Asm. Jonathan Rivera — The Commons Gallery

Jonathan Rivera represents AD-149, a D+27 district in which he ran uncontested in 2024 after winning his 2022 contest by 18.2 points; across all modeled 2026 scenarios the seat rates as Safe D, reflecting a base lean of D+24. The district carries a voter registration breakdown of 47.9% Democrat, 21.1% Republican, and 24.8% Independent, with a population of 132,659, a median household income of $69,378, a poverty rate of 16.7%, and a racial composition of 69.7% white, 13.0% Hispanic, 10.5% Black, and 4.5% Asian. Rivera's 2025 legislative record spans 201 sponsored bills, concentrated heavily in Public Health (74 bills) and Social Services (30 bills), with additional activity in Insurance (9 bills) and Education and Tax (7 bills each); his floor engagement across 34 joint hearings has prominently featured lead-based paint disclosure and inspection requirements alongside hospital closure notification legislation. Top lobbying sectors active in the district and the overlap between his Insurance-focused sponsorship and his engagement on lead-paint liability coverage in Insurance Law present a notable point of external influence alignment.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-149

Base lean: D+24

Favorable D

Safe D

Neutral

Safe D

Favorable R

Safe D

Ran uncontested in most recent election

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+24). 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-149

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Jonathan D. Rivera 100.0% (38,091)	Uncontested	—
2022	Jonathan D. Rivera 59.1% (23,792)	Ralph R. Hernandez 40.9% (16,436)	18.2pts
2020	Jonathan D. Rivera 66.0% (38,611)	Joseph Totaro 34.0% (19,922)	32.0pts
2018	Sean M. Ryan 72.1% (31,233)	Joseph Totaro 27.9% (12,062)	44.2pts
2016	Sean M. Ryan 100.0% (40,525)	Uncontested	—
2014	Sean M. Ryan 68.0% (19,243)	Jacob J. Bratek 29.0% (8,216)	39.0pts
2012	Sean M. Ryan 82.8% (35,855)	Joseph A. Mascia 17.2% (7,431)	65.6pts
2010	Joseph M. Giglio 74.4% (23,916)	Travis C. Lecceadone 25.6% (8,247)	48.8pts
2008	Joseph M. Giglio 64.8% (26,343)	Patrick H. Eaton 35.2% (14,284)	29.6pts
2006	Joseph M. Giglio 60.2% (20,417)	Linda L. Witte 39.8% (13,472)	20.4pts
2005	Joseph M. Giglio 60.2% (5,637)	Carmen A. Vecchiarella 39.8% (3,722)	20.4pts
2004	Catharine M. Young 74.8% (35,013)	Fred M. Scicchitano 25.2% (11,786)	49.6pts
2002	Catharine M. Young 100.0% (26,444)	Uncontested	—
2000	Catharine M. Young 74.2% (30,980)	James C. Gleason, Jr. 25.8% (10,799)	48.4pts
1998	Catharine M. Young 61.6% (19,337)	Patrick А. Tyler 38.4% (12,045)	23.2pts
1996	Patricia K. Mc Gee 100.0% (30,917)	Uncontested	—

Primary Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2020 (Democratic)	Jonathan D. Rivera 53.3% (8,066)	Adam L. Bojak 30.6% (4,638)	22.7pts
2014 (Green)	Charles R. Tarr 100.0% (3)	Uncontested	—

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

Voter Registration

48%

21%

31%

Dem 47.9% Rep 21.1% Ind/Other 30.9%

District 149 Profile

Population 132,659

Median income $69,378

Median rent $1,073

Homeownership 53.7%

Education (BA+) 39.7%

Poverty rate 16.7%

Uninsured rate 3.2%

Unemployment rate 6.3%

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

Demographics

White 69.7%

Black 10.5%

Hispanic 13.0%

Asian 4.5%

Median age 37.4

Foreign born 7.6%

Limited English households 4.3%

Veterans 5.1%

Disability rate 14.8%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 69.1%

Public transit 3.8%

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)

201

34

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

A01067 PASSED 2026-03-31

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint

The New York State Assembly passed A01067, legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from excluding coverage for losses or damages caused by lead-based paint exposure in rental properties. The bill removes a 1990s Insurance Law exclusion that has prevented tenants from seeking damages through landlord liability coverage. Sponsor Asm. Rivera argued the exclusion prevents tenants from pursuing claims due to fear of landlord retaliation and inability to afford medical expenses, and that removing it would incentivize landlords to remediate lead hazards. He noted that 80% of lead-poisoned children in his district live in rental properties and that New York has the oldest housing inventory among all 50 states. Opponents raised concerns that eliminating the exclusion could cause insurers to raise premiums, withdraw from certain markets, or create perverse incentives for landlords to rely on insurance rather than proactively address hazards. The bill includes a 26-month implementation period. The Minority Conference opposed the measure, while the Majority Conference supported it.

A01067 PASSED 2026-03-31

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint

The New York State Assembly passed A01067, legislation that removes a decades-old insurance law exclusion preventing renters exposed to lead-based paint from seeking damages against landlords. Sponsored by Asm. Rivera, the bill would require liability insurance policies to cover losses and damages caused by lead-based paint exposure, with a 26-month implementation period. Rivera argued the exclusion prevents tenants from pursuing claims due to fear of landlord retaliation and inability to pay medical expenses, noting that 80 percent of lead-poisoned children in his district live in rental properties. New York has the oldest housing inventory among all 50 states. Opponents, including Asm. Gandolfo and Molitor, raised concerns that the bill could incentivize landlords to rely on insurance rather than remediate hazards, increase premiums across the rental market, and potentially cause insurers to withdraw from regions with older housing stock. The Majority Conference voted in favor while the Minority Conference opposed the measure.

A01529-A 2026-03-11

Amends Real Property Law to require disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions

A08883 2025-06-12

An act to amend the Judiciary Law, in relation to judicial departments

The Assembly took up A08883, sponsored by Assemblyman Luis Rivera, which would reapportion New York's judicial districts for the first time since 2007, creating two new judicial districts to address diversity disparities on the bench. Rivera presented demographic data showing that in the 4th Department, minorities comprise a substantial portion of the population in Monroe County but represent only a tiny fraction of the 67 justices—only two are African-American, none are Asian, and none are Hispanic. The bill would separate Monroe, Erie, and Onondaga counties into their own districts to increase the likelihood that judges elected reflect their communities' demographics. However, Assemblyman Jensen raised significant concerns, including that the Office of Court Administration had stated today or earlier this week that it preferred the bill be delayed until next year for further study, that no public hearings were held in the affected districts, and that OCA estimates the cost at $9.6 million without accompanying appropriation language. Jensen also questioned the process for assigning individual judges to the new districts and whether administrative judges had been consulted. The debate remained ongoing at the end of this transcript segment.

A07615-A / S07615 PASSED 2025-06-10

An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to designating the Scajaquada Heritage Area

A01529-A 2025-06-10

Relating to requiring the disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions

The Assembly debated legislation requiring disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in residential real estate transactions for properties constructed prior to 1978. Sponsor Assemblyman Rivera argued the bill ensures incoming homeowners have complete information about lead hazards, emphasizing New York's oldest housing stock and the permanent damage lead exposure causes to children. He noted modern testing using non-invasive technology takes 1-2 hours and costs less than $500, and that properties need testing only once. Assemblywoman Walsh raised concerns about the bill's language, questioning whether it clearly limits application to pre-1978 homes, and suggested existing property disclosure statements and federal requirements already alert buyers to potential lead risks. She argued buyers should have responsibility to conduct inspections given the substantial cost of home purchases. Assemblyman Durso sought clarification on specific scenarios including home additions, rental properties, and commercial-to-residential conversions. Rivera confirmed the bill applies only to sales, not rentals unless involving rent-to-own arrangements, and that properties rezoned from commercial to residential at time of sale would require testing if built before 1978.

A07615-A / S07615 PASSED 2025-06-10

An act to amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, in relation to designating the Scajaquada Heritage Area

A01529-A 2025-06-10

Relating to requiring the disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions

The Assembly debated legislation requiring disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions for homes built before 1978. Sponsor Assemblyman Rivera argued the bill ensures incoming homeowners have complete information about lead hazards, noting that federal disclosure requirements are inadequate and that New York has the oldest housing stock in the country. Rivera said lead testing costs less than $500, takes 2-3 hours using non-invasive technology, and does not require remediation—only disclosure. Assemblywoman Walsh questioned the bill's scope, noting potential ambiguity about which homes are covered, and argued that existing property condition disclosure statements and real estate professionals should be sufficient to alert buyers to lead risks. Assemblyman Durso sought clarification on scenarios involving home additions, rental properties, and commercial-to-residential conversions. The bill received mixed support, with Walsh suggesting votes would likely split between those viewing it as necessary consumer protection and those seeing it as an onerous burden on sellers.

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.

S01226 / A06004 PASSED 2025-06-10

Hospital closure notice and public engagement requirements

The Assembly passed legislation requiring hospitals to provide advance public notice and community engagement before closing entirely or shutting down emergency, maternity, mental health, or substance use units. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Simon, establishes a pre-closure procedure replacing the current requirement for a community forum held after closure. Simon cited the 2013 closure of her hospital as evidence that the Department of Health fails to adequately assess community healthcare needs, noting that 41 hospitals have closed in the past decade. Assemblymember Jensen opposed the bill, arguing that the Department of Health already implemented similar requirements through 2023 guidance and that the bill's procedural requirements could jeopardize hospital financial viability. The bill passed despite Republican opposition and the Governor's veto of similar legislation last year.

A01529 TABLED 2025-05-29

Disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions

A08149 PASSED 2025-05-12

An act in relation to authorizing certain medical professionals certified by a foreign government or another state or territory to provide medical services during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 26

A09964-A PASSED 2024-06-10

An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to providing an exemption against certain fiber optic cable assessments for municipal fiber optic broadband companies in Erie County; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

A09964-A PASSED 2024-06-07

An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to providing an exemption against certain fiber optic cable assessments for municipal fiber optic broadband companies in Erie County; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

A09964-A PASSED 2024-06-07

An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to providing an exemption against certain fiber optic cable assessments for municipal fiber optic broadband companies in Erie County; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

A04219 PASSED 2024-06-03

Cancer cluster study in cities and towns with population over 90,000

A04219 / S04219 PASSED 2024-06-03

Study on cancer clusters in cities and towns with population over 90,000

The Assembly passed legislation (A04219) directing the New York State Department of Health to conduct cancer cluster studies in cities and towns with populations exceeding 90,000. Sponsor Asm. Rivera introduced the bill to identify and address cancer clusters in larger municipalities. Assemblyman Jensen, while voting in favor, raised concerns that the 90,000-population threshold may exclude small manufacturing communities with cancer cluster characteristics and could miss statistically significant clusters in villages within larger municipalities. He suggested future amendments to reconsider the population threshold. Mrs. Peoples-Stokes supported the bill, citing a prior health department study that identified cancer clusters in zip codes in her Buffalo-area district.

A04820-B PASSED 2024-05-28

An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to requiring the disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions

The Assembly passed A04820-B, sponsored by Asm. Rivera, requiring disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions for properties built before 1978. The bill mandates that sellers provide test results to buyers and the Department of Health, with testing costs ($300-$500) deductible by sellers. Opponents, led by Asm. Goodell, argued the measure adds unnecessary costs to real estate transactions and will further strain affordable housing by imposing expenses on landlords that will be passed to tenants. Goodell noted that lead paint exposure has declined dramatically since its 1974 ban and that existing law already requires disclosure of lead dangers. The Democratic Conference voted in favor; the Republican Conference opposed the measure.

A1687 PASSED 2024-05-07

An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages caused by exposure to lead-based paint

The Assembly passed A1687, sponsored by Asm. Rivera, which prohibits insurance companies from excluding coverage for losses caused by lead-based paint exposure in general liability policies. The measure drew sharp partisan debate, with Republicans warning it would spike insurance premiums, reduce policy availability for rental properties, and harm lower-income renters by increasing housing costs. Asm. Goodell argued the bill creates perverse incentives by insuring irresponsible landlords rather than holding them personally liable for lead abatement, and unfairly raises premiums on compliant property owners who have already invested tens of thousands in lead remediation. Democrats supported the public health protections. The Majority Conference voted generally in favor while the Republican Conference opposed the measure.

A06601 2024-03-21

An act to amend the Banking Law, in relation to prohibiting state chartered banking institutions from investing in and providing financing for private prisons

A5704 LAID ASIDE 2024-03-14

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

A09313 PASSED 2024-02-28

An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to the dates to file a designating petition; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

A07663-A PASSED 2023-06-10

An act authorizing the State University of New York to lease a portion of the lands on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State University for the relocation and operation of the Leonardo da Vinci High School; and to amend the Education Law, in relation to the computation of Building Aid for the renovation and equipping of the Leonardo da Vinci High School

A04820 PASSED 2023-06-07

An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to requiring the disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions

The Assembly passed A4820, sponsored by Asm. Rivera, requiring lead-based paint testing before any real estate contract is signed for properties built before 1978. The bill provides a $500 tax credit against the real property transfer tax to offset testing costs of $300-$400. Asm. Goodell opposed the measure, arguing it adds unnecessary expenses to real estate transactions already burdened with title searches, surveys, and transfer taxes, and that it prevents parties from making testing contingent on contract execution. He noted that Federal law already requires lead disclosure and a detailed brochure about lead hazards, with penalties up to $10,000 for non-compliance. Sponsor Rivera countered that the existing Federal disclosure is merely a seller's certification of knowledge rather than an actual test, making it inadequate for protecting buyers. He argued the testing cost is minimal relative to typical property sale amounts. The bill exempts properties built after 1978 but does not exempt homes that have undergone lead paint remediation. The Republican Conference opposed the bill while the Majority Conference supported it as progressive environmental legislation.

A01190 PASSED 2023-05-09

An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to certain requirements regarding billing for electric services

The Assembly passed A1190, sponsored by Asm. Rivera, requiring utilities to provide customers with 52-week comparisons of specific line items on electric bills to improve billing transparency for demand-metered customers. The bill, which was vetoed by Governor Hochul last year on cost and administrative burden grounds, drew criticism from Republicans who argued it was overly broad and would ultimately increase ratepayer costs through expanded printing and mailing expenses. Asm. Palmesano contended the requirement to show year-over-year comparisons for tariffs, surcharges, and other line items would inundate bills with unhelpful information, while Asm. Goodell raised practical concerns that utilities don't measure usage on a weekly basis as the bill appears to require. Rivera defended the measure as simply requiring utilities to present information they already collect. The Majority Conference voted in favor, with some exceptions permitted.

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.