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Asm. Matthew Slater
District 94
Republican
First elected 2023
Matthew Slater (R-AD-94) holds a safe Republican seat in a district carrying an R+5 registration lean, where he won his most recent election in 2024 with 62.6% of the vote against Zachary C. Couzens, a margin of 25.2 points; his 2026 outlook is rated Safe R under neutral and favorable-Republican environments and Likely R even under a favorable-Democratic shift. AD-94 is a high-income, majority-homeowner suburban district with a median household income of $136,991, an 85.8% homeownership rate, and a population that is 74.5% white and 49.7% bachelor's degree or higher, with Republicans holding a 34.7% to 30.0% registration edge over Democrats. In the 2025 session Slater sponsored 94 bills, with his heaviest focus in Election law and Penal law (7 bills each), followed by Education and Executive law (6 bills each), and Tax law (5 bills). Top lobbying sectors active in his district have not been flagged in this brief, and no committee chairmanship is listed for Slater in the available record.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-94
Base lean: R+18
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (R+18). 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-94
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Matthew J. Slater 62.6% (46,450) | Zachary C. Couzens 37.4% (27,798) | 25.2pts |
| 2022 | Matthew J. Slater 62.7% (35,618) | Kathleen M. Valletta 37.3% (21,230) | 25.4pts |
| 2020 | Kevin Byrne 58.1% (41,681) | Stephanie J. Keegan 41.9% (30,006) | 16.2pts |
| 2018 | Kevin M. Byrne 56.0% (29,491) | Vedat Gashi 44.0% (23,162) | 12.0pts |
| 2016 | Kevin M. Byrne 61.4% (36,760) | Brian Higbie 38.6% (23,097) | 22.8pts |
| 2014 | Stephen M. Katz 53.0% (19,620) | Andrew I. Falk 47.0% (17,432) | ⚡ 6.0pts |
| 2012 | Stephen Katz 54.3% (29,578) | Andrew I. Falk 45.7% (24,903) | ⚡ 8.6pts |
| 2010 | Kenneth P. Zebrowski 57.5% (22,645) | Frank P. Sparaco 42.5% (16,750) | 15.0pts |
| 2008 | Kenneth P. Zebrowski 100.0% (43,227) | Uncontested | — |
| 2006 | Kenneth P. Zebrowski 94.4% (23,440) | Peter H. Partridge 5.6% (1,390) | 88.8pts |
| 2004 | Kenneth Zebrowski 100.0% (33,608) | Uncontested | — |
| 2002 | Alexander J. Gromack 94.7% (26,980) | Margaret M. Fitton 5.3% (1,497) | 89.4pts |
| 2000 | Nancy Calhoun 62.0% (29,897) | James A. Sollami 35.7% (17,188) | 26.3pts |
| 1998 | Nancy Calhoun 94.2% (25,187) | Michael J. Spear 5.8% (1,560) | 88.4pts |
| 1996 | Nancy Calhoun 66.5% (27,703) | Manuel Mangual 29.9% (12,442) | 36.6pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (Republican) | Kevin M. Byrne 60.1% (2,663) | Suzanne F. McDonough 39.9% (1,766) | 20.2pts |
| 2012 (Republican) | Stephen Katz 64.3% (1,623) | Dario Gristina 35.7% (900) | 28.6pts |
| 2012 (Conservative) | Stephen Katz 80.8% (126) | Dario Gristina 18.6% (29) | 62.2pts |
| 1998 (Conservative) | Nancy Calhoun 74.1% (186) | Mervin R. Livsey 25.9% (65) | 48.2pts |
Special Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Kenneth P. Zebrowski 75.5% (3,913) | Matthew Brennan 24.5% (1,268) | 51.0pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 94 Profile
Population
132,975
Median income
$136,991
Median rent
$1,843
Homeownership
85.8%
Education (BA+)
49.7%
Poverty rate
6.1%
Uninsured rate
3.0%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
74.5%
Black
3.3%
Hispanic
19.2%
Asian
2.8%
Median age
44.9
Foreign born
13.9%
Limited English households
2.4%
Veterans
4.0%
Disability rate
10.4%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
68.4%
Public transit
6.0%
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)
Bills sponsored
94
Joint hearing appearances
1
Floor debate appearances
25
Years in office
3
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A02017
DEFEATED
2026-04-21
Retirement income exemption expansion
The Assembly rejected a Motion to Discharge that would have brought A02017 to the floor for a vote on updating New York's retirement income tax exemption. The bill would expand the exemption—frozen at $20,000 since 1981—to reflect modern retirement savings vehicles and account for inflation. Sponsors argued the outdated exemption contributes to New York's affordability crisis and is driving seniors to relocate to neighboring states with more favorable retirement tax policies. The motion failed after procedural objections that bills should advance through committee rather than via discharge petition. The vote tally was not announced in the transcript.
A08087
PASSED
2026-03-09
An act to amend the Military Law, in relation to the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal
The Assembly passed A08087, sponsored by Assemblymember Stern and others, authorizing the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal. Assemblymember Slater spoke in support, noting that Cold War veterans answered their nation's call and deserve special recognition. He stated that Cold War era veterans in his district have specifically requested this commemorative medal and that state recognition would be meaningful to many veterans.
A05906-B
PASSED
2026-02-11
Cannabis regulatory clarification — measurement standards for dispensary proximity to schools and houses of worship
The Assembly passed legislation on Feb. 11 correcting regulatory guidance from the Office of Cannabis Management that retroactively deemed over 100 licensed cannabis dispensaries non-compliant with proximity requirements to schools and houses of worship. Sponsor Assemblywoman Zinerman's bill (A05906-B) clarifies that distance measurements run center-door-to-center-door at 500 feet from schools and 200 feet from houses of worship, restoring consistency with the original Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The bill protects businesses that received written state confirmation and invested capital in good faith. Supporters, including Assemblyman Dais and Mrs. Peoples-Stokes, emphasized OCM's rigorous age-verification safeguards exceed those of liquor retailers and that the cannabis industry generates tax revenue and economic opportunity for justice-involved individuals. Opponents including Assemblywoman Walsh and Assemblyman Slater criticized the bill as special treatment unavailable to other regulated industries, questioned the cannabis program's overall implementation, and objected to the compressed legislative timeline. The bill passed on a party-line vote with the Minority Conference voting in the negative, though individual members were permitted to vote affirmatively at their seats.
A08080-A
PASSED
2025-06-16
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to extending the one percent increased county sales tax for Putnam County
A03938-B / S03938
PASSED
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Transportation Law, in relation to enacting the 'Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law'
The Assembly unanimously passed A03938-B, the 'Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law,' sponsored by Asm. Smullen with 77 cosponsors. The bill was introduced in memory of Smullen's son, Alexander John Smullen, who was killed on New York highways. During floor debate, Asm. Ra spoke on behalf of colleague Asm. Slater and highlighted the case of Jake Arcara, a highway maintenance worker tragically killed by a speeding motorist in a construction zone. The measure aims to honor those lost on highways and serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by highway maintenance workers. Smullen thanked Speaker Heastie, Minority Leader Will Barclay, and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes for their support, and asked Governor to sign the legislation in memory of his son.
A08465
PASSED
2025-06-05
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to prevailing wage for those involved in the hauling of concrete and asphalt
The Assembly passed A08465, a multi-sponsored bill amending Labor Law to establish prevailing wage requirements for those involved in hauling concrete and asphalt. The measure was considered on the consent calendar. Asm. Palmesano voted against the bill, citing concerns that the term 'public works website' is not defined and questioning whether utilities performing excavation work would be required to pay prevailing wage for hauling under the legislation. Palmesano expressed concern that such requirements could increase costs passed to ratepayers at a time when utility rates are rising across the board.
A01241-A
PASSED
2025-05-15
An act to repeal Section 17-140 of the Election Law relating to furnishing money or entertainment to induce attendance at polls (line-warming ban)
The Assembly passed A01241-A, sponsored by Asm. Simon, repealing Section 17-140 of the Election Law, which had criminalized providing food and water to voters waiting in polling lines. The repeal follows a May 30th federal court ruling (Brooklyn Branch NAACP v. Kosinski) that found the line-warming ban unconstitutional, with no compelling state interest in the prohibition. The bill allows distribution of nominal-value items such as water and snacks to voters on line, addressing concerns about long polling lines that can discourage voting participation. Debate centered on enforcement concerns regarding the 100-foot electioneering rule, with opponents worried that campaign-branded items could inadvertently be carried into polling places by voters. Sponsor Simon and supporters argued the 100-foot rule remains independently enforceable and that concerns are no different from existing prohibitions on campaign buttons or literature. The Republican Conference voted in opposition; the Majority Conference voted in favor with allowances for individual exceptions. Vote tallies were not announced in the transcript.
A03415 / S01030
PASSED
2025-05-15
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to public-facing websites operated by political committees
The Assembly passed legislation requiring political committees to display 'paid for by' disclaimers on public-facing websites, extending existing campaign finance disclosure requirements to digital platforms. Sponsor Asm. McDonald characterized the bill as modernizing Election Law to reflect 2025 realities, noting that all other forms of political communications already require such disclosures. The bill applies to candidates, political committees, and independent expenditure groups. Clarifying debate confirmed that disclaimers placed in website headers or footers would satisfy the requirement, allowing for easy implementation through standard website templates.
A03003-D
PASSED
2025-05-08
Revenue Budget Bill
The Assembly passed the $254 billion revenue budget bill on May 8, with debate centered on competing fiscal priorities. The bill extends and expands the film tax credit by $100 million, drawing criticism from Assemblymember Sempolinski, who argued the $111 million revenue reduction should instead fund wages for developmentally disabled care workers. The budget includes a $2 billion rebate check program, MTA payroll tax restructuring that reduces rates for most businesses while increasing them on large employers with $10 million-plus annual payroll expenses, and restrictions on private equity purchases of residential properties. Assemblymember Maher questioned whether semiconductor R&D incentives lack local purchase requirements and raised concerns about the scope of an organ donation tax credit. The bill passed with support from members highlighting provisions for historic preservation tax credit transferability, gaming problem mitigation funding, and disability employment tax credits. A party vote was requested, with the Minority Conference voting generally in the negative while allowing individual members to vote affirmatively.
A04938
PASSED
2025-05-05
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians
A08087
PASSED
2025-05-05
An act to amend the Military Law, in relation to the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal
A02042
TABLED
2025-04-03
Legislation authorizing the Commissioner of OCFS to conduct a study examining barriers to creation of childcare providers and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
The Assembly's Minority Conference moved to discharge A02042, a bill establishing a task force to study barriers to childcare provider creation, from the Committee on Children and Families on Thursday, but the motion was tabled after a party-line vote request. Asm. Maher, the bill's sponsor, argued that 64 percent of New York families live in childcare deserts—higher than the 50 percent national average—and cited declining provider numbers across the state, including a 50 percent drop in Poughkeepsie from 2007 to 2023. Maher detailed how state agencies fail to communicate, resulting in providers facing crippling insurance costs; one provider's bill jumped from $13,000 to potentially $100,000 because state childcare funding was classified as earned income. The bill would mandate the Office of Children and Family Services to study barriers and coordinate with the Department of Education and Department of Financial Services. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes opposed the discharge, insisting bills follow the committee process. Minority Leader Ra countered that 19 Minority bills received no substantive votes in committee yesterday, only Motions to Hold, arguing the committee process does not provide fair consideration for legislation representing nearly six million New Yorkers. The motion received bipartisan support from members citing personal experience with childcare costs and the issue's disproportionate impact on women.
A02042
2025-04-03
Legislation authorizing the Commissioner of OCFS to conduct a study examining barriers to creation of childcare providers and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.
The Assembly debated a Motion to Discharge (A02042) sponsored by Asm. Maher that would bypass committee review and bring a childcare study bill directly to the floor. The bill would authorize the Commissioner of OCFS to examine barriers to childcare provider creation and coordinate with other State agencies. Maher argued New York lags nationally with 64 percent of families in childcare deserts and cited documented provider decline in Hudson Valley cities. Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes opposed the discharge, defending the committee process as proper procedure. Minority members and several Majority members supported the motion as a procedural safety valve, with Asm. Ra criticizing the committee process as unfair to Minority bills and Asm. Bologna sharing personal experience of the childcare crisis. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment, with Acting Speaker Hunter requesting members confine comments to the procedural motion rather than bill merits.
A1014 / S752
PASSED
2025-03-12
An act to amend the Election Law, in relation to ballot drop-off locations
The Assembly passed legislation authorizing county Boards of Elections to establish secure ballot drop-boxes for absentee and early mail ballots, expanding voting access options in New York. Sponsor Assemblyman Simone cited successful implementation in 33 states and D.C., with fraud rates below 0.003 percent, and noted that mail delivery problems invalidated 84,000 absentee ballots in the 2021 Democratic primary. The bill clarifies a 2024 law by explicitly authorizing drop-boxes for both absentee and early mail ballots and requires the State Board of Elections to develop security and operational guidelines. Republicans opposed the measure, with Assemblyman Tague arguing it creates fraud opportunities and lacks uniform security standards, particularly problematic for rural counties with limited resources. Assemblywoman Bichotte Hermelyn, as chair of New York County, supported the bill as a nonpartisan measure protecting voters' right to vote. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with the Democratic majority supporting it.
A01015
2025-03-03
Election Law amendment permitting Board of Elections employees to run for office with authorization and majority vote of election commissioners
The Assembly debated legislation allowing Board of Elections employees, including poll workers and commissioners, to run for office with prior authorization from a majority vote of county election commissioners. Sponsored by Asm. Jacobson, the bill (A01015) modifies prior election law by replacing automatic unpaid leave requirements with a waiver mechanism. Under the measure, employees seeking to run for office must obtain approval from both commissioners in counties with two commissioners (such as Westchester), and cannot work on matters directly related to their candidacy. The State Board of Elections is required to promulgate rules and regulations governing implementation. The bill takes effect one year after enactment, meaning it would not apply to current election cycles. Asm. Slater questioned the lack of an appeal process and whether the regulatory framework would be sufficient, while Asm. Ra raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest if a Commissioner could obtain a waiver with the other Commissioner's approval.
A03132-A
2024-06-10
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to authorizing the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot and relates to direct shipments of wine
The Assembly debated A03132-A, which would authorize direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled spirits, cider, and mead to private residences, extending a privilege currently available only for wine. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo argued the bill supports New York's micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies—capped at 75,000 gallons annually—and helps local farmers by allowing small producers to build customer bases before entering the traditional three-tiered distribution system. The bill was tested successfully during COVID with minimal enforcement issues, she said. However, Assemblyman Morinello raised concerns about large out-of-state producers potentially circumventing the production cap through subsidiaries, and cited public health advocates' worries about youth access to high-proof spirits (40% alcohol). He also referenced a 2020 Washington Post study finding an 80% failure rate by delivery companies to verify age. Assemblyman Ra questioned whether the 75,000-gallon cap was appropriately calibrated, noting the largest New York farm distilleries produce only 4,200-19,000 gallons, and expressed concerns about enforcement based on his own experience with unattended wine deliveries. Lupardo countered that the State Liquor Authority would closely monitor compliance and that local producers welcomed competition, confident their award-winning products using New York farm goods would prevail in the market.
A09230 / S-NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED
PASSED
2024-06-10
Distillery direct shipment bill - allowing small New York distilleries to ship products directly to consumers
The New York State Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Lupardo on June 7 allowing small distilleries to ship products directly to consumers in reciprocal states. The bill addresses concerns from approximately 175 small New York distilleries, 20 of which have closed in the past year due to inability to access traditional distribution channels. Lupardo emphasized that the bill applies only to small producers whose products are not currently available in liquor stores, and therefore poses no threat to the existing three-tier alcohol distribution system or retail liquor stores. The bill would allow small distilleries to ship directly to consumers who visit their facilities or purchase their award-winning products online. Assemblymember Tague praised the bill as supporting agricultural diversification, noting that farmers across New York are using alternative crops like potatoes to produce spirits. The legislation passed with support from members who recognized the need to help small producers survive while maintaining the existing regulatory framework for larger producers.
A10161-A
PASSED
2024-06-10
An act authorizing the Town of Yorktown, County of Westchester, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands
A03132-A
2024-06-07
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to authorizing the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot and relates to direct shipments of wine
The Assembly debated A03132-A, which would authorize direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled liquor, cider, and mead to private residences in-state and out-of-state, extending privileges currently available only for wine. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo argued the bill supports micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies—most producing well below the 75,000-gallon annual cap—while supporting New York farmers and allowing small producers to eventually enter the three-tiered distribution system. The bill would require age verification (ID check and signature) through common carriers like UPS and FedEx, mirroring successful COVID-era wine shipment protocols. Critics including Assemblyman Ra and Assemblyman Morinello raised concerns about the production cap being significantly higher than actual New York distillery output, the potential for large national brands like Jim Beam to create subsidiaries to circumvent restrictions, and public health concerns from MADD and alcohol counselors about youth access to high-proof spirits. A Washington Post study cited by Morinello found an 80% failure rate in age verification at delivery points. Lupardo countered that the State Liquor Authority would closely monitor compliance and that local producers welcome competition, noting New York's award-winning spirits and farm products give local distillers a competitive advantage. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
A09273-B / S09273-B
PASSED
2024-06-07
Permitting the Town of Kent, Putnam County, to lease certain sports field fences for advertisements
A10161-A
PASSED
2024-06-07
An act authorizing the Town of Yorktown, County of Westchester, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands
A03132-A
2024-06-07
An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, in relation to authorizing the direct intrastate and interstate shipment of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot and relates to direct shipments of wine
The Assembly debated A03132-A, which would authorize direct-to-consumer shipment of distilled spirits, cider, and mead to private residences, extending a privilege currently available only for wine. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lupardo argued the bill supports New York's micro-distilleries, cideries, and meaderies—capped at 75,000 gallons annual production—by allowing them to reach customers online and eventually graduate into the traditional three-tiered distribution system. She emphasized the bill was safely tested during COVID and that the State Liquor Authority will strictly monitor compliance. However, Assemblyman Morinello raised concerns about youth access to high-proof spirits (40% alcohol), citing a Washington Post study showing an 80% failure rate by delivery companies to verify age, and warned the bill could undermine the three-tiered system that employs thousands of workers. Assemblyman Ra questioned whether the 75,000-gallon cap is too high—noting New York's largest farm distilleries produce only 4,200-19,000 gallons—and expressed concern that major out-of-state producers like Jim Beam could use corporate subsidiaries to circumvent the restrictions. Lupardo countered that local producers welcome competition and that New York's award-winning products will prevail in the market. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript segment.
A09230 / S-NUMBER NOT SPECIFIED
PASSED
2024-06-07
Distillery direct shipment bill (relating to small distillery direct-to-consumer sales)
The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Lupardo allowing small New York distilleries to ship products directly to consumers, addressing concerns that craft producers are losing market viability. The bill, which received floor debate on June 7, updates state law to permit direct-to-consumer sales for distilleries below a certain production threshold—currently excluded from New York's three-tier alcohol distribution system. Lupardo noted that New York has lost 20 distilleries in the past year and 50 percent of remaining producers face closure risk due to changing consumer behavior and lack of retail shelf space. The legislation does not impact the three-tier system for larger producers and includes tax collection provisions requiring registration with the Department of Taxation and Finance. Supporters, including Assemblymember Tague, characterized the bill as essential for agricultural diversification in rural New York, comparing it to successful farm-to-table programs. The bill passed without recorded opposition.
A09273-B / S09273-B
PASSED
2024-06-07
Permitting the Town of Kent, Putnam County, to lease certain sports field fences for advertisements
A10161-A
PASSED
2024-06-07
An act authorizing the Town of Yorktown, County of Westchester, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands
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
bills
bills
bills
bills
bills
bills
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.