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D
Asm. Ron Kim
District 40
Democrat
First elected 2013
Ron Kim (D-AD-40) has held his Queens-based seat since 2013, but his electoral standing reflects meaningful volatility beneath a D+37 partisan lean: after winning by 75.8 points in 2018, he narrowly survived a 2022 challenge with just a 2.2-point margin against Sharon A. Liao, then rebounded to an 11.0-point win over Philip S.C. Wang in 2024; the district is rated Safe D across all 2026 modeled scenarios, with a base lean of D+22. AD-40 is a majority-Asian district — 65.4% Asian, 16.1% Hispanic, and 14.8% white — with 51.9% Democratic registration versus 15.0% Republican, a poverty rate of 19.6%, a homeownership rate of 41.1%, and a median household income of $64,479, reflecting a dense, lower-to-middle-income urban constituency. Kim's 2025 legislative portfolio of 70 sponsored bills is led by Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at 16 bills, followed by Public Health at 6, Arts and Cultural Affairs and Tax at 5 each, and Elder Law at 4, indicating a broad civic and quality-of-life focus. No committee chairmanship or lobbying sector data appears in this brief.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-40
Base lean: D+22
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+22). 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-40
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ron Kim 55.5% (13,481) | Philip S.C. Wang 44.5% (10,814) | 11.0pts |
| 2022 | Ron Kim 51.1% (8,051) | Sharon A. Liao 48.9% (7,695) | ⚡ 2.2pts |
| 2020 | Ron Kim 83.6% (18,214) | Steven Lee 16.4% (3,566) | 67.2pts |
| 2018 | Ron Kim 87.9% (12,284) | John N. Scandalios 12.1% (1,689) | 75.8pts |
| 2016 | Ron Kim 75.3% (16,479) | Miriam M. Rodriquez 24.7% (5,419) | 50.6pts |
| 2014 | Ronald T. Kim 67.2% (6,292) | Philip N. Gim 32.8% (3,077) | 34.4pts |
| 2012 | Ron Kim 67.7% (13,461) | Philip Gim 32.3% (6,409) | 35.4pts |
| 2010 | Inez D. Barron 93.6% (16,527) | Kenneth Waluyn 6.4% (1,127) | 87.2pts |
| 2008 | Inez D. Barron 96.6% (29,039) | Kenneth Waluyn 3.4% (1,018) | 93.2pts |
| 2006 | Diane Gordon 94.1% (12,316) | Godfrey Jelks 5.9% (767) | 88.2pts |
| 2004 | Diane Gordon 95.0% (25,204) | Mohammad S. Qureshi 5.0% (1,338) | 90.0pts |
| 2002 | Diane Gordon 94.4% (13,496) | Lorraine Foote 4.8% (681) | 89.6pts |
| 2000 | Diane Gordon 89.0% (20,767) | Edward Griffith 8.7% (2,032) | 80.3pts |
| 1998 | Edward Griffith 96.2% (13,293) | Amelia Smith-Parker 2.4% (326) | 93.8pts |
| 1996 | Edward Griffith 96.6% (17,524) | Milton Williams 2.5% (458) | 94.1pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Democratic) | Ron Kim 70.5% (3,659) | Steven Lee 29.5% (1,533) | 41.0pts |
| 2018 (Reform) | John N. Scandalios 97.6% (124) | Ronald Kim 0.8% (1) | 96.8pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 40 Profile
Population
118,200
Median income
$64,479
Median rent
$1,791
Homeownership
41.1%
Education (BA+)
31.3%
Poverty rate
19.6%
Uninsured rate
10.5%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
14.8%
Black
2.5%
Hispanic
16.1%
Asian
65.4%
Median age
48.5
Foreign born
66.5%
Limited English households
39.8%
Veterans
1.3%
Disability rate
11.5%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
27.9%
Public transit
33.7%
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)
Bills sponsored
70
Floor debate appearances
25
Years in office
13
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A00622-C
PASSED
2026-03-31
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to health insurance coverage for acupuncture services
The New York State Assembly passed A00622-C, legislation requiring large group health insurers to cover acupuncture treatment upon prescription by a healthcare provider. Sponsor Asm. Kim noted that many insurers already voluntarily cover acupuncture because it saves them money, and that acupuncturists undergo three years of intense medical training. Supporters including Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, Mr. Chang, and Mr. Sayegh emphasized acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management and its long history in Eastern medicine, with Mr. Chang noting the Veterans Administration approves it. Opponents argued the bill represents another insurance mandate that collectively raises premiums and disproportionately affects small and medium-size businesses. Ms. Walsh questioned the inconsistency of mandating private insurers cover acupuncture while the State does not cover it in the Essential Plan. The original bill version required the State to provide coverage but was modified to apply only to private insurers. The Minority Conference opposed the measure while the Majority Conference supported it.
A00622-C
PASSED
2026-03-31
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to health insurance coverage for acupuncture services
The New York State Assembly passed A00622-C, legislation requiring large group health insurers to cover acupuncture treatment upon prescription by a healthcare provider. Sponsored by Asm. Kim, the bill takes effect on the 90th day and allows insurers to set co-payments and cost-sharing mechanisms. Kim noted that some insurers already provide acupuncture coverage because it reduces costs, and that acupuncturists require three years of medical training. Supporters, including Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, Mr. Chang, and Mr. Sayegh, emphasized acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management and its use in Eastern medicine traditions. The Veterans Administration approves acupuncture as treatment. Opponents, including Asm. Gandolfo and Ms. Walsh, argued the bill represents another insurance mandate that collectively raises health insurance premiums and disproportionately affects small and medium-size businesses. Gandolfo questioned why the State does not mandate coverage in the Essential Plan if acupuncture is truly essential. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference opposed the measure.
A06639-A
PASSED
2026-03-30
Amend Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law requiring sawyer training for employees engaged in tree maintenance
A09517
PASSED
2026-01-21
Amend Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law relating to operational safety plans requiring employee check-in with incident commander or safety officer
A06634-A
PASSED
2025-06-16
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to mandating the development and approval of operational safety plans
A06634
RECALLED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
A06634
RECALLED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
A07280 / S07280
PASSED
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to establishing the State Parks Passport Program
A07280 / S07280
PASSED
2025-05-27
An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to establishing the State Parks Passport Program
A06634
PASSED
2025-05-19
Mandating the development and approval of operational safety plans for parks and recreation facilities
A07601
PASSED
2025-04-30
An act to amend Chapter 383 of the Laws of 1991, relating to the incorporation of the New York Zoological Society in relation to extending the expiration date of free one-day admission to the zoological park
A07601
PASSED
2025-04-30
An act to amend Chapter 383 of the Laws of 1991, relating to the incorporation of the New York Zoological Society in relation to extending the expiration date of free one-day admission to the zoological park
A07279
PASSED
2025-04-01
Amend Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to require development and posting of a senior trail guide identifying walking and hiking opportunities for active seniors
A07279
PASSED
2025-04-01
Amend Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to require development and posting of a senior trail guide identifying walking and hiking opportunities for active seniors within the State park system and along public non-motorized multi-use trails
A02435
PASSED
2025-02-03
Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program
The Assembly passed A02435, sponsored by Asm. Cruz, which amends the Veterans' Services Law to establish the Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program. The bill honors Sergeant Jimenez, a Corona, Queens resident who disappeared in Iraq while his wife faced deportation. Asm. Cruz explained the legislation provides resources to military families with immigrant members to support them in achieving citizenship while serving in the Armed Forces. She thanked previous committee chairs for their work on the bill over multiple years, noting it had been previously vetoed. The bill takes effect 150 days after passage.
A10142
2024-06-05
Social Model Adult Day Services Programs Inspection Requirements
A10142
2024-06-05
Social Model Adult Day Services Programs - requiring State Office for Aging inspection and certification
A08519
PASSED
2024-01-29
An act to amend the Elder Law, in relation to the naturally occurring retirement community supportive service program
A08520
PASSED
2024-01-29
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring the Department of Health to provide the state long-term care ombudsman with a report of the status of any issues identified by residential health care facility staff or volunteers
A01838-A
PASSED
2024-01-17
Displaying of charter bus driver qualifications while on duty and review of charter bus driver files
A07768
PASSED
2023-06-10
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to declaring Asian Lunar New Year a school holiday
The New York State Assembly passed legislation establishing Lunar New Year as a school holiday, marking a historic moment for Asian-American recognition in the state. Assembly Bill A07768, sponsored by Asm. Colton and backed by dozens of cosponsors, amends the Education Law to designate the Asian Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, effective July 1, 2023. The measure eliminates the difficult choice families face between celebrating the holiday with their children or having them attend school. Multiple members spoke in support, with Asm. Kim noting the symbolic importance of the legislation at a time when Asian-Americans face rising hate crimes. Asm. Chang, while voting yes, raised concerns about the bill's language and its application only to school districts with populations exceeding one million, effectively limiting it to New York City. The bill passed with broad support from members representing diverse districts across the state.
A07218
PASSED
2023-06-09
Reporting and Resolution of Issues at Residential Care Facilities; Long-Term Care Ombudsman Outreach and Training
The Assembly passed legislation to strengthen oversight of long-term care facilities by improving the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). Sponsored by Asm. Kim, the bill requires timely resolution of complaints at residential care facilities and establishes an outreach and recruitment program for ombudsmen with cultural sensitivity training. Asm. Kim noted that during the first year of COVID-19, 16,000 nursing home residents died, a tragedy he attributed partly to insufficient ombudsman oversight. He explained that LTCOP is the only program legally empowered to advocate for nursing home residents but has been hampered by dependence on federal funding and limited administrative capacity. The Assembly allocated $15 million in the budget to support the program's expansion. The bill passed with support from the Aging Committee.
A04696
PASSED
2023-05-24
An act to amend the New York State Urban Development Corporation Act, in relation to assistance for certain small businesses
The Assembly passed A04696, sponsored by Asm. Kim, to assist small businesses through the New York State Urban Development Corporation. Kim explained the bill would help mom-and-pop dry cleaning and nail salon operators finance equipment and capital improvements that can cost up to $150,000, preventing chain store takeover of communities. Kim argued dollars spent in family-owned businesses recirculate in local economies eight to ten times over, compared to chain stores that immediately move money out of communities.
A01838-A
PASSED
2023-05-15
An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law, in relation to the displaying of charter bus driver qualifications while they are on duty and the review of charter bus driver files
A04504-A
LAID ASIDE
2023-05-08
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to requiring one voting member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority be a transit dependent individual.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.
Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026
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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.