Asm. Sarahana Shrestha — The Commons Gallery

Sarahana Shrestha represents AD-103, a D+28 district in the Hudson Valley with a voter registration breakdown of 46.6% Democrat, 18.5% Republican, and 29.3% Independent, and a population that is 77.5% white with a 69.2% homeownership rate and median household income of $87,164. First elected in 2022, she won her 2024 general election against Jack Hayes by 28.4 points (64.2% to 35.8%), improving on her 2022 margin of 21.6 points, and her district is rated Safe D across all modeled electoral environments through 2026. Her 33 sponsored bills in the 2025 session concentrate most heavily in Public Service (6 bills), Public Authorities (5 bills), and Tax (5 bills), reflecting a focus on energy, utility regulation, and fiscal policy. Top lobbying sectors active in her district have not been itemized in this brief, but her legislative emphasis on Public Service and Public Authorities law aligns with energy and utility policy domains.AI

Vulnerability Index AD-103

Base lean: D+29

Favorable D

Safe D

Neutral

Safe D

Favorable R

Safe D

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+29). 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-103

General Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024	Sarahana Shrestha 64.2% (46,993)	Jack Hayes 35.8% (26,176)	28.4pts
2022	Sarahana Shrestha 60.8% (36,605)	Patrick Sheehan 39.2% (23,554)	21.6pts
2020	Kevin A. Cahill 69.9% (51,234)	Rex Bridges 30.1% (22,040)	39.8pts
2018	Kevin Cahill 100.0% (46,179)	Uncontested	—
2016	Kevin A. Cahill 77.9% (43,756)	Jack Hayes 22.1% (12,416)	55.8pts
2014	Kevin A. Cahill 61.4% (25,537)	Kevin Roberts 38.6% (16,052)	22.8pts
2012	Kevin A. Cahill 100.0% (47,352)	Uncontested	—
2010	Marcus Molinaro 66.7% (27,537)	Susan Tooker 33.3% (13,722)	33.4pts
2008	Marcus J. Molinaro 61.3% (33,329)	Anne Rubin 38.7% (21,008)	22.6pts
2006	Marcus Molinaro 55.7% (22,065)	Virginia S. Martin 44.3% (17,531)	11.4pts
2004	Patrick R. Manning 100.0% (34,807)	Uncontested	—
2002	Patrick R. Manning 100.0% (24,008)	Uncontested	—
2000	James N. Tedisco 73.0% (37,787)	Bruce S. Trachtenberg 25.7% (13,281)	47.3pts
1998	James N. Tedisco 74.4% (31,306)	Michele А. Paludi 25.6% (10,765)	48.8pts
1996	James N. Tedisco 70.1% (35,230)	Tina Panetta Zaza 29.9% (14,998)	40.2pts

Primary Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2024 (Democratic)	Sarahana Shrestha 66.3% (9,219)	Gabi Madden 33.7% (4,688)	32.6pts
2022 (Democratic)	Sarahana Shrestha 51.8% (7,907)	Kevin A. Cahill 48.2% (7,369)	⚡ 3.6pts
2006 (Republican)	Marcus Molinaro 52.2% (2,770)	Patrick R. Manning 47.8% (2,539)	⚡ 4.4pts
2000 (Working Families)	Bruce Trachtenberg 100.0% (2)	Uncontested	—
2000 (Green)	Elmer Bertsch 50.0% (1)	Uncontested	⚡ 0.0pts

Special Elections

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Margin
2012	Didi Barrett 51.2% (6,464)	Richard C. Wager 48.8% (6,170)	⚡ 2.4pts

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

Voter Registration

47%

18%

35%

Dem 46.6% Rep 18.5% Ind/Other 34.9%

District 103 Profile

Population 134,151

Median income $87,164

Median rent $1,471

Homeownership 69.2%

Education (BA+) 43.9%

Poverty rate 13.1%

Uninsured rate 4.6%

Unemployment rate 5.4%

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

Demographics

White 77.5%

Black 5.1%

Hispanic 9.6%

Asian 2.3%

Median age 45.6

Foreign born 8.5%

Limited English households 1.3%

Veterans 4.1%

Disability rate 13.9%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 65.8%

Public transit 2.0%

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)

33

24

Years in office 3

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

Floor Session Activity 2025–2026

A01392 PASSED 2026-03-23

An act to require the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop recommendations regarding the establishment of microgrids

A07686-A PASSED 2025-06-13

An act to amend the Public Authorities Law and the Energy Law, in relation to the New York Power Authority's conferral process.

The Assembly passed A07686-A, sponsored by Asm. Shrestha, amending the Public Authorities Law and Energy Law to improve the New York Power Authority's conferral process. Shrestha argued that while public authorities like NYPA are powerful vehicles for delivering transformative results, they have historically lacked transparency and accountability measures. She emphasized that if authorities are to function as true people's corporations, public participation must be a serious priority. The bill takes immediate steps to enhance transparency and public engagement in NYPA's decision-making. The measure passed on a voice vote.

A08146 PASSED 2025-06-06

An act authorizing the Town of Hurley to alienate certain parklands for use as a highway garage for the Town and to dedicate other lands as replacement parklands

A08273 PASSED 2025-05-29

An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to authorizing the Town of Gardiner to impose a hotel and motel tax

A06223 PASSED 2025-05-19

County of Ulster authority to impose additional sales and compensating use tax

A04938 PASSED 2025-05-05

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

A07537-B 2024-06-10

An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to termination of certain utility services

A07537-B 2024-06-07

An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to termination of certain utility services

A07537-B 2024-06-07

An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to termination of certain utility services

A06583-A PASSED 2024-03-25

An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to establishing November 26th of each year as a day of commemoration known as 'Sojourner Truth Day'

The Assembly passed A06583-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Shrestha, establishing November 26th annually as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State. Shrestha explained that Sojourner Truth was born in the Town of Esopus in her 103rd District in the mid-Hudson Valley and made history by winning a legal case against slave owners in the Ulster County Courthouse. The bill was brought forward by young constituents seeking to celebrate Truth's legacy and her historic fight for freedom and voting rights. Shrestha voted affirmatively, noting the bill aims to inspire Americans to stand up for what is right.

A07264 2024-03-21

An act to amend the General Municipal Law, in relation to the awarding of certain purchase contracts to purchase food

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.

A4055 / S4234 PASSED 2024-01-30

Chapter Amendment relating to utility billing requirements — requiring utilities to send bills within three months, provide 13 months of prior usage data, and apply safeguards to small businesses

The Assembly passed a major utility reform bill (A4055/S4234) requiring utilities to send bills within three months of the billing date, provide customers 13 months of prior usage data for comparison, and extend these protections to small businesses. The Chapter Amendment represents a compromise from the original bill, which sought a two-month deadline and two years of historical data. Sponsor Asm. Jacobson cited widespread billing failures in the Hudson Valley and Rochester, where customers waited 6-18 months or longer for bills, sometimes receiving thousands of dollars in unexpected charges. Multiple members from affected districts testified to constituent hardship. Opponents argued the bill would shift costs to other ratepayers rather than utilities absorbing losses, and questioned whether penalties would undermine utility investment in infrastructure upgrades. The bill passed with support from members representing districts that experienced the billing crisis.

S00405 / A7165 2023-06-21

An act to amend the Public Service Law, in relation to utility intervenor reimbursement; and to amend the State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the utility intervenor account

The Assembly debated legislation (S405/A7165) that would establish a fund to reimburse non-profit organizations and groups representing residential and small business utility customers for costs incurred while participating in Public Service Commission rate cases and policy proceedings. Sponsor Assemblywoman Solages argued the measure provides ratepayers equal representation with utilities, citing California's experience where intervenor participation saved customers $4 billion in 2021. Opponents Assemblyman Palmesano and Assemblyman Goodell raised concerns about uncapped costs to ratepayers, duplication of existing consumer protection agencies, and the lack of statutory limits on eligible intervenors or geographic requirements. Goodell questioned whether the bill would require utilities to fund their own opposition, a practice not used in other regulatory contexts. Solages countered that the PSC would establish appropriate parameters and that the bill addresses rate increases impacting New Yorkers across the state. The Governor has vetoed similar legislation in prior years, citing concerns about rate increases. No vote was taken during this segment of debate.

A07200 PASSED 2023-06-06

An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to hotel and motel taxes in Ulster County

A06688 / S____ PASSED 2023-06-01

An act to amend the Tax Law and Chapter 200 of the Laws of 2002 amending the Tax Law relating to certain tax rates imposed by the County of Ulster, in relation to extending the authority of the County of Ulster to impose an additional 1 percent sales and compensating use tax

A05697 RECALLED 2023-05-10

Rental housing — prohibition on reporting negative rent payment history to consumer reporting agencies

The Assembly recalled a bill that would prohibit landlords from reporting negative rent payment history to consumer reporting agencies before a final vote tally was recorded. The measure, sponsored by Assemblymember Rosenthal, sparked heated debate between housing advocates and landlord advocates. Supporters argued the bill protects tenants from discriminatory practices and excessive salary requirements that exclude working people from housing. Opponents contended it would force landlords to raise rents to cover increased risk and worsen New York's housing crisis by discouraging investment in rental properties. The bill drew passionate testimony from members on both sides, with supporters citing personal experiences of housing insecurity and opponents warning of disinvestment in residential real estate. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes moved to recall the bill and lay it aside before the roll call vote was completed, preventing a final tally from being recorded.

A04781 LAID ASIDE 2023-05-08

An act to amend the Real Property Law, in relation to prohibiting landlords, lessors, sub-lessors, and grantors from demanding brokers' fees from a tenant.

A03003-D PASSED 2023-05-02

State Budget Bill - General Fund and All-Funds Appropriations

The New York State Assembly passed the FY 2023-24 State Budget on May 2, a $306.9 billion spending plan that drew both praise and criticism from members across the ideological spectrum. The budget includes full funding of Foundation Aid—a decades-long goal—expansion of child tax credits to children under four, significant climate change provisions including the Public Renewables Act and all-electric building requirements, and increased support for SUNY and CUNY without tuition increases. The budget also includes public transit investments averting an MTA fiscal cliff and establishing a historic free bus pilot program. However, the budget drew opposition from progressive members over bail reform rollbacks that restore pre-2019 standards, inadequate housing crisis response despite some funding increases, and charter school provisions. Conservative members criticized energy policy provisions projecting significant increases in heating costs. The Assembly passed the bill after extended floor debate in which members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing education and climate investments and opponents citing criminal justice and affordability concerns.

A03003-D PASSED 2023-05-02

State Budget Bill - General Appropriations for Support of Government

The New York State Assembly passed the $229 billion state budget on May 2, following an extended floor debate marked by passionate arguments on both sides. The budget includes historic full funding of Foundation Aid, expansion of the child tax credit to children under four to lift approximately one million children out of poverty, and significant climate provisions including the Public Renewables Act and all-electric building requirements. The budget also averts an MTA fiscal cliff, reduces fare hikes, and funds a free bus pilot program. However, the budget proved contentious over criminal justice provisions, with members divided on bail reform rollbacks that critics said erode civil rights protections. Housing advocates lamented the failure to address the affordability crisis or fund new housing construction. Supporters emphasized the budget reflects state values through education funding, child care expansion, and climate action. Opponents raised concerns about energy cost increases and insufficient public safety measures. The budget passed after members voted their conscience on the difficult tradeoffs involved.

A03003-D PASSED 2023-05-02

State Budget Bill - General Fund and All-Funds Appropriations

The New York State Assembly passed the FY 2023-24 State Budget on May 2, a $229 billion spending plan that includes historic full funding of Foundation Aid, major climate change initiatives, and expanded child tax credits, though it drew criticism for inadequate housing provisions and criminal justice reform rollbacks. The budget, sponsored by Chair Weinstein, appropriates $306.9 billion on an all-funds basis with $74.3 billion from the General Fund and $17.2 billion on an all-funds disbursement basis. Key provisions include $34.5 billion in Foundation Aid fulfilling a decades-long court mandate, expansion of child tax credits to children under four to lift approximately one million children out of poverty, public renewables authority for the New York Power Authority, all-electric building requirements, $35 million for expanded MTA subway service, and a free bus pilot program. The budget also includes child care expansion, no tuition increases at SUNY and CUNY, and raised assigned counsel rates to $158 per hour for public defenders. However, members voting against the budget cited the Governor's rollback of bail reform protections, inadequate housing crisis response despite $250 million Housing Access Voucher Program proposal, and concerns about energy cost increases from climate provisions. The Assembly passed the measure with significant debate reflecting deep divisions over criminal justice and housing policy.

A04672 / S____ PASSED 2023-04-26

Classification of the Town of Ulster in the County of Ulster

A04672 PASSED 2023-04-26

Classification of the Town of Ulster in the County of Ulster

A03770 PASSED 2023-02-15

An act to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to notification of changes to the model contract with managed care providers under the Medical Assistance Program and requiring the Department to post certain changes on its website

The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Shrestha to increase transparency in New York's Medicaid managed care system. The bill requires the Department of Social Services to notify managed care providers of changes to model contracts and post those changes on its website. Shrestha noted that since the managed care system's inception in 2011, numerous contract updates have occurred without sufficient notice to providers. The measure was Shrestha's first bill passage.

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.