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Asm. Yudelka Tapia
District 86
Democrat
First elected 2021
Yudelka Tapia has represented AD-86 since 2021 in one of New York's most heavily Democratic districts, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 70.4% to 6.9% and the base partisan lean sits at D+73; her 2024 general election margin of 51.7 points and 2022 margin of 66.0 points confirm the seat's safe status, with her 2026 outlook rated Safe D across all modeled scenarios. The district is a densely urban, majority-Hispanic community in the Bronx — 70.3% Hispanic and 29.1% Black — with a 34.0% poverty rate, a median household income of $38,316, and a homeownership rate of just 4.2%, demographic characteristics that track closely with Tapia's top sponsorship priorities. In the 2025 session, Tapia sponsored 85 bills, with her heaviest focus in Education (9 bills), Tax (7 bills), Social Services (6 bills), Mental Hygiene (5 bills), and Public Health (5 bills), reflecting a legislative portfolio oriented toward low-income residents, public benefits access, and health and social service systems.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-86
Base lean: D+73
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+73). 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-86
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Yudelka Tapia 74.6% (17,491) | Woodrow Hines Jr 22.9% (5,369) | 51.7pts |
| 2022 | Yudelka Tapia 83.0% (8,774) | Betty G. Obregon 17.0% (1,793) | 66.0pts |
| 2020 | Victor M. Pichardo 88.0% (25,338) | Lorraine E. Zeigler 12.0% (3,471) | 76.0pts |
| 2018 | Victor M. Pichardo 95.7% (18,813) | Ariel A. Rivera-Diaz 3.8% (748) | 91.9pts |
| 2016 | Victor M. Pichardo 97.8% (23,196) | Jose Marte 2.2% (530) | 95.6pts |
| 2014 | Victor M. Pichardo 95.1% (7,853) | Rene Santos 3.8% (315) | 91.3pts |
| 2013 | Victor M. Pichardo 95.5% (7,333) | Rene Santos 3.2% (243) | 92.3pts |
| 2012 | Nelson L. Castro 96.5% (23,089) | Ana Sanchez 2.9% (698) | 93.6pts |
| 2010 | Nelson L. Castro 77.4% (7,613) | Hector Ramirez 17.3% (1,698) | 60.1pts |
| 2008 | Nelson L. Castro 95.3% (18,248) | Lisa Marie Campbell 4.7% (910) | 90.6pts |
| 2006 | Luis M. Diaz 94.6% (7,810) | Sham Ninah 5.4% (449) | 89.2pts |
| 2004 | Luis M. Diaz 93.8% (15,643) | Aaron Justice 5.4% (908) | 88.4pts |
| 2002 | Luis M. Diaz 91.4% (6,793) | Aaron Justice 7.6% (562) | 83.8pts |
| 2000 | Richard L. Brodsky 67.8% (34,347) | Carol Q. Reynolds 30.5% (15,465) | 37.3pts |
| 1998 | Richard L. Brodsky 63.1% (25,107) | Patricia Brennan Scova 30.0% (11,924) | 33.1pts |
| 1996 | Richard L. Brodsky 88.9% (30,734) | Michael J. Reynolds 11.1% (3,822) | 77.8pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (Democratic) | Victor M. Pichardo 66.9% (2,795) | Hector R. Ramirez 33.1% (1,383) | 33.8pts |
| 2014 (Democratic) | Victor M. Pichardo 50.0% (1,888) | Hector R. Ramirez 50.0% (1,886) | ⚡ 0.0pts |
Special Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Yudelka Tapia 100.0% (5,648) | Uncontested | — |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 86 Profile
Population
132,471
Median income
$38,316
Median rent
$1,445
Homeownership
4.2%
Education (BA+)
13.6%
Poverty rate
34.0%
Uninsured rate
9.5%
Unemployment rate
11.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
6.8%
Black
29.1%
Hispanic
70.3%
Asian
1.2%
Median age
33.7
Foreign born
42.8%
Limited English households
25.8%
Veterans
1.3%
Disability rate
21.7%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
15.3%
Public transit
63.5%
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
85
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
A03304-B
PASSED
2026-03-31
Prohibiting fees for electronic benefit transfer services
The Assembly passed A03304-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, prohibiting state-regulated financial institutions and ATM operators from charging surcharges when individuals access public benefits using electronic benefit transfer cards. Tapia explained the bill ensures the full value of public assistance reaches recipients for essential needs rather than being diverted through point-of-use fees, tracing the issue to COVID-era charges by Key Bank. Assemblyman Bologna supported the bill's intent but opposed passage, arguing that restricting only state-chartered institutions while exempting federally-chartered banks creates an uneven competitive playing field that could discourage state banks from serving underbanked communities. Bologna also raised fairness concerns that the bill exempts EBT users from fees while other consumers remain subject to them. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
A03304-B
PASSED
2026-03-31
Prohibiting fees for electronic benefit transfer services
The Assembly passed A03304-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, prohibiting state-regulated financial institutions and ATM operators from charging consumer-facing surcharges on electronic benefit transfer card transactions. The bill ensures the full value of public assistance benefits reaches recipients without diversion through point-of-use fees. Tapia traced the bill's origins to pandemic-era practices by Key Bank and noted most financial institutions have already ceased such charges. Assemblyman Bologna opposed the measure, arguing it creates an uneven competitive playing field by restricting only state-chartered institutions while exempting federally-chartered competitors, and raised fairness concerns about exempting EBT users from fees while other consumers must pay them. The Majority Conference voted in favor; the Minority Conference voted against.
A07796
PASSED
2026-03-23
An act to amend the Public Officers Law, in relation to accessing records under the Freedom of Information Law
A08424
PASSED
2026-03-16
An act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law and the Surrogates Court Procedure Act, in relation to the functions of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Part A); to amend the Election Law and the Mental Hygiene Law, in relation to intra-agency reporting; to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to fraud control and making technical corrections; and to amend the Social Services Law, in relation to making technical corrections (Part B).
A01248-C
PASSED
2026-03-10
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting the sale, offer for sale, or delivery of xylazine
A07683
PASSED
2026-03-09
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to limiting recordkeeping and reporting duties of public notaries
A07301-B
PASSED
2026-03-05
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to requiring appearance enhancement businesses to display a poster about sexual and domestic violence
A04944
PASSED
2026-02-09
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to prohibiting the operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure
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
A04810
PASSED
2026-02-05
An act to amend the Financial Services Law, in relation to the application of certain provisions relating to commercial financing
The Assembly passed A04810, sponsored by Asm. Vanel and co-sponsors Burdick, Seawright, Taylor, and Tapia, which amends the Financial Services Law regarding the application of certain provisions relating to commercial financing. The bill took effect immediately upon passage. No debate was recorded on the measure.
A05898 / S05898
PASSED
2025-06-11
Death benefits for beneficiaries of judges who die in office
The Assembly passed legislation allowing beneficiaries of State-paid judges who die while in office to receive full pension benefits instead of reduced lump-sum death benefits. Sponsor Asm. Tapia said the bill addresses the "death gamble," where judges who die before filing retirement paperwork leave families with meager benefits despite earning pensions through decades of service. The Unified Court System confirmed it can absorb the cost—$4.85 million one-time and $287,000 annually—within its current budget. The bill applies to judges and justices of the Unified Court System, including retired judges of the Court of Appeals or retired justices of the Supreme Court serving by certification. Tapia noted the Assembly corrected this injustice for teachers, police, and firefighters in 2000 but left judges out. However, members Ra and Palmesano expressed concern that the Assembly should prioritize similar protections for state corrections officers, who face greater staffing shortages and dangerous working conditions. Palmesano noted the Assembly has passed a corrections officer death gamble bill twice, only to have the Governor veto it both times.
A07011-A
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to allowing individuals to register in the 'Donate Life Registry' through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings.
The Assembly passed A07011-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, which amends the Public Health Law to allow New Yorkers to register as organ donors through mandatory electronic income tax filings. The bill received strong bipartisan support during floor debate. Assemblyman Palmesano noted New York ranks 47th out of 52 states and territories in donor registry rates despite having the third-highest need for organs, with nearly 400 deaths last year from lack of available transplants. Assemblywoman Tapia, whose son received a transplant in 2021, called the measure a game-changer that will make donation registration easier for all New Yorkers by integrating it into the tax filing process everyone must complete. The bill takes effect on the 180th day.
A07011-A
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to allowing individuals to register in the 'Donate Life Registry' through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings.
The Assembly passed A07011-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, which amends the Public Health Law to allow individuals to register in the Donate Life Registry through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings. The bill received strong bipartisan support, with members highlighting New York's poor organ donor registry ranking (47th out of 52 states and territories) despite having the third-highest need for organs. Assemblywoman Tapia shared her personal story of her son receiving a transplant in 2021, calling the legislation a game-changer because it will reach New Yorkers through tax filings. Assemblyman Palmesano noted that one organ donor can save up to eight lives and impact 75 others, while nearly 400 people died last year waiting for transplants. The bill takes effect on the 180th day.
A07011-A
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to allowing individuals to register in the 'Donate Life Registry' through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings.
The Assembly passed A07011-A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, which amends the Public Health Law to allow individuals to register in the Donate Life Registry through mandatory electronic personal income tax filings. The bill received strong bipartisan support, with members highlighting New York's poor organ donor registry ranking (47th out of 52 states and territories) despite having the third-highest need for organs. Assemblyman Palmesano noted that one organ donor can save up to eight lives and impact 75 others, while nearly 400 New Yorkers died last year waiting for transplants. Assemblywoman Tapia shared her personal story of her son receiving a transplant in 2021, calling the legislation a game-changer because it integrates donation registration into the tax filing process that all New Yorkers complete annually. The bill takes effect on the 180th day.
A01248-B
PASSED
2025-05-27
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting the sale of xylazine above a certain weight
The Assembly passed A01248-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, which prohibits large-scale sales of xylazine without documented proof of scientific or veterinary purposes. Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, has become increasingly prevalent in New York's illicit drug supply, appearing in over 25% of fentanyl samples tested in New York City. According to CDC data, drug poisoning deaths involving xylazine surged from 260 in 2018 to 3,480 in 2021—a 1,238% increase. When mixed with drugs, xylazine causes sedation, unconsciousness, skin wounds, and death, and unlike opioids, cannot be reversed by naloxone. Assemblyman Tague raised concerns from upstate veterinarians and farmers about compliance standards, and Tapia clarified that veterinarian documentation would be required and the maximum purchase amount is 50 grams. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies.
A01248-B
PASSED
2025-05-27
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting the sale of xylazine above a certain weight
The Assembly passed A01248-B, sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, which prohibits large-scale sales of xylazine without documented proof of scientific or veterinary purposes. Xylazine, a veterinary sedative increasingly diverted to the illicit drug supply, appeared in over 25% of fentanyl samples tested in New York City. The drug causes sedation, unconsciousness, skin wounds, and death, and cannot be reversed by naloxone. Deaths involving xylazine grew from 260 in 2018 to 3,480 in 2021, a 1,238% increase. Assemblyman Tague raised concerns from upstate veterinarians and farmers about compliance standards, documentation requirements, and record-keeping procedures for legitimate veterinary use. Sponsor Tapia clarified that veterinarian professionals must provide documentation and that the maximum purchase limit for licensed professionals is 50 grams. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies.
A01248-A
PASSED
2025-05-21
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to prohibiting the sale of xylazine above a certain weight
A04944
PASSED
2025-05-21
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to prohibiting the operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure
The Assembly passed A04944, sponsored by Asm. Tapia, which prohibits the operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure. The measure creates a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. Assemblywoman Walsh expressed support while noting concerns about potential ambiguity in the bill's language regarding what constitutes hovering or remaining above school grounds, which could lead to subjective application and unequal prosecution. She confirmed that school-authorized drone use, such as for school photography or clubs, would still be permitted with prior written consent. Assemblyman Morinello emphasized the bill's importance in protecting children from potential threats posed by drones over schoolyards.
A07301-B
PASSED
2025-05-21
An act to amend the General Business Law, in relation to requiring appearance enhancement businesses to display a poster about sexual and domestic violence
A07601
PASSED
2025-04-30
An act to amend Chapter 383 of the Laws of 1991, relating to the incorporation of the New York Zoological Society in relation to extending the expiration date of free one-day admission to the zoological park
A07601
PASSED
2025-04-30
An act to amend Chapter 383 of the Laws of 1991, relating to the incorporation of the New York Zoological Society in relation to extending the expiration date of free one-day admission to the zoological park
A7683
PASSED
2025-04-28
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to limiting recordkeeping and reporting duties of public notaries
A01241-A
LAID ASIDE
2025-04-01
Repeal section 17-40 of the Election Law relating to furnishing money and entertainment to induce attendance at polls
A07279
PASSED
2025-04-01
Amend Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to require development and posting of a senior trail guide identifying walking and hiking opportunities for active seniors within the State park system and along public non-motorized multi-use trails
A03359
LAID ASIDE
2025-03-17
Amending the Penal Law in relation to the crime of Computer Tampering in the Third Degree
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.