Asm. Demond Meeks — The Commons Gallery

Demond Meeks has represented AD-137 since 2019 in a D+42 district rated Safe D across all modeled 2026 electoral scenarios, having won his 2024 general election against Marcus C. Williams by 43.2 points (71.6% to 28.4%) and his 2022 contest against the same opponent by 35.8 points; the district carries a 55.6% Democratic registration against 13.3% Republican, with 29.2% Independent. AD-137 is a majority-Black district (40.9% Black, 33.7% white, 21.0% Hispanic) with a poverty rate of 29.4%, median household income of $44,608, and a homeownership rate of 43.2%, reflecting a low-income urban constituency. In the 2025 session Meeks sponsored 39 bills, with the heaviest concentration in Correction (4 bills), followed by Education, Insurance, Public Service, and Tax at 3 bills each, alongside sponsorship in Penal, Public Health, and Vehicle and Traffic. Top lobbying sectors active in his district context and his legislative focus on corrections and public health represent areas where outside institutional interest may align with his bill portfolio.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-137

Base lean: D+42

Favorable D

Safe D

Neutral

Safe D

Favorable R

Safe D

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+42). 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-137

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Demond L. Meeks 71.6% (26,691)	Marcus C. Williams 28.4% (10,573)	43.2pts
2022	Demond L. Meeks 67.9% (16,900)	Marcus C. Williams 32.1% (7,990)	35.8pts
2020	Demond L. Meeks 100.0% (33,952)	Uncontested	—
2018	David F. Gantt 100.0% (22,825)	Uncontested	—
2016	David F. Gantt 100.0% (31,738)	Uncontested	—
2014	David F. Gantt 78.6% (13,288)	Ann C. Lewis 21.4% (3,622)	57.2pts
2012	David F. Gantt 88.0% (33,081)	Andrew P. Langdon 12.0% (4,498)	76.0pts
2010	Christopher S. Friend 62.9% (21,248)	James E. Hare 32.1% (10,844)	30.8pts
2008	Thomas F. O'Mara 100.0% (28,111)	Uncontested	—
2006	Tom O'Mara 100.0% (23,372)	Uncontested	—
2004	Tom O'Mara 54.1% (27,099)	James E. Hare 45.9% (22,979)	⚡ 8.2pts
2002	George H. Winner, Jr. 89.3% (23,770)	Kathryn B. Fraboni 5.7% (1,524)	83.6pts
2000	Charles H. Nesbitt 100.0% (34,547)	Uncontested	—
1998	Charles H. Nesbitt 100.0% (27,082)	Uncontested	—
1996	Charles H. Nesbitt 100.0% (32,983)	Uncontested	—

Primary Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2020 (Democratic)	Demond L. Meeks 44.1% (4,666)	Ernest S. Flagler 33.2% (3,516)	10.9pts
2018 (Democratic)	David F. Gantt 58.3% (4,752)	Ann C. Lewis 41.7% (3,398)	16.6pts
2010 (Republican)	Christopher S. Friend 36.9% (3,050)	George Richter 35.8% (2,954)	⚡ 1.1pts
2010 (Conservative)	Paul N. Marcellus 43.2% (67)	George Richter 28.4% (44)	14.8pts
2004 (Republican)	Tom O'Mara 41.8% (4,300)	Rusty Smith 26.4% (2,721)	15.4pts
2004 (Independence)	James E. Hare 58.9% (116)	Tom O'Mara 41.1% (81)	17.8pts
2004 (Conservative)	Tom O'Mara 60.9% (67)	Bob Bell 39.1% (43)	21.8pts

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

Voter Registration

56%

13%

31%

Dem 55.6% Rep 13.3% Ind/Other 31.1%

District 137 Profile

Population 134,214

Median income $44,608

Median rent $1,057

Homeownership 43.2%

Education (BA+) 20.3%

Poverty rate 29.4%

Uninsured rate 4.4%

Unemployment rate 8.3%

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

Demographics

White 33.7%

Black 40.9%

Hispanic 21.0%

Asian 3.9%

Median age 34.2

Foreign born 9.0%

Limited English households 6.7%

Veterans 3.7%

Disability rate 20.2%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 64.9%

Public transit 5.2%

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)

39

3

24

Years in office 7

Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.

Floor Session Activity 2025–2026

A09516 / S08415 PASSED 2026-01-28

Corrections omnibus chapter amendments relating to video disclosure, camera coverage, next of kin notification, State Commission of Correction membership, statute of limitations tolling, and Correctional Association hotline access

The Assembly passed A09516, a corrections omnibus chapter amendment sponsored by Asm. Dilan that makes technical adjustments to reforms enacted last year. The bill requires video footage of incarcerated deaths be disclosed to the Office of Special Investigations within 72 hours, mandates in-vehicle cameras for prisoner transport, establishes a confidential hotline for incarcerated individuals to contact the Correctional Association of New York, reduces State Commission of Correction membership from 9 to 5 members to include formerly incarcerated persons, and extends the statute of limitations for incarcerated individuals to file civil claims against the state for two years post-release. The Minority Conference voted against the bill. Asm. Molitor raised concerns that the statute of limitations extension creates two classes of citizens and could incentivize meritless claims filed years after incidents when video evidence has been destroyed. Asm. Gandolfo noted the absence of corrections officer representation on the oversight commission. Asm. Meeks spoke in support, calling the amendments necessary steps in recognizing the humanity of incarcerated individuals.

A00066-A PASSED 2025-06-16

An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to the administration of the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

The Assembly passed legislation on June 16 that would end anonymous reporting to New York's State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, requiring callers to provide their name and contact information. Sponsor Assemblyman Hevesi argued the change is necessary to prevent malicious false reports, particularly in domestic violence situations, and to address racial disparities in child protective services investigations. He cited data showing Black families are investigated at seven times the rate of white families. The bill includes safeguards: callers who refuse identification are referred to a supervisor who can reassure them about confidentiality protections, refer them to 911 for immediate complaints, or direct them to the HEARS community service line. Opponents, led by Assemblywoman Walsh, warned the requirement would discourage legitimate reports from neighbors and others who fear retaliation, potentially leaving abused children unprotected. Walsh noted opposition from the New York Public Welfare Association, family court judges, and caseworkers. The bill passed with some Republican opposition and at least one Democratic defection.

A08871 2025-06-12

Omnibus corrections reform bill addressing accountability, transparency and oversight in State correctional facilities, including video disclosure, camera standards, death notices, autopsy procedures, conflicts of interest in investigations, data reporting, State Commission of Correction membership, Correctional Association access, and statute of limitations tolling for incarcerated individuals

The New York State Assembly debated an omnibus corrections reform bill (A08871) sponsored by Assemblymember Dilan that would enact ten legislative measures aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in State correctional facilities following recent deaths in custody. The bill includes provisions requiring disclosure of video footage related to deaths involving correctional officers, mandating camera installation and long-term storage, establishing notice requirements for deaths in custody, expanding the Correctional Association's access to facilities, and extending the statute of limitations for incarcerated individuals to file civil claims for injuries up to three years after release. Sponsor Dilan emphasized the bill addresses structural failures revealed by recent homicides, including the case of Robert Brooks. However, Assemblymember DiPietro argued the bill fails to address root causes of a recent corrections officers' strike, particularly mandatory overtime and the HALT Act, and cited cases of officers forced into excessive shifts. Assemblymember A. Brown raised concerns about the cost of video storage mandates, the absence of chain-of-custody procedures for video evidence, and potential conflicts of interest in the Attorney General's Office simultaneously investigating and defending corrections officers. The debate remained ongoing at the end of this transcript segment.

A01234 PASSED 2025-06-11

Assault in healthcare facilities - requires law enforcement to offer victims option to provide statements at healthcare facility rather than police station

The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Asm. Woerner requiring law enforcement to offer assault victims in healthcare facilities the option to provide statements at the facility rather than at a police station. The bill was prompted by complaints from emergency room nurses and hospital administrators across multiple jurisdictions who reported that victims felt re-victimized by mandatory police station visits. Woerner cited statistics showing 70 percent of ER nurses and 55 percent of ER physicians experience workplace violence. Opponents, including Asm. Angelino and Asm. Reilly, argued the bill is unnecessarily specific, lacks law enforcement input, and duplicates existing law. They contended local police-hospital relationships could address the issue without legislation and expressed concern that handwritten statements in emergency rooms would be less thorough than those taken at police stations. The bill requires police to inform victims they have the option to provide statements at the healthcare facility or at a police station at a later time.

A08463-E PASSED 2025-06-11

AANHPI Education Equity Act — authorizes Commissioner of Education to conduct survey on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history instruction; establishes temporary advisory committee

The Assembly passed the AANHPI Education Equity Act (A08463-E), sponsored by Asm. Lee, which directs the Commissioner of Education to survey school districts on instruction related to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and establishes a temporary four-member advisory committee to recommend curriculum resources. Debate focused on committee composition, with Minority members objecting to the lack of Minority party representation. Asm. Walsh questioned why the committee was limited to four experts and suggested expanding to six to allow Minority appointments. Asm. Lee responded that appointments are based on subject matter expertise and that Minority members could provide recommendations through the Speaker and Majority Leader. Asm. Gallahan and Asm. Tague voted against the bill citing the exclusion of Minority representation. The bill passed with support from Asm. Lee, Asm. Chang (cosponsor), Asm. Lunsford, and Asm. Meeks, who emphasized the importance of inclusive curriculum and diverse perspectives.

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.

A01417 PASSED 2025-06-10

Lead-based paint inspection and disclosure requirements for residential real property sales and certain rental transactions

The Assembly passed Asm. Rivera's lead-based paint inspection bill (A01417) on a party-line vote with Republican exceptions. The legislation requires sellers of residential properties built before 1978 to obtain lead-based paint certifications before sale and disclose results to buyers. The requirement applies to sales and rent-to-own arrangements but not standard rentals. Sellers receive a $400-$500 tax credit to offset testing costs, which average $400-$500. The bill does not mandate remediation, only disclosure. Multiple members emphasized lead poisoning as the most preventable and prevalent health threat to children, with impacts including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and reduced educational capacity. Asm. Peoples-Stokes criticized America's historical prioritization of business profit over public health, while Asm. Meeks detailed extensive health consequences. The bill has passed three times previously with no reported concerns from county clerks. It takes effect August 1, 2026.

A04938 PASSED 2025-05-05

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

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

A05893 PASSED 2025-04-01

Amend Social Services Law to allow prospective and current agency personnel to complete training through remote training methods

A6172 PASSED 2024-03-26

An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring labeling of ingredients on diapers

The Assembly passed legislation requiring manufacturers to list all ingredients on diaper packaging in order of predominance, with a 12-month implementation deadline. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, the bill applies to both infant and adult diapers. Supporters, including several parents in the chamber, argued the measure provides necessary consumer transparency and parental choice, comparing it to successful menstrual product labeling requirements. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Goodell, questioned whether the bill provides meaningful protection given that ingredient lists lack quantity information, and raised concerns about the tight implementation timeline and potential civil penalties of up to 1 percent of annual in-state sales. The sponsor rejected calls to extend the deadline to 18 months, as the Senate version proposes, arguing one year is sufficient time for compliance. The bill passed with bipartisan support despite Republican Conference opposition.

A06541 2024-03-21

An act to amend the Civil Rights Law, in relation to waiving the state's sovereign immunity to claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Family and Medical Leave Act

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

A5704 LAID ASIDE 2024-03-14

An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to increases of rent in manufactured home parks

A08874 PASSED 2024-03-12

Amend General Business Law to increase discretionary purchasing thresholds for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs)

The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Asm. Bichotte Hermelyn raising the no-bid contract threshold for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) and service-disabled veteran enterprises from $500,000 to $750,000 in New York State procurement. The bill sparked heated debate over fraud risks versus discrimination remedies. Supporters cited disparity studies proving ongoing discrimination in government contracting and invoked the City of Richmond v. Croson precedent requiring states to address documented discrimination. Opponents, led by Asm. Goodell, warned that no-bid contracts enable corruption, pointing to recent scandals involving COVID test kits and emergency services contracts costing hundreds of millions above market rates. Asm. Giglio questioned whether prevailing wage and bonding requirements would apply to the higher threshold. The sponsor argued the bill targets only small contracts and that competitive bidding has failed to eliminate discrimination despite decades of use. Several members voted to explain their positions, with some supporting equity goals while expressing concerns about implementation details.

A09310-A PASSED 2024-02-28

An act to amend the State Law, in relation to establishing congressional districts; and to repeal Article 7 of such law relating thereto

The New York State Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday establishing four designated judicial venues—New York County, Westchester County, Albany County, and Erie County—for all future reapportionment and redistricting challenges. The bill (A09310-A), sponsored by Asm. Zebrowski, aims to centralize expertise and discourage venue shopping in apportionment cases. Supporters argued that specialized courts with concentrated expertise are necessary to protect voting rights and democratic integrity, comparing the approach to federal specialized courts like the Tax Court. However, critics contended the measure effectively disenfranchises rural residents in the state's 62 counties who lack convenient access to the four designated venues, with some calling it unconstitutional. Asm. Goodell questioned why the Legislature would not designate Steuben County, where a judge's reapportionment ruling was repeatedly affirmed on appeal. The bill passed following extended debate over access to courts and the proper balance between judicial expertise and constitutional rights.

A08566 / S214-A PASSED 2024-02-07

Chapter Amendment to expand eligibility for victims and survivors of crime to access victim compensation funds; removes mandatory law enforcement reporting requirement

The Assembly passed a Chapter Amendment to expand victim compensation eligibility and remove mandatory law enforcement reporting requirements for crime victims who access services through victim service providers. Sponsored by Assemblymember Meeks, the bill drew sharp debate over whether protecting victim confidentiality undermines prosecution efforts and domestic violence prevention. Opponents, led by Assemblymember Goodell, argued the measure makes it unlawful to report crimes and prevents information sharing needed to prosecute abusers and obtain Orders of Protection—tools the Governor identified as critical to breaking cycles of violence. Supporters countered that mandatory reporting can escalate dangerous situations and that over 90 percent of crime victims avoid services due to fear and mistrust of law enforcement. Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes noted that Orders of Protection don't always protect victims and that different communities have different relationships with police. The bill passed without a recorded tally being announced.

A08566 / S214-A 2024-01-23

Amend Executive Law expanding eligibility for victims and survivors of crime to access victim compensation funds by removing mandatory law enforcement reporting requirement and providing alternative forms of evidence

A08504 / S5890-A PASSED 2024-01-16

Amend Insurance Law regarding wellness programs for life insurers

A04282 PASSED 2023-06-08

Reparations Commission Act

The New York State Assembly passed legislation establishing a commission to study the effects of slavery and recommend reparations for descendants of enslaved people in New York. Sponsor Asm. Solages, in closing remarks, invoked a recent mass shooting targeting Black New Yorkers and called the bill a step toward dismantling systemic barriers. The debate spanned hours with passionate testimony from members, many of whom are descendants of enslaved people or members of communities affected by slavery's legacy. Supporters emphasized the bill's importance given efforts in other states to erase slavery from curricula and highlighted slavery's continuing impact through mass incarceration, police brutality, and redlining. Republican opponents objected primarily that the bill excludes minority party appointments to the commission, with Asm. Angelino and Asm. Gallahan arguing the whole community should be represented. Some members raised concerns about defining eligibility, with Asm. Lucas initially voting no but switching to yes after the sponsor acknowledged on record that lineage-based slavery would be a focus of the study. The bill passed with applause from the chamber.

A06724 PASSED 2023-06-05

Authorizing the City of Rochester to convey an easement in Genesee Valley Park to the Rochester Pure Waters District for installation and maintenance of sanitary sewer facilities

A02188 PASSED 2023-05-18

An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to the posting of additional nursing home ratings

The Assembly passed A02188, sponsored by Asm. Dinowitz, requiring nursing homes to prominently display CMS star ratings for health inspections, staffing, and quality measures on their websites and facilities. The bill aims to help consumers and families make informed decisions about long-term care by providing standardized, objective information. Supporters argued the measure provides transparency and detailed information to help families select appropriate facilities. However, opponents raised significant concerns about the reliability of the rating system, noting that many nursing homes have not been inspected within state-mandated timeframes due to Department of Health failures, and that the star calculation methodology is opaque and lacks context about resident acuity and facility specialization. Asm. Jensen argued that 46 percent of nursing homes in the Rochester area are currently out of compliance with state inspection law, meaning their ratings are based on outdated information. Despite these concerns, the Democratic majority supported the bill as consumer-friendly legislation, while Republicans were generally opposed.

A02105 / S00214 PASSED 2023-05-18

An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to expanding eligibility for victims and survivors of crime to access victim compensation funds by removing the mandatory law enforcement reporting requirement, providing alternative forms of evidence that would show that a qualifying crime was committed and the confidentiality of certain records

The Assembly passed A02105/S00214, sponsored by Asm. Meeks, expanding eligibility for crime victims and survivors to access state victim compensation funds by removing the mandatory law enforcement reporting requirement, extending the filing deadline from one year to three years, and allowing alternative forms of evidence such as victim advocate statements or temporary orders of protection. Supporters argued the changes remove barriers that disproportionately affect minorities and trauma survivors, citing research showing that 40 percent of crime victims do not report crimes and that African-Americans are significantly less likely to access victim compensation. Opponents, led by Asm. Goodell, contended the bill undermines crime-fighting efforts by eliminating incentives for timely reporting and cooperation with law enforcement at a time when major crimes in New York City have risen 22 percent. Asm. Walsh expressed concern that the bill's language allows compensation without a formal police report, even three years after an alleged crime. The Democratic majority supported the bill as addressing systemic barriers to victim services, while Republicans were generally opposed.

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.