Asm. Michael Durso — The Commons Gallery

Michael Durso represents AD-9, a reliably Republican suburban Long Island district carrying an R+14 registration lean with Republicans holding 39,403 registrations (39.9%) to Democrats' 25,857 (26.2%). Durso has held the seat since 2021 and has won each of his three general elections by wide margins — 25.0 points in 2020, 39.0 points in 2022, and 35.0 points in 2024 — and his 2026 scenario model rates the seat Safe R across all modeled environments, including a favorable-Democratic shift. The district is demographically homogeneous and affluent, with an 87.4% homeownership rate, a median household income of $152,006, a poverty rate of 3.9%, and an 80.3% white population. In the 2025 session Durso sponsored 80 bills, with his heaviest concentration in Education (9 bills), followed by Penal, Vehicle and Traffic (5 bills each), Highway and Tax law (4 bills each), and smaller clusters in Election, Energy, and Executive law; his floor activity includes participation in debates on lithium-ion battery fire safety, law enforcement radio encryption, and peer-to-peer vehicle rental insurance requirements.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-9

Base lean: R+29

Favorable D

Safe R

Neutral

Safe R

Favorable R

Safe R

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (R+29). 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-9

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Michael A. Durso 67.5% (46,458)	Steven J. Dellavecchia 32.5% (22,372)	35.0pts
2022	Michael A. Durso 69.5% (37,173)	Steven J. Dellavecchia 30.5% (16,316)	39.0pts
2020	Michael A. Durso 62.5% (43,340)	Ann M. Brancato 37.5% (26,025)	25.0pts
2018	Mike LiPetri 55.9% (28,482)	Christine Pellegrino 44.1% (22,436)	11.8pts
2016	Joseph S. Saladino 68.7% (41,341)	Brendan J. Cunningham 31.3% (18,841)	37.4pts
2014	Joseph S. Saladino 75.3% (22,884)	Edward M. Buturla 24.7% (7,507)	50.6pts
2012	Joseph S. Saladino 68.7% (34,333)	Jay S. Cherlin 31.3% (15,617)	37.4pts
2010	Andrew P. Raia 69.4% (27,156)	Christopher Dempsey 30.6% (11,967)	38.8pts
2008	Andrew P. Raia 61.5% (33,905)	Karen Kerr-Ozimek 36.7% (20,225)	24.8pts
2006	Andrew P. Raia 61.2% (22,039)	Gerard J. Mc Creight 38.8% (13,950)	22.4pts
2004	Andrew P. Raia 63.1% (35,660)	Kim R. Kelly 36.9% (20,825)	26.2pts
2002	Andrew P. Raia 50.1% (18,592)	Mark A. Cuthbertson 47.2% (17,492)	⚡ 2.9pts
2000	John J. Flanagan 65.3% (33,962)	Hubert L. Johnson. Jr. 33.4% (17,359)	31.9pts
1998	John J. Flanagan 65.4% (23,756)	Maureen T. Resch 34.6% (12,546)	30.8pts
1996	John J. Flanagan 64.4% (30,851)	Stuart S. Levy 35.6% (17,058)	28.8pts

Primary Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2012 (Republican)	Joseph S. Saladino 81.6% (3,355)	Richard W. Young 18.4% (759)	63.2pts

Special Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2017	Christine Pellegrino 57.4% (5,837)	Thomas A. Gargiulo 42.6% (4,340)	14.8pts

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

Voter Registration

26%

40%

34%

Dem 26.2% Rep 39.9% Ind/Other 34.0%

District 9 Profile

Population 130,483

Median income $152,006

Median rent $2,379

Homeownership 87.4%

Education (BA+) 44.6%

Poverty rate 3.9%

Uninsured rate 3.6%

Unemployment rate 4.8%

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

Demographics

White 80.3%

Black 3.9%

Hispanic 14.4%

Asian 1.6%

Median age 41.6

Foreign born 8.5%

Limited English households 1.0%

Veterans 3.8%

Disability rate 9.4%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 72.1%

Public transit 6.1%

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)

80

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

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.

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

A09432 PASSED 2026-01-29

Custom fabrication prevailing wage bill (chapter amendment to prior legislation)

The Assembly passed a chapter amendment to custom fabrication prevailing wage legislation sponsored by Asm. Bronson after heated debate over its impact on small businesses and construction costs. The amendment removed contentious "significant portion" language and added explicit exclusions for transportation infrastructure. Supporters, including Asm. Bronson and union member Asm. Durso, argued prevailing wage does not significantly increase costs and benefits local economies. Opponents, including Asm. Tague and Asm. DiPietro, warned of job losses and logistical nightmares, with DiPietro citing a specific case where a company canceled an 18-acre expansion project, eliminating 140 jobs. Asm. Sempolinski, who voted no on the original bill, voted yes on the amendment, calling the transportation exclusion "a massive change" that addressed his concerns. The bill passed with the amendments.

A09217 / S____ 2026-01-28

An act to amend the Penal Law and Education Law in relation to excluding certain medication from being deemed unlawful to prescribe or dispense; and to amend the Education Law in relation to excluding certain medication from being deemed misbranded.

The New York State Assembly debated A09217, sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin, which would protect healthcare providers from criminal penalties under state law if the FDA changes its approval or labeling of Mifepristone and other medication abortion drugs. The bill would allow existing drugs already on pharmacy shelves to continue being dispensed even if federal approval status changes, and would align New York's standards with World Health Organization guidance rather than FDA requirements. Supporters argued the measure protects women's access to medication abortion, which has been safely used in 100 countries and is the primary form of abortion in New York. Opponents, including Assemblywoman Walsh, Assemblyman Durso, and Assemblyman Smullen, raised constitutional concerns about bypassing FDA authority in favor of WHO guidance, particularly after the U.S. formally withdrew from the WHO on January 22, 2025. Critics also questioned the bill's consistency, noting it exempts only abortion medications from FDA oversight while not addressing other drugs with comparable or worse safety profiles. Durso raised practical concerns about whether the bill protects only dispensers or also patients and those transporting the drug across state lines. The debate remained unresolved at the time of this transcript segment, with no vote recorded.

A06745 / S05935 PASSED 2025-06-17

Rechargeable Battery Recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility

The Assembly passed legislation requiring retailers to accept used rechargeable batteries for recycling, expanding an existing manufacturer take-back program. The bill (A06745/S05935), sponsored by Assemblywoman Glick, sparked heated debate over fire safety concerns. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Durso, argued the measure mandates retailers store dangerous lithium-ion batteries without established safety protocols or employee training requirements, citing 277 fires in New York City in 2024 from battery storage. The FDNY and Uniformed Firefighters Association expressed concerns the bill inadequately addresses storage safety in mixed-use residential buildings. Glick countered that regulations will be developed in consultation with fire safety experts and that the current uncontrolled disposal of batteries poses greater risks. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to promulgate rules within 180 days in consultation with the FDNY, Office of Fire Prevention, and Division of Homeland Security. A proposed amendment requiring specific battery storage containers was not adopted. The Minority Conference voted against the bill; the Majority voted in favor.

A03351 PASSED 2025-06-17

Party voter registration challenge procedures for parties without county committees

The Assembly passed a bill extending to minor parties without county committees the ability to challenge voter registrations for party affiliation—a power currently available only to major parties. The measure sparked heated debate, with supporters arguing it levels the playing field and prevents party lines from being 'hijacked,' while opponents contended it is unconstitutional, removes local party control, and was specifically designed to address the 2024 NY-17 congressional race involving the Working Families Party. Multiple members cited the case of Anthony Frascone, who secured a Working Families Party ballot line without running a campaign. Sponsor Asm. Levenberg argued the bill ensures all parties with enrolled voters can challenge those not in sympathy with party principles. Critics, including Asm. Tague and Asm. Ra, called the bill a partisan power grab that allows unelected state bodies to determine voters' political beliefs. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote late on the final day of the legislative session.

A07777 / S01099 PASSED 2025-06-17

Freedom to Read Act - amending Education Law to empower school libraries to develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections

The New York State Assembly passed the 'Freedom to Read Act' (A07777/S01099) on June 17, 2025, after extensive debate over the bill's delegation of authority to the State Education Commissioner. Sponsored by Assemblyman Simone, the bill directs the Commissioner to establish policies ensuring school libraries develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections. Supporters argued the measure addresses real censorship concerns, citing examples of inappropriate book challenges such as removal of science texts. Critics, including Assemblymen Gandolfo, Bologna, Durso, and Fitzpatrick, expressed concerns that the bill shifts decision-making power from local school districts to the state level, potentially undermining parental involvement and local control. The bill does not explicitly define "developmentally appropriate" and leaves appeal procedures unclear. Republicans generally opposed the measure, though the Democratic majority voted in favor. Assemblymen Bologna and Durso voted against the bill, citing concerns about centralized state authority over local school boards.

A777 PASSED 2025-06-17

Library book collection management and school library materials

The Assembly passed A777, legislation that grants the State Education Commissioner authority over school library book collections, in a contentious floor debate on June 17 that exposed deep divisions over intellectual freedom, parental rights, and local control. Supporters, including Assemblywoman Shimsky, argued the bill protects students' access to books that help them understand their identities and prevents censorship that corrodes democracy. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Durso and others, contended the measure strips authority from locally elected school boards and parents, arguing the real issue is age-appropriate placement of sexually explicit materials in children's sections, not book banning. Several members expressed concerns about granting excessive power to the Education Commissioner. The bill passed without a recorded tally being announced in this segment.

A07935-C PASSED 2025-06-16

An act to amend the Highway Law, in relation to dedicating a portion of the State highway system to Detective Thomas Inman

A06757 / S06757 PASSED 2025-06-16

Peer-to-peer vehicle rental insurance requirements

The Assembly passed legislation reducing minimum insurance requirements for peer-to-peer vehicle rental companies, lowering the threshold from $1.25 million to $75,000-$150,000. Sponsor Assemblymember Weprin argued the higher requirement was preventing market competition and that competitor Getaround left New York specifically citing the mandate. However, opponents including Assemblymembers Ra, Durso, Chang, and Jensen raised public safety concerns, noting that the online-only transaction model lacks the verification procedures of traditional rental companies and that unvetted drivers operating unverified vehicles warrant higher insurance coverage. The bill passed with support from the Majority Conference, though Republicans generally opposed it. Several members explained their votes, with Assemblymember Steck voting yes after determining that existing statute requires the company to defend vehicle owners against lawsuits, and Assemblymember Jensen voting no, arguing the change was premature given that Turo remains profitable.

A06231-B PASSED 2025-06-13

An act to amend Chapter 187 of the Laws of 1960 incorporating the West Islip Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association, in relation to its purpose and the use of foreign fire insurance premium taxes.

A05493-B / S05493 PASSED 2025-06-11

An act to amend the Highway Law, in relation to dedicating a portion of the state highway system to Charlie Bunger Sr.

A00584-C PASSED 2025-06-11

Judicial Candidate Cross-Endorsement Authorization - requires judicial candidates to obtain party authorization (Wilson-Pakula) to run in another party's primary

The Assembly passed legislation requiring judicial candidates to obtain party authorization before running in another party's primary, a requirement similar to those applied to other candidates under the Wilson-Pakula law. Sponsor Assemblyman Jacobson argued the bill ensures voters understand that candidates on a party line share that party's values, noting most voters decide based on party affiliation when unfamiliar with candidates. Supporters including Assemblywoman Lunsford contended judges already run on party lines, making them inherently political, and the bill simply clarifies voter expectations without further politicizing the judiciary. Opponents including Assemblyman Durso and Sempolinski argued the bill gives party committees gatekeeping power over judicial candidates and undermines the principle that judges should represent all parties and remain apolitical. Assemblyman Steck cited practical examples of judges abusing the current system by enrolling voters in minor parties without genuine affiliation. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote.

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.

A03516 2025-06-05

Keep Police Radio Public Act

The Assembly debated A03516, the "Keep Police Radio Public Act," sponsored by Assemblywoman Reyes, which would require law enforcement agencies using encrypted radio communications to provide realtime access to nonsensitive communications to credentialed journalists and emergency services organizations. The bill would establish a credentialing process through the Department of State to determine which journalists qualify for access. Supporters argued the measure ensures public transparency and allows journalists to warn citizens during emergencies, citing the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting where encrypted radios prevented real-time reporting. Opponents raised significant concerns about officer safety, arguing that realtime access without delay could alert criminals to police movements and compromise investigations. Critics also warned that unconfirmed emergency information broadcast in realtime could create public panic and dangerous crowds at incident scenes, potentially hindering first responders. Questions were raised about implementation mechanisms, equipment costs for municipalities, and how law enforcement would determine what constitutes sensitive information exempt from disclosure. The debate highlighted tensions between press freedom and public safety concerns.

A04997 PASSED 2025-06-05

Law enforcement communications public access

The Assembly passed legislation requiring real-time public access to encrypted law enforcement radio communications for credentialed journalists and emergency services organizations, despite significant safety concerns raised by opponents. Sponsor Assemblywoman Reyes emphasized the importance of transparency and noted that emergency services in rural counties depend on real-time radio access for rapid response. She argued that law enforcement officers are competent to determine what constitutes sensitive information under the bill's definition and that the Department of State will establish a process for oversight. Opponents, including Assemblymen Durso, Yeger, and Reilly, raised substantial public safety concerns, arguing that real-time disclosure could endanger officers and the public by revealing confidential informant identities, tactical information, or other sensitive details. Assemblyman Yeger proposed a compromise amendment for a 5-15 minute delay to allow law enforcement to prevent disclosure of sensitive information, warning that the bill could endanger lives in emergency situations and that anyone with a social media account could immediately broadcast sensitive information. Assemblyman Reilly urged the Governor to amend the bill to include a 10-minute delay if it reaches the Senate. The Minority Conference voted against the bill; the Majority Conference supported it. A party vote was requested.

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.

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.

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

A04938 PASSED 2025-05-05

An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians

A05660 / S4106 PASSED 2025-04-29

Medical Aid in Dying Act (Death with Dignity)

The New York State Assembly passed landmark medical aid in dying legislation on Tuesday, April 29, establishing a program allowing terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to request medication to end their lives. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, passed after an emotional floor debate that transcended party lines, with members sharing deeply personal experiences of family deaths and end-of-life suffering. Supporters cited 30 years of data from ten states and Washington D.C. showing no abuse under similar laws, while opponents raised concerns about vulnerable populations, the adequacy of hospice care, and the vagueness of the six-month terminal illness standard. The legislation includes strict safeguards requiring multiple physician evaluations and a 15-day waiting period. The vote came after Paulin's 11-year effort to bring the bill to the floor.

A02042 TABLED 2025-04-03

Legislation authorizing the Commissioner of OCFS to conduct a study examining barriers to creation of childcare providers and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

The Assembly's Minority Conference moved to discharge A02042, a bill establishing a task force to study barriers to childcare provider creation, from the Committee on Children and Families on Thursday, but the motion was tabled after a party-line vote request. Asm. Maher, the bill's sponsor, argued that 64 percent of New York families live in childcare deserts—higher than the 50 percent national average—and cited declining provider numbers across the state, including a 50 percent drop in Poughkeepsie from 2007 to 2023. Maher detailed how state agencies fail to communicate, resulting in providers facing crippling insurance costs; one provider's bill jumped from $13,000 to potentially $100,000 because state childcare funding was classified as earned income. The bill would mandate the Office of Children and Family Services to study barriers and coordinate with the Department of Education and Department of Financial Services. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes opposed the discharge, insisting bills follow the committee process. Minority Leader Ra countered that 19 Minority bills received no substantive votes in committee yesterday, only Motions to Hold, arguing the committee process does not provide fair consideration for legislation representing nearly six million New Yorkers. The motion received bipartisan support from members citing personal experience with childcare costs and the issue's disproportionate impact on women.

A02042 2025-04-03

Legislation authorizing the Commissioner of OCFS to conduct a study examining barriers to creation of childcare providers and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

The Assembly debated a Motion to Discharge (A02042) sponsored by Asm. Maher that would bypass committee review and bring a childcare study bill directly to the floor. The bill would authorize the Commissioner of OCFS to examine barriers to childcare provider creation and coordinate with other State agencies. Maher argued New York lags nationally with 64 percent of families in childcare deserts and cited documented provider decline in Hudson Valley cities. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes opposed the discharge, defending the committee process as proper procedure. Minority members and several Majority members supported the motion as a procedural safety valve, with Asm. Ra criticizing the committee process as unfair to Minority bills and Asm. Bologna sharing personal experience of the childcare crisis. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment, with Acting Speaker Hunter requesting members confine comments to the procedural motion rather than bill merits.

A565 PASSED 2025-03-26

Prohibition on establishment, incorporation, construction, or increase in capacity of for-profit hospice facilities

The Assembly passed A565, legislation prohibiting the establishment of new for-profit hospice facilities in New York State while grandfathering the two existing for-profit providers. Sponsor Assemblywoman Paulin argued that independent surveys demonstrate for-profit hospices provide inferior care with fewer nursing visits and less-skilled staff compared to not-for-profit facilities. The bill allows existing for-profit providers to expand home and hospital-based services but prevents them from increasing facility bed capacity. The measure faced significant Republican opposition from members who questioned its logic given New York's severe hospice access shortage—the state ranks 50th nationally with only one hospice provider per 500,000 residents. Assemblyman Jensen and others noted the state's two existing for-profit providers have no fraud allegations and questioned why the legislature would artificially restrict willing providers when demand far exceeds supply. Assemblywoman Paulin acknowledged no for-profit or not-for-profit entities are currently seeking to enter the market but argued the bill prevents future problematic entrants. A party-line vote was requested, with the Minority Conference voting in the negative.

S00759 / A01679 PASSED 2025-02-12

Chapter amendment to expand the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling program by delaying implementation timelines

The Assembly passed S00759, a chapter amendment delaying implementation of the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling program by one year. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Shimsky, the bill postpones until January 2027 the inclusion of businesses generating one ton of food scraps weekly and until January 2029 those generating half a ton weekly. The 50-mile distance requirement for food scraps recycling is also delayed one year. The amendment was negotiated with the Governor's office. Debate revealed significant concerns about implementation readiness: the state currently has only 44 composting facilities and 594 restaurants in the program. Opponents including Assemblymen Simpson and Durso argued the state lacks adequate planning and infrastructure to support compliance, warning the law will burden rural businesses and small restaurants. Assemblywoman Walsh criticized the pattern of mandating private sector compliance before government agencies comply. The Minority voted generally in the negative, though some members voted affirmatively.

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.