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Asm. Matthew Simpson
District 114
Republican
First elected 2021
Matthew Simpson represents AD-114, a heavily Republican district with a base lean of R+28 and a voter registration breakdown of 45.5% Republican, 25.2% Independent, and 22.9% Democrat; he ran uncontested in both 2024 and 2022, and his 2026 outlook is rated Safe R across all modeled scenarios. The district is demographically characterized by a 92.0% white population, a 79.3% homeownership rate, a median household income of $77,141, and a poverty rate of 11.6%, consistent with a rural or small-town upstate profile. In the 2025 session, Simpson sponsored 74 bills, with sponsorship concentrated in Education and Tax (4 bills each), Real Property Tax (3 bills), and smaller clusters across Environmental Conservation, Highway, General Municipal, and Correction law. No committee chairmanship or top lobbying sector data is listed in this brief.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-114
Base lean: R+28
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable 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+28). 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-114
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Matthew J. Simpson 100.0% (50,550) | Uncontested | — |
| 2022 | Matthew J. Simpson 100.0% (40,268) | Uncontested | — |
| 2020 | Matthew J. Simpson 56.7% (37,587) | Claudia K. Braymer 42.3% (28,024) | 14.4pts |
| 2018 | Daniel G. Stec 80.8% (33,889) | Kathryn K. Wilson 19.2% (8,044) | 61.6pts |
| 2016 | Daniel G. Stec 85.0% (42,777) | Robin M. Barkenhagen 15.0% (7,562) | 70.0pts |
| 2014 | Daniel G. Stec 100.0% (29,277) | Uncontested | — |
| 2012 | Daniel G. Stec 55.7% (28,950) | Dennis J. Tarantino 44.3% (23,044) | 11.4pts |
| 2010 | Janet L. Duprey 59.6% (20,725) | Rudy Johnson 24.7% (8,575) | 34.9pts |
| 2008 | Janet L. Duprey 100.0% (31,541) | Uncontested | — |
| 2006 | Janet L. Duprey 55.7% (20,093) | Andrew D. Brockway 43.0% (15,495) | 12.7pts |
| 2004 | George Christian Ortloff 51.8% (26,113) | Bernard C. Bassett 48.2% (24,257) | ⚡ 3.6pts |
| 2002 | George Christian Ortloff 73.9% (24,697) | Cornelius P. Tallon 26.1% (8,728) | 47.8pts |
| 2000 | H. Robert Nortz 53.5% (20,433) | Darrel J. Aubertine 45.6% (17,397) | ⚡ 7.9pts |
| 1998 | H. Robert Nortz 76.6% (21,127) | Ezra Ted Ford 23.4% (6,440) | 53.2pts |
| 1996 | H. Robert Nortz 66.9% (22,796) | Joseph F. Chavoustle 20.3% (6,933) | 46.6pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 (Democratic) | Andrew D. Brockway 59.6% (2,107) | Kevin F. Nichols 40.4% (1,426) | 19.2pts |
| 2002 (Republican) | George Christian Ortloff 57.8% (4,296) | Andrew C. Abdallah 38.2% (2,841) | 19.6pts |
| 2000 (Green) | Darrel Aubertine 100.0% (5) | Uncontested | — |
| 1998 (Independence) | Ezra Ted Ford 100.0% (16) | Uncontested | — |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 114 Profile
Population
130,753
Median income
$77,141
Median rent
$1,049
Homeownership
79.3%
Education (BA+)
29.6%
Poverty rate
11.6%
Uninsured rate
4.2%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
92.0%
Black
1.3%
Hispanic
3.0%
Asian
0.8%
Median age
49.2
Foreign born
3.1%
Limited English households
0.5%
Veterans
7.6%
Disability rate
16.2%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
77.0%
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)
Bills sponsored
74
Floor debate appearances
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
A01388-A
PASSED
2026-03-31
Definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products
The Assembly passed A01388-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, prohibiting the sale of pavement products containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above 1,000 parts per million, lowering the threshold from a 2021 bill that set it at 10,000 ppm. Rosenthal explained that coal tar sealants contain the highest concentration of PAHs, which the EPA has classified as probable human carcinogens, and that unlike voluntary food preparation, consumers cannot opt out of exposure to treated driveways, playgrounds, and airports. She noted that Illinois, Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania have enacted similar bans, and that asphalt-based alternatives are readily available. Assemblyman Simpson opposed the bill, arguing it removes consumer choice and questioning why one product should be banned when PAHs are found in many sources including cooking and barbecuing. Rosenthal explained her affirmative vote by distinguishing between voluntary individual exposure and involuntary public exposure to coal tar sealants. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
A01388-A
PASSED
2026-03-31
Definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products
The Assembly passed A01388-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, prohibiting the sale of pavement products containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above 1,000 parts per million. The bill lowers the allowable PAH threshold and extends the effective date one year. Rosenthal argued that coal tar sealants contain the highest concentration of PAHs, which the EPA has classified as probable human carcinogens, and that asphalt-based alternatives are readily available. She distinguished between voluntary PAH exposure from cooking and unavoidable exposure from driveways and playgrounds affecting entire communities. Assemblyman Simpson opposed the measure, arguing it removes consumer choice and questioned why one product is targeted when PAHs exist in many everyday sources like grilling and cooking. He suggested reducing exposure without bans. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
A09511 / S COMPANION BILL NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED
2026-03-10
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, relating to certain leases relating to the exploration, development and production of gas or oil in State forests, reforestation areas and wildlife management areas
The Assembly debated legislation that would prohibit new oil and gas drilling and lease renewals on State forests, reforestation areas, and wildlife management areas, while allowing existing wells to continue operating until lease expiration. Sponsor Assemblywoman Glick argued the measure protects environmentally sensitive state lands from industrial production, noting these areas account for less than 1 percent of state gas output and that renewable energy now costs less than fossil fuels. Opponents Assemblyman Simpson and Assemblyman Brown criticized the bill as contradicting New York's energy affordability goals, pointing to Pennsylvania's 40 percent lower energy costs from natural gas production. Simpson and Brown argued the state should pursue an all-of-the-above energy approach rather than restricting domestic resources. The debate reflected broader tensions between environmental protection and energy security in state policy.
S08823 / A09437
PASSED
2026-02-03
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to the Department of Environmental Conservation's regulation of crabs; and to amend a chapter of the Laws of 2025, amending the Environmental Conservation Law relating to extending certain provisions relating to the Department of Environmental Conservation's regulation of crabs, and to prohibiting the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes
The Assembly passed S08823 (A09437), sponsored by Asm. Glick, which phases out the taking of horseshoe crabs in New York by 2029 through annual 25% reductions in the commercial quota. The bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's regulatory authority over crab harvesting. Glick argued that New York's horseshoe crab population has declined to poor status and that the species is vital to migrating birds and other marine life. She noted that Connecticut has already banned horseshoe crab harvesting and New Jersey maintains a moratorium. The measure passed with majority support, though Asm. Simpson raised questions during debate about enforcement effectiveness and whether population declines reflect migration rather than depletion.
A03980 / S03980
PASSED
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to expenditures for Warren County community colleges; and to amend Chapter 368 of the Laws of 2008, amending the Tax Law relating to authorizing the County of Warren to impose an additional mortgage recording tax, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof
A01179 / S____
PASSED
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Environment Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the lease of state forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas and unique areas for gas and oil production.
The Assembly passed legislation prohibiting oil and gas leasing on additional state-owned lands. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Glick, the bill extends existing prohibitions on state parks and Lake Ontario shorelines to include state forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas, and unique areas defined as lands of special natural beauty, wilderness character, or geological, ecological, or historical significance. The measure aims to protect forests and wildlife resources on lands the state has invested in reforesting. During debate, Assemblyman Simpson questioned why the bill does not also prohibit solar, wind, and battery storage facilities on these lands, arguing such exclusions conflict with climate goals like 30 by 30 carbon sequestration. Ms. Glick acknowledged the suggestion and indicated willingness to consider such provisions in future legislation. The Republican Conference voted against the measure, while the Majority Conference supported it.
A08160-A
PASSED
2025-06-10
Waste diversion plan for state agencies
The Assembly passed legislation codifying Executive Order 22 into law, requiring state agencies to adopt waste diversion plans with a goal of reducing waste by 75 percent over 15 years. Sponsor Assemblymember Epstein argued that statutory authority provides stronger enforcement than executive guidance and ensures compliance survives changes in administration. Assemblymember Simpson questioned the necessity of the bill given the existing executive order and noted some agencies have already achieved higher waste diversion rates. The bill requires regular public reporting and reassessment of goals every five years, giving the Legislature oversight authority over agency compliance.
A06930 / S05983-A
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated S05983-A/A06930, sponsored by Asm. Burdick, which would allow municipalities with local freshwater wetlands laws to adopt ordinances prohibiting pesticide application to wetlands hydrologically connected to public water supplies. The bill has been narrowed through successive iterations to limit scope and includes exemptions for farm operations and invasive species control. Burdick argued that only 78 of 1,500 municipalities have adopted such laws, that local governments have successfully managed wetlands for 50 years, and that DEC lacks adequate field resources to oversee pesticide applications. Asm. Simpson opposed the bill, citing concerns that it creates a patchwork of local regulations conflicting with DEC's statewide authority and adds regulatory burden to small municipalities lacking scientific expertise. Simpson noted opposition from the New York State Agribusiness Association and Empire State Forest Products Association, which cited concerns about inconsistent municipal regulations. The debate continued without a recorded vote at the end of the transcript segment.
A06930 / S05983-A
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated S05983-A/A06930, sponsored by Asm. Burdick, which would allow municipalities with local freshwater wetlands laws to adopt ordinances prohibiting pesticide application to wetlands hydrologically connected to public water supplies. The bill exempts farm operations and pesticide use for invasive species control. Burdick said the bill has been narrowed through multiple iterations and noted that only 78 of 1,500 New York municipalities have adopted local wetlands laws. He argued that DEC, the state's pesticide regulator, has limited field resources and that local governments have successfully managed wetlands for 50 years. Asm. Simpson opposed the bill, arguing it creates a patchwork of local regulations that will dilute DEC oversight and burden small municipalities lacking scientific expertise. Simpson cited opposition from the New York State Agribusiness Association and Empire State Forest Products Association, which warned the bill would create confusion about permitted pesticide applications. The debate did not conclude with a vote in this transcript segment.
A04725-B
2025-06-05
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the use of drilling fluids, brine and flowback water from gas or oil wells on any highway
The Assembly debated A04725-B, sponsored by Assemblymember Burdick, which would prohibit the use of drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water from oil and gas wells on New York highways. The bill aims to close what Burdick characterized as a regulatory loophole allowing fracking wastewater containing toxic substances—including arsenic, barium, lead, and radioactive materials like radium—to be applied to roads for deicing and dust suppression. Burdick argued the Department of Environmental Conservation's beneficial use determination process does not adequately test for all contaminants and that runoff poses health risks to drinking water and groundwater. However, opponents including Assemblymen Simpson, Ra, and Manktelow questioned whether contamination is currently occurring, argued the bill lacks concrete examples of harm, and expressed concern it would create an unfunded mandate on local governments already struggling with infrastructure costs. They suggested the better approach is strengthening DEC oversight rather than banning a cost-effective option. The debate highlighted tension between environmental precaution and deference to agency expertise, with no vote recorded in this segment.
A03101 / S____
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the authorization granted to the County of Essex to impose an additional 1 percent of sales and compensating use taxes
A03101 / S____
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the authorization granted to the County of Essex to impose an additional 1 percent of sales and compensating use taxes
A03101 / S____
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the authorization granted to the County of Essex to impose an additional 1 percent of sales and compensating use taxes
A355
PASSED
2025-04-28
An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to partially exempting from taxation certain residential real property transferred to low-income households
S824 / A1474
2025-02-24
Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Program and requirements for climate change adaptive infrastructure projects; amendments to Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Tax Law, and State Finance Law
The Assembly debated a chapter amendment to the Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Program (S824/A1474) sponsored by Assemblyman Dinowitz. The amendment modifies the covered period for assessing fees on fossil fuel and mining companies from 2000-2018 to 2000-2024. Assemblyman Simpson raised concerns about the bill's constitutionality in light of recent lawsuits filed by 22 states, questioned whether it adequately addresses State infrastructure projects that may have used materials produced with covered energy sources, and expressed concern that the fee structure functions as a tariff on out-of-state companies. Dinowitz defended the legislation as a fair mechanism to hold companies responsible for damage caused by mining and extraction, clarifying that fees apply only to companies with a nexus to New York that extracted or refined over one billion tons of CO2 during the covered period. The sponsor noted that the Department of Environmental Conservation will receive up to 1% of the 3.5 billion dollar fund (approximately 35 million) for implementation. No vote was taken during this segment of debate.
S00759 / A01679
PASSED
2025-02-12
Chapter amendment to expand the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling program by delaying implementation timelines
The Assembly passed S00759, a chapter amendment delaying implementation of the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling program by one year. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Shimsky, the bill postpones until January 2027 the inclusion of businesses generating one ton of food scraps weekly and until January 2029 those generating half a ton weekly. The 50-mile distance requirement for food scraps recycling is also delayed one year. The amendment was negotiated with the Governor's office. Debate revealed significant concerns about implementation readiness: the state currently has only 44 composting facilities and 594 restaurants in the program. Opponents including Assemblymen Simpson and Durso argued the state lacks adequate planning and infrastructure to support compliance, warning the law will burden rural businesses and small restaurants. Assemblywoman Walsh criticized the pattern of mandating private sector compliance before government agencies comply. The Minority voted generally in the negative, though some members voted affirmatively.
A10027
PASSED
2024-06-10
An act to authorize the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District to transfer certain State lands to the Village of Northville, Town of Northampton, County of Fulton
A03351-B
2024-06-07
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law and State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the climate change adaptation cost recovery program and climate change adaptation fund
The Assembly advanced the Climate Change Superfund Act, which would establish a $3 billion annual fund for 25 years to finance climate resilience and adaptation projects in New York. Sponsored by Assemblyman Dinowitz, A03351-B would assess approximately 35-40 major fossil fuel companies proportionally based on their contribution to climate pollution, applying the "polluter pays" legal principle. Dinowitz argued the measure is necessary given staggering costs for critical infrastructure upgrades—including $100 billion for NYC's sewer system and $50-100 billion for coastal protection—and increasing extreme weather events. He drew parallels to tobacco litigation, contending oil companies knew of climate risks but concealed the information. The bill mandates that at least 35 percent of funds support economically disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. Assemblyman Simpson questioned whether evidence exists that companies knew about climate damage and whether they should bear liability for products that were legally permitted and regulated in response to consumer demand. The debate was ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
A10027
PASSED
2024-06-07
An act to authorize the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District to transfer certain State lands to the Village of Northville, Town of Northampton, County of Fulton
A03351-B
2024-06-07
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law and State Finance Law, in relation to establishing the climate change adaptation cost recovery program and climate change adaptation fund
The Assembly advanced the Climate Change Superfund Act, which would establish a $3 billion annual fund for 25 years to finance climate adaptation and resilience projects in New York, funded by assessments on approximately 35-40 major fossil fuel companies based on their proportional contribution to pollution. Sponsor Assemblyman Dinowitz cited staggering infrastructure costs—$100 billion for NYC sewer upgrades, $50 billion for flood protection, and $75-100 billion for Long Island protection—and recent extreme weather events including Hurricane Ida, which caused basement apartment flooding deaths in Queens. The bill applies the "polluter pays" principle and mandates that at least 35 percent of funds be directed to disadvantaged communities. Dinowitz compared the approach to tobacco litigation settlements, arguing oil companies knew about climate impacts. Assemblyman Simpson questioned whether evidence exists that companies knowingly hid climate knowledge and noted they were federally and state-regulated to produce products consumers demanded. The debate continued at the time of transcript conclusion.
A10027
PASSED
2024-06-07
An act to authorize the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District to transfer certain State lands to the Village of Northville, Town of Northampton, County of Fulton
A06812-C
PASSED
2024-06-06
Public Officers Law - waiving residency requirement for county attorney positions in Essex County
A09712 / S09379
2024-06-05
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated A09712/S09379, which would allow local governments to prohibit pesticide applications on freshwater wetlands hydrologically connected to drinking water sources. Sponsor Assemblyman Burdick defended the narrowed bill as a reasonable protection for drinking water, noting it includes exemptions for commercial agriculture and invasive species control, and that municipalities have successfully managed wetlands regulations for over 60 years. However, opponents including Assemblymen Simpson, Miller, Manktelow and Assemblywoman Giglio raised substantial concerns that the bill would undermine the Department of Environmental Conservation's established pesticide regulatory program, create confusion through undefined terms, and burden local governments lacking scientific expertise. Simpson cited the Governor's veto message opposing the bill. Manktelow, a farmer with pesticide licenses, argued EPA labels already specify application restrictions and questioned whether the sponsor consulted with agricultural communities, particularly in Western New York. The debate did not conclude with a vote in this segment.
A09712 / S09379
2024-06-05
An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, in relation to prohibiting the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands
The Assembly debated A09712/S09379, which would allow local governments to prohibit pesticide applications in freshwater wetlands connected to drinking water sources. Sponsor Asm. Burdick said the bill narrowly targets wetlands hydrologically linked to reservoirs and Class A waterways, includes exemptions for commercial agriculture and invasive species control, and represents a significant narrowing from prior versions. However, opponents including Asm. Simpson, Miller, Giglio, and Manktelow raised substantial concerns that the bill would undermine the Department of Environmental Conservation's established pesticide regulatory program, create confusion through undefined terms, and lack scientific requirements for local bans. Manktelow, a farmer with pesticide licenses, emphasized that EPA and DEC labels already specify application restrictions and questioned how municipalities would maintain consistency as town boards change. Simpson cited the Governor's veto message warning the bill would lead to "confusion and inconsistent application of State laws." Burdick acknowledged not consulting with farming communities or the Farm Bureau, saying he had left an unreturned phone message months earlier. The bill received no vote in this segment.
S08110
PASSED
2024-06-04
An act reconvening the New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The Assembly passed legislation reconvening the New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force, which last convened in 2007 and issued a report in 2010, to reassess sea level rise impacts and update climate adaptation strategies with a new report due by 2025. Sponsor Assemblywoman Cruz argued the task force must review whether the original 14 recommendations were properly implemented and determine if updates are needed based on scientific advances and changed conditions. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Goodell, questioned why the Governor's cabinet cannot work together without legislative mandate and expressed confidence in existing state agencies' ability to address the issue. Assemblyman Simpson raised concerns that the original recommendations have not been adequately tracked and that a one-year timeline may be insufficient for thorough assessment. The bill passed on a party-line vote.
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.