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Asm. Brian Cunningham
District 43
Democrat
First elected 2021
Brian Cunningham represents AD-43, a D+74 district in Brooklyn with a voter registration breakdown of 79.1% Democrat and 4.7% Republican, and has run uncontested in both 2022 and 2024; the district's base lean is modeled at D+81 across all electoral scenarios, placing him firmly in the Safe D category with no meaningful competitive history in the seat. The district is majority-Black (53.4%), with an 18.2% poverty rate, 19.8% homeownership rate, and a median household income of $79,071, reflecting a dense urban constituency with significant economic need. First elected in 2021, Cunningham has sponsored 188 bills in the 2025 session, with his heaviest concentrations in Vehicle and Traffic (25 bills), Education (21 bills), and a cluster of 12 bills each across Executive, Public Service, and Tax law areas, alongside notable activity in Social Services (10 bills) and General Business (7 bills). The brief does not identify a committee chairmanship for Cunningham, and no lobbying sector overlap data is included in this profile.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-43
Base lean: D+81
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+81). 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-43
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Brian A. Cunningham 100.0% (43,422) | Uncontested | — |
| 2022 | Brian A. Cunningham 100.0% (29,512) | Uncontested | — |
| 2020 | Diana Richardson 89.2% (43,629) | Menachem M. Raitport 10.8% (5,277) | 78.4pts |
| 2018 | Diana Richardson 100.0% (35,595) | Uncontested | — |
| 2016 | Diana Richardson 100.0% (39,474) | Uncontested | — |
| 2014 | Karim Camara 95.9% (15,170) | Cartrell Gore 4.1% (654) | 91.8pts |
| 2012 | Karim Camara 94.9% (34,561) | Stuart A. Balberg 5.1% (1,840) | 89.8pts |
| 2010 | Karim Camara 92.1% (17,923) | Menachem M. Raitport 7.9% (1,538) | 84.2pts |
| 2008 | Karim Camara 92.7% (26,769) | Stuart Balberg 7.3% (2,096) | 85.4pts |
| 2006 | Karim Camara 92.4% (11,873) | Kenneth E. Cook 7.6% (983) | 84.8pts |
| 2005 | Karim Camara 74.3% (8,411) | Geoffrey A. Davis 16.1% (1,818) | 58.2pts |
| 2004 | Clarence Norman, Jr. 92.8% (24,567) | Clarence John 7.2% (1,896) | 85.6pts |
| 2002 | Clarence Norman, Jr. 91.0% (14,464) | Leona Williams 4.5% (722) | 86.5pts |
| 2000 | Clarence Norman, Jr. 96.7% (23,196) | Austin C. Hurd 3.3% (795) | 93.4pts |
| 1998 | Clarence Norman, Jr. 78.5% (12,290) | James Е. Davis 18.1% (2,828) | 60.4pts |
| 1996 | Clarence Norman, Jr. 93.6% (16,328) | Kenneth E. Cook 5.8% (1,007) | 87.8pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Democratic) | Diana Richardson 74.8% (14,427) | Jesse E. Hamilton 25.2% (4,849) | 49.6pts |
| 2018 (Independence) | Mario Cuomo 25.0% (3) | Andrew Cuomo 16.7% (2) | ⚡ 8.3pts |
Special Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Diana C. Richardson 49.8% (4,284) | Shirley M. Patterson 25.1% (2,160) | 24.7pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 43 Profile
Population
135,808
Median income
$79,071
Median rent
$1,759
Homeownership
19.8%
Education (BA+)
42.8%
Poverty rate
18.2%
Uninsured rate
5.3%
Unemployment rate
8.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
28.5%
Black
53.4%
Hispanic
10.1%
Asian
3.3%
Median age
36.3
Foreign born
34.1%
Limited English households
4.2%
Veterans
1.3%
Disability rate
12.2%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
13.0%
Public transit
51.5%
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
188
Floor debate appearances
25
Years in office
5
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A09512
PASSED
2026-01-21
Amend Vehicle and Traffic Law to provide defense from liability for certain MTA vehicles standing, stopped, or parked in violation of bus lane restrictions in New York City
A09514 / S02279
PASSED
2026-01-20
Excluding certain food donations from sales tax under Tax Law
A04216
PASSED
2025-06-17
Sales tax exclusion for food donations
A03295
PASSED
2025-06-10
Relating to work study requirements for TANF recipients aged 18-19, allowing homework in pursuit of a four-year degree to count toward the 20-hour-per-week work requirement
The Assembly passed legislation allowing homework in pursuit of a four-year degree to count toward the 20-hour-per-week work requirement for TANF recipients aged 18 and 19. Sponsor Assemblyman Cunningham said the bill promotes self-sufficiency and is modeled on programs in 34 states that have shown success in increasing grades and income outcomes. Assemblywoman Walsh raised concerns that allowing unsupervised, self-reported homework may extend the bill's reach too far, though she acknowledged its goal of reducing dependency on public assistance. The bill allows optional local supervision of homework but does not require it. Students must maintain a C grade or better to qualify. The measure passed on a party-line vote, with the Democratic Conference generally in favor and the Republican Conference generally opposed, though individual members were permitted to vote their conscience.
A03295
PASSED
2025-06-10
Relating to work study requirements for TANF recipients aged 18-19, allowing homework in pursuit of a four-year degree to count toward the 20-hour-per-week work requirement
The Assembly passed legislation allowing homework in pursuit of a four-year degree to count toward the 20-hour-per-week work requirement for TANF recipients aged 18 and 19. Sponsor Assemblyman Cunningham said the bill, which has been adopted in 34 states, aims to promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on public assistance by allowing young people to pursue higher education. The measure permits optional local supervision of homework but does not require it, and allows recipients to self-certify their hours. Assemblywoman Walsh raised concerns about unsupervised, self-reported homework, but Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes argued the bill provides opportunity rather than denial during a time of growing economic inequality. The bill passed on a party-line vote with some Republican support possible.
A04502-B
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to access to educational activities by public assistance recipients who are subject to work participation requirements
A04502-B
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to access to educational activities by public assistance recipients who are subject to work participation requirements
A01012
2025-02-10
Public Authorities Law amendment requiring NYSERDA to develop comprehensive electric vehicle fast-charging station implementation plan
A02058 / S9259
PASSED
2025-02-03
Veteran maternity care; establishing a maternity care coordination program for pregnant and postpartum veterans
The Assembly passed A02058, sponsored by Asm. Cunningham, which amends the Veterans' Services Law and Public Health Law to establish a maternity care coordination program for pregnant and postpartum veterans. The bill repeals certain existing provisions and takes effect immediately.
A08016-A
PASSED
2024-06-10
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to members of a mobile crisis team
A08016-A
PASSED
2024-06-07
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to members of a mobile crisis team
A08016-A
PASSED
2024-06-07
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to members of a mobile crisis team
A04098-B
PASSED
2024-06-06
Wireless service industry renewable energy reporting requirement
The Assembly passed A04098-B, directing the wireless service industry to collaborate on a white paper reporting on renewable energy technology for cell towers. Sponsor Asm. Cunningham characterized the bill as a collaborative study to gather industry input on feasibility and costs before any future mandates. The revised bill improved upon an earlier version that would have required individual feasibility studies by each tower owner. Asm. Palmesano praised the collaborative approach but raised concerns about impacts on rural electric cooperatives, which already use 85-90 percent clean energy and have limited resources for costly infrastructure upgrades. He noted that mandates could result in stranded investments and service reliability issues in rural areas with smaller customer bases. The sponsor indicated openness to considering exemptions or support mechanisms for rural cooperatives as the study proceeds.
A04098-B
PASSED
2024-06-06
Wireless service industry renewable energy reporting requirement
The Assembly passed a bill requiring the wireless service industry to collaborate on a white paper studying renewable energy technology for powering cell towers. Sponsor Asm. Cunningham characterized the measure as a collaborative study rather than a mandate, designed to gather industry input on feasibility, costs, and impacts before any future requirements. The bill represents a significant improvement over an earlier version that would have required individual feasibility studies by each tower owner. Asm. Palmesano praised the collaborative approach but raised concerns about impacts on rural electric cooperatives already using 85-90% clean energy, seeking potential exemptions to prevent costly infrastructure upgrades and stranded investments in rural areas with smaller customer bases. The sponsor indicated openness to addressing rural concerns through the study process.
A07939-B
PASSED
2024-06-03
Amend the General Business Law, in relation to requiring telemarketers to provide certain information no later than 30 seconds from the commencement of a call and requiring telemarketers to disclose their address online and in written communication to customers
A4098-A
2024-06-03
A07939-B
PASSED
2024-06-03
Amend the General Business Law, in relation to requiring telemarketers to provide certain information no later than 30 seconds from the commencement of a call and requiring telemarketers to disclose their address online and in written communication to customers
A4098-A
2024-06-03
A08162-A
PASSED
2024-05-30
An act to amend the Veterans' Services Law and the Public Health Law, in relation to establishing a maternity care coordination program for pregnant and postpartum veterans
A08016-A
PASSED
2024-05-30
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to members of a mobile crisis team
A06026 / S06026
2024-05-21
Melanie's Law: An act to amend the Family Court Act and the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to Orders of Protection
The Assembly debated legislation expanding eligibility for Orders of Protection in family court, named after Melanie Chianese, a 29-year-old killed by her mother's ex-boyfriend despite seeking protection. The bill would allow blood relatives and household members over 18 to seek Orders of Protection in family court, closing a loophole where family court loses jurisdiction over individuals over 18. Sponsor Assemblyman Cunningham argued the expansion is necessary to protect relatives who may be in danger from domestic violence perpetrators. However, opponents raised significant concerns about the bill's implementation and potential for misuse. Assemblywoman Walsh, who has nearly two decades of family court experience, questioned whether the bill would have actually prevented Melanie's death and noted the legislation lacks clarity on whether individuals must personally appear in court to request protection. She also warned that the bill could allow parents to obtain orders on behalf of adult children without their knowledge, citing opposition from the New York State Family Court Judges Association. Assemblyman Goodell expressed concern that expanding Orders of Protection without requiring affirmative requests from protected individuals could create a tool for abuse in contentious family disputes. The debate highlighted tensions between expanding protections for domestic violence victims and preventing potential misuse of court orders in emotionally charged family proceedings.
A09669
PASSED
2024-05-15
An act to amend Part U of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2018, amending the Education Law relating to requiring regulations to permit tuition waivers for certain firefighters and fire officers for CUNY
A04098-A
LAID ASIDE
2024-05-14
An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to requiring cellular telephone companies and third-party service providers to conduct a renewable energy feasibility study
A07305
PASSED
2023-06-09
Amending the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law in relation to the hours during which liquor and/or wine stores may be open on Sunday
A01721-B / S (NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED)
PASSED
2023-06-08
Amend the Public Service Law, in relation to establishing electric vehicle charging station reliability reporting and standards
The Assembly passed legislation establishing electric vehicle charging station reliability reporting and standards. Asm. Palmesano, while expressing general skepticism about electric vehicles, supported the measure because reliability and range issues are significant concerns. He urged colleagues to address safety issues including EV fire dangers, advocating for emergency shutoffs and water suppression systems at charging stations. Palmesano also raised concerns about security and lighting at charging stations, particularly in rural areas, and expressed concern about child labor in cobalt mining for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
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
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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.