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Asm. Jo Anne Simon
District 52
Democrat
First elected 2015
Jo Anne Simon represents AD-52, a heavily Democratic district anchored at D+75 by voter registration (78.6% Democrat, 4.0% Republican), and has held the seat since 2015 with commanding margins — winning 94.1% to 5.9% in 2024 and running uncontested in 2020; the district is rated Safe D across all 2026 electoral scenarios. The district, located in Brooklyn, is characterized by high educational attainment (80.0% bachelor's degree or higher), a median household income of $184,028, a median rent of $3,191, a homeownership rate of 37.9%, and a racial composition of 65.3% white, 11.5% Hispanic, 9.9% Asian, and 8.5% Black. In the 2025 session, Simon sponsored 203 bills, with her heaviest concentration in Education (25 bills), Election law (16 bills), Mental Hygiene (14 bills), and Vehicle and Traffic (13 bills), reflecting a broad legislative portfolio spanning civil liberties, public health, and urban infrastructure. No committee chairmanship data is available in this brief, and no lobbying sector data was provided for this member.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-52
Base lean: D+83
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
- Limited contested election data — registration lean used as primary signal
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+83). 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-52
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jo Anne Simon 94.1% (60,758) | Brett Wynkoop 5.9% (3,785) | 88.2pts |
| 2022 | Jo Anne Simon 92.1% (48,463) | Brett Eugene Wynkoop 7.9% (4,173) | 84.2pts |
| 2020 | Jo Anne Simon 100.0% (67,382) | Uncontested | — |
| 2018 | Jo Anna Simon 95.5% (56,309) | Daniel Ramos 3.4% (1,988) | 92.1pts |
| 2016 | Jo Anne Simon 91.8% (57,578) | Daniel Ramos 8.2% (5,146) | 83.6pts |
| 2014 | Jo Anne Simon 69.7% (18,421) | Peter J. Sikora 22.1% (5,843) | 47.6pts |
| 2012 | Joan L. Millman 92.9% (49,265) | John R. Nijhawan 7.1% (3,747) | 85.8pts |
| 2010 | Joan L. Millman 90.5% (31,441) | John A. Jasilli, Jr. 9.5% (3,292) | 81.0pts |
| 2008 | Joan L. Millman 91.8% (47,704) | Pedro V. Monge 8.2% (4,272) | 83.6pts |
| 2006 | Joan L. Millman 92.5% (30,070) | Rosemarie Markgraf 7.5% (2,438) | 85.0pts |
| 2004 | Joan L. Millman 89.8% (43,311) | Scott J. Santandrea 8.4% (4,053) | 81.4pts |
| 2002 | Joan L. Millman 88.4% (22,033) | Kenn W. Lowy 8.6% (2,132) | 79.8pts |
| 2000 | Joan L. Millman 76.4% (28,535) | Veronica E. Pawson 22.6% (8,420) | 53.8pts |
| 1998 | Joan L. Millman 72.1% (19,259) | Glenn D. Bell 24.5% (6,553) | 47.6pts |
| 1996 | Eileen C. Dugan 70.4% (22,694) | John Johnston 18.5% (5,957) | 51.9pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 (Democratic) | Jo Anne Simon 53.1% (5,882) | Peter J. Sikora 39.7% (4,407) | 13.4pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 52 Profile
Population
144,543
Median income
$184,028
Median rent
$3,191
Homeownership
37.9%
Education (BA+)
80.0%
Poverty rate
8.2%
Uninsured rate
2.9%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
65.3%
Black
8.5%
Hispanic
11.5%
Asian
9.9%
Median age
36.2
Foreign born
18.2%
Limited English households
3.1%
Veterans
2.0%
Disability rate
7.3%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
5.4%
Public transit
42.8%
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)
Bills sponsored
203
Joint hearing appearances
2
Floor debate appearances
25
Years in office
11
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A10703
PASSED
2026-04-20
Direct Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
A10703
PASSED
2026-04-20
Authorize Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to conduct study on vertical farming
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.
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.
A02222-A
PASSED
2026-03-30
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to payment of wages
The Assembly passed A02222-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Simon, clarifying the definition of wages under Labor Law to ensure all non-discretionary compensation is included and requiring employers to provide written notice of purely discretionary compensation. The bill addresses a judicial loophole created by court misinterpretation of earlier Labor Law amendments, particularly regarding severance and bonus payments for executives. Simon cited the recent Appellate Division decision in Patel v. Maybank Kim Eng Securities USA, Inc., which reversed lower court rulings that had incorrectly excluded certain compensation from wage protections. The National Employment Lawyers Association and AFL-CIO supported the measure, while the NFIB opposed it, arguing the bill imposes burdensome notice requirements on small businesses and gives plaintiffs' attorneys excessive leverage through presumptions that shift the burden of proof to employers. The bill requires employers to clearly communicate in advance if any compensation is purely discretionary, a requirement Simon characterized as straightforward and evidentiary in nature.
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
A07796
PASSED
2026-03-23
An act to amend the Public Officers Law, in relation to accessing records under the Freedom of Information Law
A05546
PASSED
2026-02-24
Release of records of deceased residents of mental health facilities to family members
A08022-A
PASSED
2026-02-09
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to requiring certain covered platforms to provide a process for law enforcement agencies to contact such platform and to comply with search warrants within 72 hours
A05134
PASSED
2026-02-09
An act to amend the Public Authorities Law, in relation to the process for filling vacancies on the Long Island Railroad Commuter's Council
A09491
PASSED
2026-01-20
Cases terminated due to mental disease or defect and reporting obligations
A09436
PASSED
2026-01-13
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to alternatives for the use of pesticides in the Monarch Preservation Plan
A09462 / S08417
TABLED
2026-01-13
An act to amend a chapter of the Laws of 2025 amending the Public Service Law relating to the provision of gas service to new customers
A01325
PASSED
2026-01-12
An act to amend the Correction Law, in relation to a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals
A07777 / S01099
PASSED
2025-06-17
Freedom to Read Act - amending Education Law to empower school libraries to develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections
The New York State Assembly passed the 'Freedom to Read Act' (A07777/S01099) on June 17, 2025, after extensive debate over the bill's delegation of authority to the State Education Commissioner. Sponsored by Assemblyman Simone, the bill directs the Commissioner to establish policies ensuring school libraries develop diverse, developmentally appropriate collections. Supporters argued the measure addresses real censorship concerns, citing examples of inappropriate book challenges such as removal of science texts. Critics, including Assemblymen Gandolfo, Bologna, Durso, and Fitzpatrick, expressed concerns that the bill shifts decision-making power from local school districts to the state level, potentially undermining parental involvement and local control. The bill does not explicitly define "developmentally appropriate" and leaves appeal procedures unclear. Republicans generally opposed the measure, though the Democratic majority voted in favor. Assemblymen Bologna and Durso voted against the bill, citing concerns about centralized state authority over local school boards.
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.
A08699-A / S08338
PASSED
2025-06-16
Clarifying disparate impact standard for employment discrimination under Human Rights Law
The Assembly passed legislation codifying the disparate impact standard in New York's employment discrimination law, ensuring that unlawful discrimination can be established based on a practice's discriminatory effect even without proof of discriminatory intent. Sponsor Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn argued the codification is critical as the current federal Administration has issued Executive Orders seeking to eliminate disparate impact analysis, and that codifying the standard in state law protects New Yorkers from being shut out of jobs and promotions due to arbitrary discriminatory rules. The Minority Conference opposed the bill, with Assemblywoman Walsh arguing that disparate impact has been established in New York case law for years and questioning whether the legislation is necessary or merely preemptively "Trump-proofing" the state. Supporters including Assemblymembers Burdick and Simon emphasized the urgency of protecting the standard as the Administration actively moves to eliminate it through rulemaking and litigation.
A02440-A / S02440
PASSED
2025-06-13
An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law, in relation to cases terminated due to mental disease or defect
A07777
2025-06-13
An act to amend the Education Law, in relation to enacting the "Freedom to Read Act".
A00584-C
PASSED
2025-06-11
Judicial Candidate Cross-Endorsement Authorization - requires judicial candidates to obtain party authorization (Wilson-Pakula) to run in another party's primary
The Assembly passed legislation requiring judicial candidates to obtain party authorization before running in another party's primary, a requirement similar to those applied to other candidates under the Wilson-Pakula law. Sponsor Assemblyman Jacobson argued the bill ensures voters understand that candidates on a party line share that party's values, noting most voters decide based on party affiliation when unfamiliar with candidates. Supporters including Assemblywoman Lunsford contended judges already run on party lines, making them inherently political, and the bill simply clarifies voter expectations without further politicizing the judiciary. Opponents including Assemblyman Durso and Sempolinski argued the bill gives party committees gatekeeping power over judicial candidates and undermines the principle that judges should represent all parties and remain apolitical. Assemblyman Steck cited practical examples of judges abusing the current system by enrolling voters in minor parties without genuine affiliation. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote.
A03665-A
2025-06-10
Repeal of mayoral 'bumping' powers in city charter amendments
A00536
PASSED
2025-06-10
Charter revision commission ballot proposals
The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Simone allowing multiple charter revision proposals to appear on the same ballot and permitting entities beyond the mayor—including the New York City Council—to submit ballot questions. The bill directly addresses the mayor's 'bumping' power, which allows the mayor to prevent other proposals from appearing on ballots. Simone argued prior mayors have abused this power to suppress City Council proposals, citing a recent example of a proposal to confirm commissioners. Supporters including Asm. Weprin and Asm. Glick contended the bill restores balance of power and checks against executive overreach. Opponents including Asm. Tannousis, Asm. Yeger, and Mr. Lasher argued the bumping power is necessary to prevent chaos from an irresponsible City Council and warned the bill will lead to ballot confusion and litigation similar to California's referendum system. The Republican Conference voted against the bill. Asm. Yeger explained his vote in opposition, urging colleagues to help preserve New York City from chaos.
S01226 / A06004
PASSED
2025-06-10
Hospital closure notice and public engagement requirements
The Assembly passed S01226, legislation requiring hospitals to provide public notice and community engagement before closing entirely or closing units providing maternity, mental health, or substance use care. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Simon, establishes a procedure for pre-closure public forums and requires the Department of Health to consider community healthcare needs before approving closures. Assemblymember Jensen opposed the measure, arguing that DOH guidance issued in August 2023 already requires similar community notification and public meetings, and that the bill's procedural requirements could threaten hospital viability during financial crises. Simon countered that statutory authority is stronger than guidance and cited the 2013 closure of her hospital and the loss of 41 hospitals statewide in the past decade. The bill had been vetoed by Governor Hochul in 2024.
A03665-A
2025-06-10
An act to repeal paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of subdivision 5 of Section 36 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, relating to limitations on the submitting of a question to the qualified electors of a city when there is a question submitted by a charter commission
A00536
PASSED
2025-06-10
Charter revision commission ballot proposals
The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Asm. Simone allowing multiple charter revision proposals to appear on the same ballot and permitting entities beyond the mayor—including the New York City Council—to submit ballot questions. The bill eliminates the mayor's 'bumping' power, which allows the mayor to prevent other proposals from reaching voters. Simone argued prior mayors have abused this power to block legitimate City Council proposals, citing a recent example of the mayor bumping a proposal to confirm commissioners. Opponents including Asm. Tannousis, Asm. Yeger, and Asm. Lasher contended the bumping provision serves as a necessary check on a potentially irresponsible City Council, prevents ballot confusion, and that eliminating it will lead to litigation and more referenda similar to California's experience. Supporters including Asm. Weprin, Asm. Carroll, and Asm. Glick argued the bill restores democratic balance and prevents executive overreach. The Republican Conference opposed the bill while the Democratic Majority supported it.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.
Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026
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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.