customers of bed bug infestations on subways, trains and buses within 24 hours of discovery. The bill would allow the MTA to use existing notification systems including its website, email alerts, and text messages to inform riders. The measure drew debate over whether notifications without specific train car or bus numbers would meaningfully protect riders or merely provide the MTA legal cover. Supporters argued the bill provides necessary transparency at minimal cost using systems already in place. Opponents questioned the practical effectiveness of vague notifications and raised concerns that riders might not check the MTA website in time to avoid exposure. The bill passed on a party-line vote with some exceptions, with the Minority Conference generally opposed and the Majority Conference generally in favor.

A01994 PASSED 2025-05-14

An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law, in relation to parking infractions

The Assembly passed A1994, sponsored by Asm. Colton, which would require automatic dismissal of parking tickets with missing, misdescribed, or illegible required information. The bill eliminates the current requirement that ticket recipients request dismissal, instead mandating sua sponte dismissal by courts or traffic violation bureaus. Colton argued the measure protects constituents from government errors and the burden of paying non-refundable fees to vacate default judgments, particularly seniors and those who never received tickets. Opponents including Asm. Walsh and Asm. Ra raised concerns about administrative burden on courts and municipalities, removal of judicial discretion, and the potential to dismiss tickets for actual parking violations due to technical defects. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against, though individual members could vote contrary to their conference position.

A02725-A PASSED 2025-05-05

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to requiring employers to include an opioid antagonist in first aid supplies required by Federal law

A355 PASSED 2025-04-28

An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to partially exempting from taxation certain residential real property transferred to low-income households

A01979 PASSED 2025-04-01

Amend Civil Service Law in relation to employee representation of State employees designated managerial or confidential

A04850 LAID ASIDE 2025-04-01

Amend Civil Service Law to enact the 'New York State Teleworking Expansion Act'

A06867 LAID ASIDE 2025-03-25

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prevailing wage for covered airport workers

A06868 PASSED 2025-03-25

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to the civil penalties for violations of child labor laws

The Assembly passed A06868, legislation increasing civil penalties for violations of child labor laws. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Hooks in her first bill passage, received support from members including Assemblymember Palmesano, who voted affirmatively while calling for broader attention to child labor in global supply chains.

A03359 LAID ASIDE 2025-03-17

Amending the Penal Law in relation to the crime of Computer Tampering in the Third Degree

A01677 / S6635 PASSED 2025-02-04

An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to claims for mental injury premised upon extraordinary work-related stress

A01678 / S8358-C PASSED 2025-02-04

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to requiring retail worker employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence

A02249 / S9832 PASSED 2025-02-04

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to model management companies and model management groups; enacting the New York State Fashion Workers Act

A02432 / S5081-C PASSED 2025-02-04

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders; establishing the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction program

A06317 2024-06-07

Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act

Debate began on the Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act (A06317), sponsored by Asm. Glick and others, which would authorize homeowners to install rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and native habitat gardens despite homeowner association restrictions. Asm. Goodell opposed the measure, arguing it improperly overrides existing deeds, contracts, bylaws, and agreements that homeowners voluntarily signed when purchasing property. Goodell contended that homeowner associations are formed to maintain agreed-upon standards and that the Legislature should not override these voluntary legal agreements. The debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.

S06635 PASSED 2024-06-05

Workers' Compensation Law amendment — mental injury claims for extraordinary work-related stress

The Assembly passed legislation expanding Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims to all workers, removing restrictions that previously limited such claims to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Reyes and others, allows workers in any profession to file claims for mental injuries stemming from extraordinary work-related stress, provided claims are evaluated by the Workers' Compensation Board and supported by physician diagnosis. Supporters cited examples of nurses during COVID, correction officers, and supermarket workers affected by traumatic events. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Goodell, warned the bill lacks clear standards for defining 'extraordinary stress,' could invite fraud and unlimited claims, and would increase costs for businesses already burdened by New York's Workers' Compensation rates, which are 69 percent higher than the national average. The measure passed despite Republican opposition and concerns about unknown fiscal impact.

S06635 PASSED 2024-06-05

Expand Workers' Compensation claims for mental injury from extraordinary work-related stress to all employees

The Assembly passed legislation expanding Workers' Compensation eligibility for mental injury claims based on extraordinary work-related stress to all employees, removing current restrictions limiting such claims to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers. Sponsor Assemblywoman Reyes argued the expansion is necessary to cover workers like nurses, correction officers, and supermarket employees who experience extraordinary stress but are currently excluded. The bill allows claims to be evaluated by the Workers' Compensation Board and a physician rather than requiring a specific work-related emergency. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Goodell, raised concerns about undefined standards for "extraordinary stress," potential fraud, unknown costs to businesses, and the impact on New York's already-strained Workers' Compensation system and business climate. Goodell cited New York's 69% higher Workers' Comp rates compared to the national average and the state's loss of 200,000 residents last year. The bill passed without a recorded tally being announced in this segment.

A2546 PASSED 2024-03-27

Amending Vehicle and Traffic Law in relation to parking infractions

The Assembly passed legislation (A2546) that would require courts to automatically dismiss parking tickets containing missing, misdescribed, or illegible information, rather than requiring the ticket recipient to request dismissal. Sponsored by Assemblyman Colton and co-sponsored by numerous members, the bill addresses situations where defaults are entered against individuals who never received tickets or were unable to respond due to illness or other circumstances. Supporters argued the current system creates injustice, particularly for seniors and vulnerable populations who must first pay tickets before challenging them on grounds of missing required information. Republicans opposed the measure, arguing it imposes unnecessary obligations on courts and the Bureau of Traffic Violations without solving the underlying problem. The New York City Office of the Mayor also opposed the bill. The measure passed on a party-line vote.

A07264 2024-03-21

An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in relation to the awarding of certain purchase contracts to purchase food

A5550 PASSED 2024-03-14

An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to designating the Montauk Pilot shoals area as an important bird area and making such area part of the New York State Bird Conservation Area Program

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.