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D
Asm. Catalina Cruz
District 39
Democrat
First elected 2019
Catalina Cruz has represented AD-39 since first being elected in 2018, winning that initial contest with a 77.3-point margin and running uncontested in every general election thereafter through 2024; the district carries a base lean of D+57 and is rated Safe D across all modeled electoral environments, reflecting one of the most reliably Democratic seats in the chamber. The district is majority-Hispanic at 56.1% of the population, with 19.8% white and 25.6% Asian residents, a homeownership rate of 31.4%, a poverty rate of 16.1%, and a voter registration breakdown of 59.1% Democrat and 11.8% Republican. Cruz sponsored 107 bills in the 2025 session, with her heaviest concentration in Executive law (12 bills), Criminal Procedure (11 bills), and Education (9 bills), alongside notable activity in Insurance (5 bills) and Correction (4 bills). Top lobbying sectors active in her district and legislative orbit include insurance and real property interests, areas that align directly with her sponsorship footprint in Insurance law and Real Property law.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-39
Base lean: D+57
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+57). 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-39
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Catalina Cruz 100.0% (19,859) | Uncontested | — |
| 2022 | Catalina Cruz 100.0% (12,309) | Uncontested | — |
| 2020 | Catalina Cruz 100.0% (21,765) | Uncontested | — |
| 2018 | Catalina Cruz 87.8% (13,238) | Ari Espinal 10.5% (1,579) | 77.3pts |
| 2016 | Francisco P. Moya 100.0% (20,083) | Uncontested | — |
| 2014 | Francisco P. Moya 100.0% (5,934) | Uncontested | — |
| 2012 | Francisco P. Moya 100.0% (14,663) | Uncontested | — |
| 2010 | Francisco P. Moya 100.0% (7,846) | Uncontested | — |
| 2008 | Jose R. Peralta 100.0% (12,664) | Uncontested | — |
| 2006 | Jose R. Peralta 100.0% (7,081) | Uncontested | — |
| 2004 | Jose R. Peralta 86.3% (12,415) | Giash U. Ahmed 13.7% (1,966) | 72.6pts |
| 2002 | Jose R. Peralta 73.5% (5,782) | Charley S. Gonzales 26.5% (2,085) | 47.0pts |
| 2000 | Frank R. Seddio 78.0% (24,640) | Lori Sue Maslow 22.0% (6,957) | 56.0pts |
| 1998 | Frank Seddio 88.9% (13,259) | John P. Reinhardt 11.1% (1,648) | 77.8pts |
| 1996 | Anthony J. Genovesi 73.1% (17,417) | Michael Burnstein 26.9% (6,398) | 46.2pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Democratic) | Catalina Cruz 86.4% (5,825) | Ramon A. Ramirez 13.6% (915) | 72.8pts |
| 2018 (Democratic) | Catalina Cruz 53.5% (3,825) | Ari Espinal 43.3% (3,093) | 10.2pts |
Special Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Ari Espinal 100.0% (778) | Uncontested | — |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 39 Profile
Population
126,032
Median income
$75,208
Median rent
$1,923
Homeownership
31.4%
Education (BA+)
29.3%
Poverty rate
16.1%
Uninsured rate
16.1%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
19.8%
Black
2.1%
Hispanic
56.1%
Asian
25.6%
Median age
39.0
Foreign born
58.7%
Limited English households
28.0%
Veterans
1.2%
Disability rate
10.5%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
16.7%
Public transit
57.1%
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
107
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 2025–2026
A01392
PASSED
2026-03-23
An act to require the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop recommendations regarding the establishment of microgrids
A10514-A
PASSED
2026-03-23
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to guidance, recommendations and best practices related to incorporating placenta accreta spectrum screenings into routine prenatal care
The Assembly passed A10514-A, legislation requiring the New York State Department of Health to develop guidance and best practices for incorporating placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) screenings into routine prenatal care. Sponsor Zaccaro noted that PAS incidence has surged from 1 in 1,250 pregnancies in 1980 to 1 in 272 by 2025, often going undetected until delivery and causing life-threatening complications. The bill mandates standardized, evidence-based screening guidelines to ensure consistent assessments across providers. Assemblywoman Forrest praised the legislation as part of addressing Black maternal health disparities. The bill passed on consent.
A00182-A
PASSED
2026-03-17
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety and loss prevention courses
The Assembly passed A00182-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Cruz, requiring the Department of Financial Services to issue a request for proposal to implement a homeowner natural disaster preparedness and loss prevention program authorized nearly a decade ago in the 2016 Budget. The bill addresses a decade-long implementation gap; despite a 2017 circular letter encouraging insurers to submit disaster preparedness courses for approval, no proposals have been submitted. The legislation would provide state funding and financial incentive through an RFP to encourage insurers to develop courses, allowing homeowners to earn insurance premium discounts upon completion. Assemblywoman Walsh, who voted in favor, noted the program's value in encouraging disaster preparedness amid increasing extreme weather events. The New York Insurance Association opposed the bill, questioning its meaningfulness and characterizing it as a mandate on DFS. The bill passed on a party-line vote with some Republican support.
A08482
LAID ASIDE
2026-03-09
An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to prohibiting insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market
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.
A09447 / S6363
PASSED
2026-01-21
An act to amend the Real Property Law and the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, in relation to the discharge of a mortgage
A09467
PASSED
2026-01-13
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting unfair residential real estate service agreements
A01260
PASSED
2026-01-12
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to alternative forms of identification for renters insurance
A05886-C / S06361-B
PASSED
2025-06-16
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting unfair residential real estate service agreements
A05886-C / S05886
LAID ASIDE
2025-06-13
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting unfair residential real estate service agreements
A00203-B
PASSED
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring hospitals to develop a violence prevention program
A00673-A / S00673
LAID ASIDE
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to facilitating appellate review of rulings that implicate issues of public concern
A00333
PASSED
2025-05-29
MWBE growth plan for State contracts and subcontracts
A08482
PASSED
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to prohibiting insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market
The Assembly passed legislation eliminating the requirement that workers with temporary partial or temporary full disabilities demonstrate ongoing attachment to the labor market to receive workers' compensation benefits. Sponsor Assemblywoman Cruz argued the requirement is onerous for injured workers undergoing physical therapy and healing, while opponents including Assemblywoman Walsh contended it is a reasonable safeguard against fraud comparable to work-search requirements for unemployment benefits. The bill clarifies that workers must still return to work once medically cleared and that the Workers' Compensation Board can still investigate suspected fraud. Former Workers' Compensation Judge Jacobson testified that nearly all his clients wanted to return to work but faced barriers including denial of treatment. The measure is expected to save the Workers' Compensation Board significant litigation costs related to labor market attachment disputes.
A00182
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety and loss prevention courses
The Assembly debated legislation requiring the Department of Financial Services to implement a Homeowner Natural Disaster Preparedness and Home Safety and Loss Prevention Program that was authorized in the 2016 budget but never implemented. Sponsor Assemblywoman Cruz expressed frustration that DFS has taken no action in nine years despite the program's potential to educate homeowners on disaster preparedness and provide insurance premium reductions. The bill requires DFS to issue a request for proposal by March 1, 2026, and submit a funding request to the Governor's office. Assemblywoman Walsh initially raised constitutional concerns about budget requests but acknowledged the sponsor's clarification that DFS requests would be directed to the Governor, not the Legislature. Walsh indicated she would support the bill based on the sponsor's clarification, noting that while the bill received 40 negative votes last year, the sponsor's answers addressed previous concerns.
A08482
PASSED
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to prohibiting insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market
The Assembly passed legislation on May 27 that would eliminate the requirement for workers with temporary partial or temporary full disabilities to demonstrate ongoing attachment to the labor market to receive workers' compensation benefits. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Cruz, the bill drew sharp debate over whether the requirement is an onerous burden on injured workers or a reasonable safeguard against fraud. Cruz argued the requirement forces workers undergoing physical therapy to simultaneously job-hunt, diverting focus from healing. Assemblywoman Walsh countered that the requirement is comparable to work-search obligations for unemployment and public assistance recipients and expressed concerns about potential malingering. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Majority voting affirmatively and the Minority Conference voting in the negative. Assemblyman Jacobson, a former Workers' Compensation judge, spoke in favor, noting that most injured workers want to return to work but face barriers including denial of treatment.
A00182
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety and loss prevention courses
The Assembly debated legislation on May 27 to compel the Department of Financial Services to implement a Homeowner Natural Disaster Preparedness, Home Safety and Loss Prevention Program that was authorized in the 2016 budget but has languished for nine years. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Cruz, the bill would require DFS to issue a request for proposals for disaster preparedness and home safety courses by March 1, 2026, and to submit a budget request for funding. The program would allow insurers to offer three-year premium reductions to homeowners who complete the courses. Cruz expressed frustration that despite multiple natural disasters and repeated legislative efforts since 2021, DFS has not promulgated standards or guidelines for the program. Assemblywoman Walsh raised a constitutional concern regarding Article VII budget procedures but indicated support after Cruz clarified that DFS budget requests would go to the Governor's office, not the Legislature. Walsh noted this addressed concerns that led to a 107-40 vote against the bill last year.
A00182
2025-05-21
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety and loss prevention courses
A08482
2025-05-21
An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to prohibiting insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market
A01260
PASSED
2025-05-19
Alternative forms of identification for renters insurance
A07928
2025-05-13
An act to amend Chapter 730 of the Laws of 2019, amending the Executive Law relating to the authority of the New York Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund, Inc., in relation to the effectiveness thereof
The Assembly debated legislation extending the New York Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund's authority through 2028. Sponsor Assemblywoman Cruz said the bill continues a program providing supplemental health benefits—including vision care, telemedicine, dental, hearing, and mental health services—to over 100,000 independent black car, Uber, and Lyft drivers funded by a 2.5 percent passenger surcharge. Assemblywoman Giglio questioned whether recent benefit expansions exceed the Legislature's 2019 authorization, which she said was limited to vision care and telemedicine. Giglio also raised concerns about riders subsidizing driver healthcare, the 40-hour monthly work requirement for eligibility, and whether the board should adjust surcharge rates without legislative oversight. Cruz countered that the benefits address gaps in contractor healthcare and the surcharge is capped and minimal relative to ride costs. The debate remained unresolved at the transcript's end.
A01865
PASSED
2025-05-13
Black Car Benefit Fund extension and expansion
The Assembly passed legislation extending the New York State Black Car Benefit Fund for three additional years at current surcharge levels. Sponsored by Asm. Cruz, the bill maintains the fund's mission of providing healthcare coverage to independent contractor drivers ineligible for traditional employee benefits. Cruz noted the fund has served over 80,000 New Yorkers and now includes vision care services, with oversight from the Department of State. The minimal cost—approximately ten cents per ride—makes the expansion sustainable, she argued. Asm. Giglio opposed the bill, raising concerns about expanding benefits beyond the original mission and citing lack of transparency regarding fund finances. She questioned whether broader medical benefits should be covered by insurance companies or dispatching services instead, and noted difficulty obtaining the fund's financial report. Mrs. Peoples-Stokes supported the bill during vote explanation, arguing that healthcare costs are embedded in consumer prices and denying coverage to workers is unfair. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally being announced in this segment.
A03000-D
PASSED
2025-05-08
State Operations Budget - All-Funds appropriation of $63.6 billion for State fiscal year 2025-26
The New York State Assembly passed the $63.6 billion State Operations Budget on May 8, though not without significant controversy over a $10 million legal defense fund for state employees, including the Attorney General. The provision allows the state to pay for legal defense of employees who claim to be targeted because of their position, even in cases unrelated to official duties. Republican Assemblyman Ra criticized the language as "extremely broad," arguing it could fund defense of personal financial dealings unrelated to state service. The budget also drew fire from Assemblyman Blumencranz for lacking specific funding to combat rising anti-Semitism at CUNY and SUNY campuses despite pending federal civil rights investigations. Supporters highlighted equity-focused investments including $8.5 million for the Queens Museum, $2.75 million for transgender wellness programs, and $64.4 million for immigrant legal services. Assemblywoman Walsh voted against the entire budget, citing a $101 billion increase in state spending since 2017.
A03000-D
PASSED
2025-05-08
State Operations Budget - All-Funds appropriation of $63.6 billion for State fiscal year 2025-26
The New York State Assembly passed the $63.6 billion State Operations Budget on May 8, with heated debate over a controversial $10 million legal defense fund for State employees. The provision, which allows the Governor to determine eligibility for the Attorney General's legal defense in investigations potentially unrelated to official duties, drew sharp criticism from minority members who called the language "extremely broad" and warned it could allow taxpayer funding for personal legal matters. Sponsor Asm. Pretlow defended the measure as protecting State officials from politically motivated investigations. The budget also faced criticism for lacking specific line items to combat anti-Semitism at SUNY and CUNY institutions, with members noting rising attacks on Jewish students. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with Republicans voting no and Democrats voting yes. The budget includes $500 million for clean water, $25 million for environmental protection, and significant funding for immigrant services and senior programs.
A03000-D
PASSED
2025-05-08
State Operations Budget - All-Funds appropriation of $63.6 billion for State fiscal year 2025-26
The New York State Assembly passed the $63.6 billion State Operations Budget for fiscal year 2025-26 on May 8, though not without significant controversy over a contentious legal defense fund provision. The budget, sponsored by Assemblyman Pretlow, authorizes $25 billion from the General Fund and $39.2 billion on an all-funds basis. The most heated debate centered on a new $10 million legal defense fund for state employees that allows the Governor to authorize payment of attorney's fees even for conduct unrelated to official duties, with broad language allowing individuals to claim they are being targeted because of their position. Assemblyman Ra argued this represents a dangerous departure from past practice and could allow the Attorney General to claim federal investigations are politically motivated. The provision passed despite Republican opposition. The budget also drew criticism from Assemblyman Blumencranz and others for lacking specific funding to combat rising anti-Semitism at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Supporters highlighted funding for immigrant legal services ($64.4 million), senior programs, and infrastructure investments. Assemblywoman Walsh voted against the entire budget, citing unsustainable spending increases of $101 billion since 2017.
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.