Asm. Philip Palmesano — The Commons Gallery

Philip Palmesano has represented AD-132, a heavily Republican district with a R+22 registration lean and a base electoral lean of R+27, since first being elected in 2011; he has run uncontested in every general election from 2012 through 2024 and is rated Safe R across all 2026 electoral scenarios. The district is predominantly rural and white (92.0%), with a homeownership rate of 74.5%, a median household income of $67,292, a poverty rate of 13.4%, and a voter registration breakdown of 45.8% Republican, 24.4% Independent, and 23.8% Democrat. In the 2025 session, Palmesano sponsored 81 bills, with his heaviest concentrations in Tax (8 bills), Environmental Conservation (7 bills), Penal (5 bills), and a cluster of four-bill groupings spanning Correction, Education, and Highway law areas.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-132

Base lean: R+27

Favorable D

Safe R

Neutral

Safe R

Favorable R

Safe 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 (R+27). 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-132

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (49,589)	Uncontested	—
2022	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (39,869)	Uncontested	—
2020	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (48,854)	Uncontested	—
2018	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (38,269)	Uncontested	—
2016	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (44,758)	Uncontested	—
2014	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (31,261)	Uncontested	—
2012	Philip A. Palmesano 100.0% (39,580)	Uncontested	—
2010	Joseph D. Morelle 61.0% (24,640)	Mark S. Scuderi 39.0% (15,772)	22.0pts
2008	Joseph D. Morelle 100.0% (41,721)	Uncontested	—
2006	Joseph D. Morelle 68.5% (29,036)	Samuel R. Trapani 31.5% (13,344)	37.0pts
2004	Joseph D. Morelle 100.0% (34,831)	Uncontested	—
2002	Joseph D. Morelle 67.5% (26,933)	Dean J. Fero 32.5% (12,975)	35.0pts
2000	Joseph D. Morelle 69.7% (35,643)	Michael J. Belmont 30.3% (15,480)	39.4pts
1998	Joseph D. Morelle 69.8% (29,345)	Dean J. Fero 28.2% (11,835)	41.6pts
1996	Joseph D. Morelle 67.3% (35,287)	Richard L. Rampello 31.4% (16,480)	35.9pts

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

Voter Registration

24%

46%

30%

Dem 23.8% Rep 45.8% Ind/Other 30.4%

District 132 Profile

Population 133,928

Median income $67,292

Median rent $891

Homeownership 74.5%

Education (BA+) 27.5%

Poverty rate 13.4%

Uninsured rate 7.6%

Unemployment rate 5.5%

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

Demographics

White 92.0%

Black 2.0%

Hispanic 2.1%

Asian 1.3%

Median age 43.4

Foreign born 2.7%

Limited English households 0.8%

Veterans 8.3%

Disability rate 14.5%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 74.6%

Public transit 0.3%

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)

81

1

25

Years in office 15

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

Floor Session Activity 2025–2026

A11010 PASSED 2026-04-20

Budget extender — appropriations for support of government through April 22, 2026

The Assembly passed a fifth budget extender (A11010) on Monday, extending state funding through April 22 and bringing total appropriations to $12.6 billion. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the bill funds state operations, school aid payments, public health programs, unemployment insurance, and services for people with developmental disabilities. The vote came amid continued frustration from the minority, with Asm. Palmesano criticizing the lack of progress on major policy issues including tax proposals, auto insurance reform, and climate policies. Palmesano expressed concern that school districts and local governments lack the certainty needed to finalize budgets ahead of statutory deadlines. Pretlow acknowledged negotiations continue but provided no updates on specific policy language, noting that the Governor controls the timeline. The extender suggests another will be needed by Wednesday.

A11010 PASSED 2026-04-20

Budget extender — appropriations for support of government through April 22, 2026

The Assembly passed its fifth consecutive budget extender (A11010), extending state funding through April 22, 2026, as negotiations between the Legislature and Governor Hochul remain stalled on major policy issues. Sponsor Asm. Pretlow said the measure appropriates $12.6 billion total and includes school aid payments, administrative payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, and support for OPWDD and veterans services. Minority Leader Asm. Palmesano criticized the repeated extensions and lack of transparency, noting that school districts face statutory deadlines to finalize budgets and send military ballots by Friday without knowing their final aid allocations. He also raised concerns about local governments needing certainty for infrastructure projects and questioned whether the Governor's structural control over the budget process, established by the Silver v. Pataki court ruling, gives the executive disproportionate leverage. Palmesano noted no substantive language has been shared on the Governor's proposed tax increases, SEQRA changes, auto insurance reform, immigration proposals, Tier 6 pension changes, or climate policies. He argued that late budgets, high taxes, and regulatory mandates are driving out-migration from New York. Pretlow acknowledged the Legislature's diminished authority under Silver v. Pataki and said rebalancing that power would require a constitutional amendment. Palmesano voted for the extender to keep government open but said the Legislature must "get to work and do the right thing" for constituents.

A11000 PASSED 2026-04-16

An act making appropriations for the support of government; to amend Chapter 98, 100, and 102 of the Laws of 2026, relating to making appropriations for the support of government

The Assembly passed a fourth budget extender (A11000) on Thursday, April 16th, authorizing $79.1 million in additional appropriations to fund State operations through April 20th. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the bill includes funding for emergency payroll, unemployment insurance, public health programs, MTA support, OPWDD, and veterans programs. The total appropriations to date across three extenders reached $7.5 billion. Asm. Palmesano criticized the repeated extenders as a failure of process and leadership, noting the Assembly has passed four extenders since April 1st while nine budget bills remain unpassed. He also questioned the late introduction of new tax proposals without proper analysis and expressed concern that school districts lack budget certainty as they prepare their own budgets. Palmesano voted yes but called the extender "another Albany budget failure."

A11000 PASSED 2026-04-16

An act making appropriations for the support of government; to amend Chapter 98 of the Laws of 2026, Chapter 100 of the Laws of 2026, and Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2026, relating to making appropriations for the support of government

The Assembly passed A11000, a fourth budget extender since April 1st, providing $7.5 billion in appropriations to fund State operations through April 20th. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the bill includes funding for emergency payroll, unemployment insurance, public health programs, MTA support, OPWDD, and veterans programs. Asm. Palmesano criticized the measure as symptomatic of institutional failure, noting the Legislature has now passed four extenders while nine additional budget bills remain unpassed. Palmesano also questioned the lack of analysis on newly proposed tax measures introduced after public budget hearings concluded, and expressed concern about the feasibility of climate and electric school bus mandates under discussion. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies being announced in the transcript.

A10935 PASSED 2026-04-13

Budget extender bill making appropriations for support of government through April 16, 2026; amending Chapters 98 and 100 of the Laws of 2026

The Assembly passed a budget extender bill (A10935) on April 13 that extends state spending authority through April 16 as negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure provides $3.4 billion in funding for institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, public assistance, veterans programs, and general state charges. This marks the third extender since the April 1 budget deadline, with total spending of $7.4 billion across all three extensions. Asm. Palmesano questioned the lack of progress on major policy issues including auto insurance reforms, climate proposals, and tax increases, criticizing the closed-door negotiation process and calling for greater transparency and public accountability. Despite his concerns about the budget process, Palmesano voted yes, stating the extender is necessary to maintain government operations and pay state employees. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript.

A10935 PASSED 2026-04-13

Budget extender bill making appropriations for support of government through April 16, 2026; amending Chapters 98 and 100 of the Laws of 2026

The Assembly passed a $3.4 billion budget extender (A10935) on Monday that extends state funding through April 16 as negotiations on the full state budget continue. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure covers institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, public assistance, and veterans programs. This is the third extender since the April 1 budget deadline, bringing total extender spending to $7.4 billion. During debate, Asm. Palmesano pressed Pretlow on unresolved policy issues including auto insurance reforms, climate proposals, and tax increases, criticizing the lack of transparency in closed-door negotiations. Pretlow acknowledged policy discussions remain stalled and expressed hope the next extender would be final, though he was not optimistic. Palmesano voted yes despite his criticism, calling the extender necessary to keep government open but cautioning that supporting it should not be mistaken for supporting the budget process itself. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript.

A10850 PASSED 2026-04-07

Budget extender bill making appropriations for support of government through April 14, 2026

The Assembly passed a budget extender bill (A10850) on Monday extending state funding through April 14 as negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue to stall. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure appropriates funds for administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit, unemployment insurance and other vital programs. The extender represents $2.9 billion in new appropriations, bringing total extender spending to $3.96 billion. Asm. Palmesano questioned the lack of progress, noting policy disputes over auto insurance reform, SEQRA changes and climate law modifications are blocking fiscal negotiations. He criticized the continued reliance on temporary measures, saying families and local governments need certainty to plan. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript. The Assembly is scheduled to reconvene April 13 with hopes of passing a complete budget by April 14.

A10850 PASSED 2026-04-07

Budget extender bill making appropriations for support of government through April 14, 2026

The Assembly passed a second budget extender bill (A10850) on Monday, extending state funding through April 14 as negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue to stall. Sponsored by Asm. Pretlow, the measure appropriates $2.9 billion in additional funding for administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit, unemployment insurance and other vital programs, bringing total extender appropriations to $3.96 billion. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies in the transcript. Asm. Palmesano questioned the lack of progress toward a complete budget agreement, noting that policy disputes over auto insurance reform, SEQRA changes and climate law modifications are blocking fiscal negotiations. He criticized the repeated reliance on extenders and expressed concern that the delay impacts school districts, local governments and families struggling with affordability. Despite his reservations, Palmesano voted in favor, calling for urgency in reaching a final budget agreement by the April 14 deadline.

A10760 PASSED 2026-03-31

Budget extender for state operations through April 7, 2026

The Assembly passed a one-week budget extender (A10760) extending state operations through April 7, 2026, appropriating $1.04 billion for institutional payroll, unemployment insurance, Medicaid, and other essential services. The bill includes $535 million annually for National Guard deployment in state correctional facilities. Assemblyman Palmesano supported passage but criticized the recurring pattern of late budgets, noting Governor Hochul's budgets have been late 7, 32, 20, and 38 days in the past four years respectively. He argued the late budgets compress transparency and create uncertainty for school districts and local governments planning infrastructure projects. Palmesano called for financial plans and out-year budget gap information before additional budget bills are considered.

A09462 / S08417 2026-03-31

Chapter amendment postponing effective date of 100-foot rule repeal for gas service hookups

The Assembly debated A09462, a chapter amendment postponing the effective date of legislation removing the 100-foot rule for new residential gas service hookups from December 2025 to December 2026. Sponsor Assemblywoman Simon argued the delay allows time for implementation while claiming the underlying law will save ratepayers $600 million annually by shifting hookup costs from existing customers to new applicants. Opponents including Assemblyman Lemondes cited detailed opposition letters from National Fuel and the New York State Laborers' PAC warning of increased ratepayer costs, job losses, and grid reliability threats. Assemblyman Palmesano argued the bill makes energy less affordable and eliminates options for customers wanting to convert from oil heating to natural gas, citing a poll showing 71% of New Yorkers oppose a natural gas ban. Acting Speaker Hunter limited debate to the effective date change, ruling questions about the underlying bill's merits out of order, drawing an objection from Assemblywoman Walsh on free speech grounds.

A10760 PASSED 2026-03-31

Budget extender — State operations appropriations through April 7, 2026

The Assembly passed a one-week budget extender (A10760) extending state operations through April 7, 2026, appropriating $1.04 billion for institutional payroll, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and other essential services. The bill includes $535 million annually for National Guard deployment in state correctional facilities. Asm. Palmesano supported passage but criticized the recurring pattern of late budgets, noting that under Governor Hochul, budgets have been delayed by 7 to 38 days over the past four years. He urged leadership to provide financial plans and out-year budget projections before considering additional budget measures, warning that late budgets compress transparency and create uncertainty for school districts and local governments planning capital projects.

A09462 / S08417 2026-03-31

Chapter amendment postponing effective date of 100-foot rule repeal for gas service hookups

The Assembly debated A09462, a chapter amendment delaying the effective date of legislation eliminating the 100-foot rule for new residential gas service hookups. Sponsor Asm. Simon argued the one-year delay will ultimately save ratepayers $600 million annually by requiring new customers to pay for their own hookups rather than spreading costs across all ratepayers. However, opponents including Asm. Lemondes, Asm. Gray, and Asm. Palmesano raised concerns about increased energy costs and limited consumer choice. Lemondes cited opposition letters from National Fuel and the New York State Laborers' PAC warning of higher ratepayer costs and reduced construction jobs. Palmesano noted the bill will make it more expensive for customers to convert from oil heating to natural gas and cited polling showing 71% of New Yorkers oppose a natural gas ban. The Speaker limited debate to the effective date change, ruling questions about the underlying policy not germane to the chapter amendment.

A01410 PASSED 2026-03-24

Utility emergency response plan time-based restoration guidelines

The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Otis requiring the Public Service Commission to establish time-based restoration guidelines for utility emergency response plans following storms. Otis argued utilities do not adequately staff or contract to restore service quickly enough and that the Legislature should direct the PSC on this issue. Opponents Asm. Gray and Asm. Palmesano argued the bill would increase utility costs passed to ratepayers and that existing PSC authority and statutory frameworks already incentivize restoration and penalize delays. Palmesano emphasized that generic time-based targets fail to account for storm-specific circumstances—such as damage severity, flooding, ice, and snow removal needs—that utilities cannot assess until arriving at the scene. He stressed that worker safety must be the first priority and that utilities already have financial incentives to restore service quickly. Otis noted that ten Minority members voted for the bill in the prior year. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against with some exceptions.

A10000-A 2026-03-12

Assembly Resolution No. 1034 - 2026-2027 Executive Budget Response and Assembly One-House Budget Resolution

The New York State Assembly advanced its One-House Budget Resolution (A10000-A and companion bills A10001-A10009-A) on March 12, with Chair Pretlow outlining a $266 billion spending plan emphasizing tax relief and social investments. The resolution proposes $10.8 billion in combined personal income tax relief, including one-time energy rebate checks of $500-$300 for residential consumers, a two-year utility rate freeze, and $2.1 billion in education funding. The budget includes $1.2 billion in healthcare investments, $750 million for affordable housing programs, and revenue proposals totaling $3.6 billion from corporate income tax increases on companies earning over $10 million, personal income tax rate increases for top earners, and a new crypto mining excise tax. Ranking Member Palmesano raised fiscal concerns, noting the budget represents 1.2% growth over the Governor's proposal and projects cumulative out-year deficits of $30.3 billion through 2030. He questioned whether tax increases on high earners and financial firms—amid evidence that one-third of New Yorkers are considering leaving the state—would prove counterproductive, and raised concerns about energy policy costs and workforce retention in corrections. No vote was taken during this segment.

A10000-A 2026-03-12

Assembly Resolution No. 1034 - 2026-2027 Executive Budget Response and Assembly One-House Budget Resolution

The New York State Assembly advanced its One-House Budget Resolution for fiscal year 2026-2027, proposing $266 billion in all-funds spending (excluding $6 billion in Federal Medicaid reactivation) with major investments in education, healthcare, housing, and tax relief. Chair Pretlow highlighted $10.8 billion in combined personal income tax relief, including one-time energy rebate checks of $500-$300 for residential consumers, $2.1 billion in education funding, and $238 million to raise direct care worker wages. The budget includes revenue proposals totaling $3.6 billion through increased corporate and personal income taxes on top earners and a new crypto mining excise tax. However, Ranking Member Palmesano raised significant concerns about the budget's fiscal sustainability, noting cumulative out-year deficits of $30.3 billion and questioning whether tax increases on high earners and corporations—amid evidence of out-migration and financial sector flight—would undermine competitiveness. Palmesano also pressed on energy policy impacts, corrections workforce recruitment, and school bus electrification mandates. The resolution was advanced for further consideration.

A09438 / S03876 PASSED 2026-01-20

Requirement to include a comparison of prices charged by energy services companies on a customer's billing statement

The Assembly passed A09438, sponsored by Assemblymember Dinowitz, requiring energy services companies to include price comparisons on customer billing statements. Assemblymember Palmesano voted against the measure, arguing that if transparency is the goal, utilities should be required to display all green energy mandates on bills. Palmesano noted some improvements from prior versions but maintained his opposition, saying the Chamber should address broader ratepayer concerns including costs borne by small businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and seniors.

A07544 / S06997 PASSED 2025-06-17

An act to amend the Public Service Law and the General Municipal Law, in relation to enforcement of pole attachment safety and quality

The Assembly passed legislation establishing enforcement mechanisms for utility pole attachment safety during broadband deployment. Sponsored by Asm. Magnarelli, the bill creates penalties up to $20,000 for first violations, $50,000 for second violations, and stop-work orders for third violations. It establishes an online complaint form allowing workers and the public to report safety violations and requires the Public Service Commission to inspect complaints within 14 days and allow seven days for remediation. Magnarelli argued the bill addresses worker safety concerns and fills gaps in existing regulations that lacked enforcement mechanisms. Republican opposition, led by Asm. Palmesano, argued the bill duplicates an existing PSC post-construction inspection process, lacks evidence the current system is failing, and could delay broadband investment through excessive compliance burdens. The Republican Conference opposed the measure generally, though members could vote individually. The bill passed on a party-line vote.

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.

A04068 PASSED 2025-06-17

Yates County sales and use tax authorization

S2457-B / A3999-B PASSED 2025-06-17

Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program

The Assembly passed S2457-B, the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program, directing NYSERDA to establish energy audits and grant programs for mechanical insulation in public buildings including schools, hospitals, and housing authorities. Sponsor Asm. Bronson said the program covers 100% of audit and installation costs, including prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, with no direct appropriation—funding comes from NYSERDA's existing revenues. Opponent Asm. Palmesano objected to the funding structure, arguing ratepayers in upstate counties like Steuben and Herkimer should not subsidize projects in NYC and Westchester. He criticized the bill for lacking a funding cap and NYSERDA accountability, and tied it to broader complaints about state energy policies driving utility rate increases. Asm. Ari Brown raised technical concerns about asbestos liability and ductwork replacement costs, which Bronson deferred to NYSERDA's regulatory implementation. The bill passed without a recorded vote tally being announced.

A06405 PASSED 2025-06-17

An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to granting peace officer status to animal control officers of the County of Schuyler

A06659 PASSED 2025-06-17

An act to amend Chapter 365 of the Laws of 2005, amending the Tax Law relating to the mortgage recording tax in the County of Steuben, in relation to extending the provisions of such chapter

A08888 2025-06-16

An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to the provision of gas service to new customers

The Assembly debated A08888, sponsored by Asm. Simon, which would eliminate New York's 100-foot rule requiring gas utilities to subsidize the first 100 feet of pipe connecting new residential buildings to the gas system. Simon argued the change would save ratepayers approximately $200 million annually by requiring new customers to pay their own connection costs instead of spreading the expense across all ratepayers. She contended that those building new homes can afford to pay for their own connections and that the bill does not eliminate gas access. Opponents, led by Asm. Palmesano, argued the bill would increase housing costs for new homeowners, jeopardize grid reliability by discouraging gas connections when the New York Independent System Operator warns of reliability concerns, and eliminate union construction jobs. Palmesano contended that new customers on the system help cover fixed infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, and cited polling showing 71 percent of New Yorkers want to keep natural gas. Asm. A. Brown questioned whether the bill violates Public Service Law's mandate for fair and equitable utility access by making gas service financially unreachable for working-class families. The debate centered on energy policy, climate goals, affordability, and grid reliability, with no vote recorded in this segment.

A04069 PASSED 2025-06-16

An act to amend Chapter 366 of the Laws of 2005, amending the Tax Law relating to authorizing the County of Yates to impose a county recording tax on obligations secured by a mortgage on real property, in relation to extending the provisions of such chapter

A08180-A PASSED 2025-06-16

An act to amend the Public Officers Law, permitting Yates County assistant district attorneys and assistant public defenders to reside in Chemung County

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.