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Asm. Chantel Jackson
District 79
Democrat
First elected 2021
Chantel Jackson represents AD-79, a D+67 district in New York City with a voter registration breakdown of 72.9% Democrat and 5.5% Republican, and has held the seat since 2021. The district is characterized by a 39.3% poverty rate, 8.3% homeownership rate, a median household income of $32,237, and a racial composition that is 45.7% Black and 56.0% Hispanic. Her electoral history reflects overwhelming dominance: she won her 2024 general election with 80.2% of the vote against Sharon Darby's 16.5%, a 63.7-point margin, and the district rates Safe D across all 2026 modeled scenarios. Jackson's 412 sponsored bills in the 2025 session concentrate most heavily in Education and Retirement and Social Security (65 bills each), followed by Civil Service and Executive law (24 bills each), with top lobbying sectors and any committee overlap data not further specified in available records.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-79
Base lean: D+77
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
- Limited contested election data — registration lean used as primary signal
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+77). 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-79
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Chantel Jackson 80.2% (20,585) | Sharon Darby 16.5% (4,238) | 63.7pts |
| 2022 | Chantel S. Jackson 87.1% (10,957) | Richard E. Bryan 12.9% (1,616) | 74.2pts |
| 2020 | Chantel Jackson 89.9% (33,008) | Donald Skinner 8.2% (3,014) | 81.7pts |
| 2018 | Michael A. Blake 96.4% (24,220) | Gregory M. Torres 3.0% (752) | 93.4pts |
| 2016 | Michael A. Blake 98.3% (30,038) | Selsia Evans 1.7% (512) | 96.6pts |
| 2014 | Michael A. Blake 91.7% (9,835) | Marsha D. Michael 4.8% (515) | 86.9pts |
| 2012 | Eric Stevenson 97.0% (28,225) | Jose A. Padilla, Jr. 2.2% (651) | 94.8pts |
| 2010 | Eric Stevenson 96.1% (13,658) | Deborah Benbow 3.1% (436) | 93.0pts |
| 2008 | Michael А. Benjamin 98.6% (26,083) | Sigfredo Gonzalez 1.4% (364) | 97.2pts |
| 2006 | Michael A. Benjamin 95.1% (10,704) | Sharon L. Grady 4.9% (551) | 90.2pts |
| 2004 | Michael A. Benjamin 94.2% (20,738) | Gina Demalijaj 4.2% (925) | 90.0pts |
| 2002 | Gloria Davis 93.3% (10,406) | Gary Coleman 5.5% (610) | 87.8pts |
| 2000 | Gloria Davis 95.3% (20,620) | Mary Nuzzo 3.6% (790) | 91.7pts |
| 1998 | Gloria Davis 94.2% (13,267) | Mary Nuzzo 3.8% (530) | 90.4pts |
| 1996 | Gloria Davis 96.1% (19,362) | Mary Nuzzo 3.1% (631) | 93.0pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Democratic) | Chantel Jackson 26.0% (2,944) | Cynthia L. Cox 22.9% (2,599) | ⚡ 3.1pts |
| 2014 (Democratic) | Michael A. Blake 37.3% (1,929) | Marsha D. Michael 25.1% (1,300) | 12.2pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 79 Profile
Population
129,369
Median income
$32,237
Median rent
$1,169
Homeownership
8.3%
Education (BA+)
14.4%
Poverty rate
39.3%
Uninsured rate
6.8%
Unemployment rate
16.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
6.7%
Black
45.7%
Hispanic
56.0%
Asian
0.7%
Median age
33.1
Foreign born
26.7%
Limited English households
19.4%
Veterans
1.5%
Disability rate
23.1%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
20.5%
Public transit
55.8%
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
412
Joint hearing appearances
48
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
A00329-B
PASSED
2026-03-23
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law, the Public Health Law and the Social Services Law, in relation to setting comprehensive outpatient services
The Assembly passed A00329-B, legislation amending the Mental Hygiene Law, Public Health Law and Social Services Law to establish comprehensive outpatient services. Sponsor Jackson and Santabarbara's bill addresses the intersection of substance abuse disorder and mental health treatment. Assemblywoman Walsh spoke in support, noting that co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues require coordinated care. The bill passed on consent.
A04591-A
PASSED
2026-02-09
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to hospital care for mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node dissection patients
The Assembly passed A04591-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Jackson, requiring hospitals to provide informed care information to patients undergoing mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node dissection procedures. Assemblywoman Walsh spoke in support, noting that many women facing breast cancer diagnosis lack the medical background to understand their treatment options. She emphasized the importance of ensuring patients are well-informed about their options during such an emotional and difficult time. The bill takes effect January 1st.
A04677-B
PASSED
2026-02-05
Require insurance coverage for lactation support services
A08727-A
PASSED
2025-06-13
An act in relation to directing the Commissioner of Education to conduct a survey of recess held in schools serving students in kindergarten through grade six
S00946 / A03295
PASSED
2025-06-10
Relating to authorizing the removal of police officer candidates from an eligible list when such candidate does not meet psychological fitness requirements or lacks good moral character standards
A04677-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
Requiring insurance coverage for lactation support services
The Assembly passed A04677-A, sponsored by Asm. Jackson, requiring insurance coverage for lactation support services effective January 1, 2027. Jackson explained the bill originated from her personal experience when her lactation coach was not covered by insurance during her pregnancy. She argued that without coverage, many parents cannot access lactation support and cited the recent infant formula shortage as evidence of the need to encourage breastfeeding. Jackson emphasized that breast milk is beneficial and that proper support helps mothers succeed in breastfeeding their children.
A04677-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
Amend Insurance Law to require insurance coverage for lactation support services
The Assembly passed legislation requiring insurance coverage for lactation support services, sponsored by Asm. Jackson. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027. Asm. Jackson explained the measure arose from her own experience when her lactation coach was not covered by insurance during pregnancy. She emphasized that without coverage, many parents cannot afford lactation support, particularly important given recent infant formula shortages. The bill aims to encourage breastfeeding by ensuring mothers have access to professional lactation support.
A08254 / S08254
PASSED
2025-05-29
An act to amend the Executive Law and the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to training police officers on how to respond to situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
The Assembly passed A08254, legislation amending the Executive Law and Mental Hygiene Law to require training for police officers on responding to situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Asm. Jackson sponsored the bill. Asm. Walsh spoke in support, noting that while general training on such interactions is already mandated, this bill adds specific training on force application and de-escalation techniques. Walsh, as the parent of an adult on the spectrum, emphasized the anxiety such police interactions produce for parents and the critical need for law enforcement to understand de-escalation methods.
A04159-A
PASSED
2025-04-08
An act to amend the Correction Law, in relation to prohibiting correctional facilities from blocking entry to peer support advocates based on such advocates' prior history of incarceration
A04159
LAID ASIDE
2025-04-01
Amend Correction Law to prohibit correctional facilities from blocking entry to peer support advocates based on prior incarceration history
A04159
LAID ASIDE
2025-04-01
Amend Correction Law to prohibit correctional facilities from blocking entry to peer support advocates based on such advocates' prior history of incarceration
A00029
PASSED
2025-03-03
An act to amend the State Law, in relation to designating the State of New York a Purple Heart State
The Assembly passed A29, designating New York State as a Purple Heart State, with multiple members explaining their votes in support. Asm. McDonald, the primary sponsor, noted approximately 19,000 Purple Heart recipients are New York residents or had New York as their state of residence when serving. Asm. Bendett honored his grandfather, a WWII Purple Heart recipient, and acknowledged two Purple Heart recipients in the Chamber. Asm. Eachus highlighted the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, the only national repository of Purple Heart medals in the country, which was dedicated in 2006 and received a $10 million state grant. Asm. Angelino honored four Marine friends who earned Purple Hearts but did not survive. The bill passed unanimously with all members voting affirmatively.
A00429
PASSED
2025-02-12
Chapter amendment to amend Real Property Law relating to notice to certain tenants of bed bug infestation in residential rental premises
The Assembly passed A00429, a chapter amendment improving the bed bug notification requirements for residential rental properties. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Jackson, the bill narrows the scope of tenant notification to those in immediate proximity to an infestation—residents living directly above, below, and on either side of the affected unit—rather than requiring notice to all tenants in a building. The amendment also extends the notification period from 24 hours to 72 hours. Assemblywoman Walsh praised the changes as significant improvements to the original bill, which had faced substantial opposition when passed last year.
A09924-A
TABLED
2024-05-30
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to personal information being removed from rental vehicles
A09329
2024-05-29
An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to requiring landlords and lessors provide notice to tenants about bed bug infestation
A03866-B
PASSED
2024-05-28
An act to amend the Public Housing Law, in relation to requiring entities responsible for the provision of vital services to coordinate and work expeditiously to restore service whenever such service is interrupted.
A10214-A
PASSED
2024-05-28
An act to amend Chapter 613 of the Laws of 1996, amending the General Municipal Law relating to buildings that are part of urban development action area projects and are rehabilitated with municipal loans, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof.
A03982
PASSED
2024-05-23
An act to amend Chapter 352 of the Laws of 2005, Chapter 430 of the Laws of 2006, and Chapter 378 of the Laws of 2007, amending the Education Law relating to implementation of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, in relation to the effectiveness thereof
A03980-A
PASSED
2024-05-06
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to requiring insurance coverage for lactation consultant services
The Assembly passed A03980-A, requiring insurance coverage for lactation consultant services. Sponsor Asm. Jackson spoke personally about the importance of breastfeeding support, referencing last year's infant formula shortage and the health benefits of breast milk. Asm. Goodell supported the bill as having modest costs and significant benefits, though he cautioned colleagues that New York's accumulating insurance mandates incrementally drive up policy costs, making affordable basic coverage increasingly unattainable for many residents and employers. The bill passed without recorded opposition.
A5588
PASSED
2024-03-14
Concurrent Resolution of the Senate and Assembly proposing Amendments to Sections 3 and 4 of Article 17 of the Constitution, in relation to the protection and promotion of the mental health of New Yorkers
A03982
LAID ASIDE
2024-03-04
An act to amend Chapter 352 of the Laws of 2005, amending the Education Law relating to implementation of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004; to amend Chapter 430 of the Laws of 2006, amending the Education Law relating to implementation of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004; and to amend Chapter 378 of the Laws of 2007, amending the Education Law relating to the implementation of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, in relation to the effectiveness thereof
A03981
PASSED
2024-02-07
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to hospital care for mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node dissection patients
A05019
PASSED
2024-01-22
An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to prohibiting financial institutions from charging a fee for periodic paper statements.
A03861 / S01419
PASSED
2023-06-20
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring agencies to provide unsuccessful bidders that are certified minority and women-owned business enterprises with a written statement articulating the reasons for such rejection.
The Assembly passed legislation requiring state contracting agencies to provide written statements to unsuccessful minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) bidders explaining why they were not selected for contracts. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Jackson, the bill mandates agencies disclose the identity of successful bidders, explain reasons for rejection, offer guidance for improvement, and inform MWBEs of available support services. Currently, such information is available only upon request. Jackson argued mandatory notification ensures MWBEs receive valuable competitive intelligence they may not know they can request. However, Assemblywoman Walsh opposed the measure, contending that an opt-in approach would be more appropriate given the potential paperwork burden on agencies and the wide range of MWBE sophistication levels. Walsh also criticized broader MWBE program deficiencies, particularly certification delays affecting upstate women business owners. The Republican Conference opposed the bill generally, while the Majority Conference supported it. Assemblyman Novakhov spoke in favor, citing constituent frustrations with redundant certification document requests.
A03866-A
PASSED
2023-06-07
An act to amend the Public Housing Law, in relation to requiring entities responsible for the provision of vital services to coordinate and work expeditiously to restore service whenever such service is interrupted
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
bills
bills
bills
bills
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.