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Asm. John Zaccaro Jr.
District 80
Democrat
First elected 2023
John Zaccaro Jr. represents AD-80, a heavily Democratic Bronx district with a D+55 partisan lean and a voter registration breakdown of 65.4% Democrat and 10.3% Republican; his 2026 vulnerability rating holds at Safe D across all modeled environments, and his two general election wins — a 40.9-point margin in 2024 and a 39.0-point margin in 2022 — are consistent with the district's long history of lopsided results. The district is majority-Hispanic (49.4%), with a poverty rate of 20.8%, a homeownership rate of 24.3%, and a median household income of $61,403, reflecting a dense, low-income urban constituency in the northeast Bronx. First elected in 2023, Zaccaro has sponsored 48 bills in the 2025 session, with his heaviest concentrations in Public Health (7 bills), Cannabis (6 bills), and Education (6 bills), alongside sponsorship activity in General Business, Executive, and Penal law areas.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-80
Base lean: D+49
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+49). 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-80
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | John Zaccaro, Jr. 67.8% (20,766) | Nicholas Marricco 26.9% (8,243) | 40.9pts |
| 2022 | John Zaccaro, Jr. 69.5% (12,212) | Phyllis T. Nastasio 30.5% (5,350) | 39.0pts |
| 2020 | Nathalia Fernandez 79.3% (28,385) | Gene A. DeFrancis 17.7% (6,337) | 61.6pts |
| 2018 | Nathalia Fernandez 86.5% (21,241) | Louis Perri 13.5% (3,314) | 73.0pts |
| 2016 | Mark Gjonaj 85.2% (24,959) | Nicholas Marricco 11.6% (3,391) | 73.6pts |
| 2014 | Mark Gjonaj 83.8% (9,816) | Robert M. Goodman 16.2% (1,892) | 67.6pts |
| 2012 | Mark Gjonaj 79.1% (22,386) | Nicole J. Torres 9.2% (2,600) | 69.9pts |
| 2010 | Naomi Rivera 75.7% (11,587) | Joseph DeLuna 20.2% (3,094) | 55.5pts |
| 2008 | Naomi Rivera 78.8% (20,705) | Louise А. Delucia 18.7% (4,917) | 60.1pts |
| 2006 | Naomi Rivera 74.6% (10,542) | Frank Olivo 17.9% (2,532) | 56.7pts |
| 2004 | Naomi Rivera 70.6% (17,561) | Anthony Chiofalo 29.4% (7,300) | 41.2pts |
| 2002 | Jeffrey Klein 75.7% (10,757) | J. C. Polanco 24.3% (3,451) | 51.4pts |
| 2000 | Jeffrey Klein 83.1% (20,190) | Lorraine Franklin 12.2% (2,975) | 70.9pts |
| 1998 | Jeffrey Klein 80.1% (13,641) | Beqir Celaj 15.5% (2,644) | 64.6pts |
| 1996 | Jeffrey Klein 89.0% (18,337) | Kevin Brawley 4.6% (945) | 84.4pts |
Special Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Nathalia Fernandez 81.1% (1,977) | Gene DeFrancis 18.9% (461) | 62.2pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 80 Profile
Population
127,284
Median income
$61,403
Median rent
$1,612
Homeownership
24.3%
Education (BA+)
25.5%
Poverty rate
20.8%
Uninsured rate
6.6%
Unemployment rate
8.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
20.4%
Black
23.3%
Hispanic
49.4%
Asian
9.6%
Median age
38.1
Foreign born
36.4%
Limited English households
18.4%
Veterans
1.7%
Disability rate
13.8%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
26.8%
Public transit
49.3%
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
48
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
A10514-A
PASSED
2026-03-23
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to guidance, recommendations and best practices related to incorporating placenta accreta spectrum screenings into routine prenatal care
The Assembly passed A10514-A, legislation requiring the New York State Department of Health to develop guidance and best practices for incorporating placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) screenings into routine prenatal care. Sponsor Zaccaro noted that PAS incidence has surged from 1 in 1,250 pregnancies in 1980 to 1 in 272 by 2025, often going undetected until delivery and causing life-threatening complications. The bill mandates standardized, evidence-based screening guidelines to ensure consistent assessments across providers. Assemblywoman Forrest praised the legislation as part of addressing Black maternal health disparities. The bill passed on consent.
A07033-D
PASSED
2026-03-05
An act to amend the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, in relation to authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Yemen as a cultural district
The Assembly passed A07033-D, sponsored by Asm. Zaccaro, authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Yemen as a cultural district. Zaccaro highlighted that Little Yemen has become a beacon for immigrants seeking a better future and represents the significant contributions of the Yemeni American community to the Bronx and the state. The designation joins other recognized cultural districts including Little Italy, El Barrio, and Chinatown.
A06029
PASSED
2026-02-24
Education and outreach programs related to home visiting programs
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
A09485
PASSED
2026-01-21
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to prohibiting charges for the issuance of a certificate of still birth or pregnancy loss
A04795 / S03294
PASSED
2025-06-17
An act to amend the Cannabis Law, in relation to medical use cannabis; and to repeal Article 33-A of the Public Health Law relating to the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act
The New York State Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes to revitalize the state's struggling medical cannabis program. The bill, A04795/S03294, streamlines patient access by lowering the designated caregiver age from 21 to 18, allowing healthcare practitioners to certify caregivers, establishing reciprocity for out-of-state medical cannabis cardholders, and eliminating registry identification card requirements. Debate centered on the caregiver age reduction, with sponsors clarifying it aligns with existing home health aide requirements and ensures caregivers under 21 can pick up medication without obstruction. The bill addresses a significant decline in medical dispensaries from 40 to 30 since adult-use legalization in 2021, with rising prices limiting patient access. Supporters emphasized the need to protect specialized medical products unavailable in adult-use stores, while some members questioned whether the changes adequately address the program's underlying issues, including continued taxation of medical cannabis. The Assembly passed the bill without a recorded vote tally being announced.
A07033-C
PASSED
2025-06-11
An act to amend the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, in relation to authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Yemen as a cultural district
A02311-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to prohibiting charges for the issuance of a certificate of stillbirth or pregnancy loss
The Assembly passed legislation eliminating fees for certificates of stillbirth and pregnancy loss, with Assemblyman Zaccaro explaining his vote by drawing on his personal experience of child loss. Zaccaro characterized the measure as removing financial barriers for grieving families during their most vulnerable times, noting that such certificates represent love and memory rather than mere paperwork. The bill received unanimous support, reflecting what Zaccaro called a shared commitment to easing burdens faced by families honoring their lost children.
A02311-A
PASSED
2025-06-09
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to prohibiting charges for the issuance of a certificate of stillbirth or pregnancy loss
The Assembly passed A02311-A, sponsored by Assemblyman Zaccaro, eliminating all fees associated with obtaining certificates of stillbirth or pregnancy loss. Zaccaro, speaking from personal experience of losing a child, emphasized that grieving families should not face financial barriers when seeking these vital documents. He stated that certificates of stillbirth and pregnancy loss represent "love, a memory, and the cherished dreams that were never realized," and that families deserve to honor their lost children "with dignity and without additional hardship." The measure received unanimous support from the chamber, reflecting broad agreement on the need to ease the burden on families during their most vulnerable moments.
A05341-A
PASSED
2025-06-06
An act to amend the Cannabis Law, in relation to further restricting cannabis storefronts from being located within 500 feet of a school and 200 feet of a house of worship if they are located in a mixed-use building
The Assembly passed A05341-A, sponsored by Asm. Zaccaro, establishing stricter distance requirements for cannabis storefronts near schools and houses of worship in mixed-use buildings. The bill prohibits cannabis storefronts from operating within 500 feet of schools and 200 feet of houses of worship in mixed-use buildings. Zaccaro explained the legislation closes a regulatory loophole discovered after illegal smoke shops operated dangerously close to a school in Jackson Heights, Queens. He characterized the bipartisan bill as striking a responsible balance between protecting communities and supporting the legal cannabis industry. The measure passed on the Assembly floor.
A06029
PASSED
2025-05-29
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to providing education and outreach programs related to home visiting programs.
The Assembly passed A06029, legislation amending the Public Health Law to provide education and outreach programs related to home visiting programs. Asm. Zaccaro sponsored the bill and delivered an extensive floor statement in support. Zaccaro emphasized that home visiting programs are vital for supporting families and enhancing child outcomes, particularly for families grappling with poverty, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. He highlighted the programs' role in fostering positive outcomes in child health, family stability, and school readiness, and argued for their economic benefits by reducing costs associated with social welfare, mental health services, and juvenile corrections. The bill passed without opposition.
A07033-B
PASSED
2025-05-21
An act to amend the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, in relation to authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Yemen as a cultural district
The Assembly passed legislation designating Little Yemen in the Bronx as a cultural district, recognizing the area as a vital part of New York City alongside other established cultural landmarks like Little Italy, El Barrio, and Chinatown. Assemblyman Zaccaro, representing the district, spoke with pride about the Yemeni community's vibrancy and resilience. The designation provides access to funding, technical support, and recognition that strengthens cultural institutions for generations to come, according to Zaccaro. The bill passed without opposition.
A04938
PASSED
2025-05-05
An act to amend the Labor Law, in relation to providing protections for telecommunications tower technicians
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
A00519 / S3249-B
PASSED
2025-01-14
Chapter amendment relating to smoke detector installation in residential building common spaces
The Assembly passed A00519, a chapter amendment sponsored by Asm. Zaccaro relating to smoke detector installation requirements in residential building common spaces. The bill amends prior 2024 legislation and its companion Senate bill S3249-B. During floor debate, Asm. Ra voted in favor but criticized the chapter amendment process broadly, calling it one of the least transparent governmental practices and arguing that such amendments typically represent gubernatorial expectations for legislative rubber-stamping rather than genuine legislative agreement. Ra contended the Legislature should evaluate each amendment on its merits rather than assuming passage because the Governor expects it. The bill passed without recorded vote tallies being announced.
A9122
PASSED
2024-06-05
Requiring certified interpreters for non-English speaking deponents in criminal complaints and informations
The Assembly passed legislation requiring certified interpreters or qualified translators to translate statements from non-English speaking deponents in criminal informations. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Cruz, the bill aims to ensure accuracy of allegations and protect both victims' and defendants' rights throughout the criminal justice process. Supporters argued the measure is necessary in New York's diverse, multilingual population and does not impose unfunded mandates, as OGS contracts for interpreter services already exist. Opponents, including rural representatives, raised concerns about implementation burdens on police departments, potential delays in obtaining interpreters in areas with poor cell service, and questioned whether existing court protections at arraignment and trial stages render the requirement unnecessary. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with Republicans generally opposed and Democrats supporting.
A9122
PASSED
2024-06-05
Requiring certified interpreters for non-English speaking deponents in criminal complaints and informations
The Assembly passed legislation requiring certified interpreters or qualified translators to translate statements from non-English speaking deponents in criminal informations. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Cruz, the bill ensures that allegations made to police by non-English speakers are accurately translated before being used in criminal charges. The measure does not prohibit arrests on initial complaints but requires certification when complaints are converted to informations for misdemeanor prosecution. Supporters argued the bill protects both victims and defendants by ensuring accuracy throughout the criminal process and leverages existing OGS interpreter contracts. Opponents from rural areas raised concerns about practical implementation, including potential delays in areas with limited interpreter access and poor cell service, and argued the requirement could burden smaller police departments. The bill passed on a party-line vote, with Republicans largely opposed and Democrats supporting the measure.
A10218
PASSED
2024-05-28
An act to amend Chapter 777 of the Laws of 1986, amending the Private Housing Finance Law relating to small loans to owners of multiple dwellings to remove substandard or insanitary conditions, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof.
A05730-B
PASSED
2024-05-23
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to requiring the installation of smoke detectors in common places of certain dwellings
A08799-D / S08799-D
PASSED
2024-04-19
Budget Bill (Aid to Localities and related appropriations)
The New York State Assembly passed its comprehensive budget bill on April 19, including major provisions on education, housing, and public safety. The legislation restores Foundation Aid and Hold Harmless provisions for schools, expands the Tuition Assistance Program to a $125,000 income threshold, and mandates universal FASFA adoption for college students. The budget includes Sammy's Law, granting New York City authority to reduce speed limits to 20 mph in response to traffic fatalities. Housing provisions include Good Cause Eviction protections with opt-in authority for localities outside NYC, legalization of basement apartments (ADUs), and tax incentives for affordable housing development. The bill also includes a media tax credit for local journalism, $500 million for clean water infrastructure, Tier 6 pension improvements, and increased AIM funding for municipalities. Some Republicans and progressive Democrats expressed concerns about Good Cause Eviction implementation, FAR cap changes affecting community input in zoning decisions, and insufficient environmental protections. The bill passed with broad support from the majority.
A08799-D
PASSED
2024-04-19
Aid to Localities Budget (includes housing, education, tenant protections, Sammy's Law, and media tax credit)
The New York State Assembly passed its Aid to Localities budget on April 19, 2024, with extensive floor debate reflecting both support and concerns about major policy provisions. The budget restores Foundation Aid and Hold Harmless provisions for schools, expands the Tuition Assistance Program to a $125,000 income threshold, and requires universal FASFA completion for higher education access. On housing, the budget includes Good Cause Eviction protections with opt-in provisions for upstate localities, accessory dwelling unit incentives, and programs to address basement apartment legalization and affordable housing development. The budget also includes Sammy's Law, enabling New York City to reduce speed limits to 20 mph in response to traffic safety concerns, and establishes a media tax credit to support struggling local journalism outlets. Additional provisions include Tier 6 pension improvements, first increase in AIM funding to municipalities in many years, and $500 million in clean water infrastructure funding. Opponents raised concerns about Good Cause Eviction's long-term affordability impacts, insufficient IAI reimbursement levels, and lack of environmental protections. The bill passed with multiple members voting in the affirmative, though some Republicans and progressive Democrats voted against or expressed reservations.
A08808-C
PASSED
2024-04-18
Budget Bill - Part PP of Chapter 54 of the Laws of 2016 and related amendments to Public Authorities Law, General Municipal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Insurance Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Economic Development Law, and other provisions
The New York State Assembly passed the omnibus budget bill (A08808-C) on April 18, 2024, after extensive floor debate over multiple policy provisions. The bill includes significant public safety measures, including the SMOKEOUT Act to enforce against illegal cannabis shops, expanded hate crimes protections, and retail theft provisions addressing organized retail crime. However, the measure proved contentious over provisions to close up to five state prisons with only 90 days' notice to affected corrections officers and communities. Supporters, including Assemblymembers Rajkumar, Epstein, Lee, and Zaccaro, celebrated the cannabis enforcement provisions, with Rajkumar announcing plans to raid and padlock illegal smoke shops across New York City. Opponents, including Assemblymembers Palmesano, Manktelow, Maher, and Lemondes, criticized the prison closures as unconscionable given the corrections workforce crisis and economic impact on rural communities. Assemblymember Lavine defended bail reform provisions, explaining that judges retain authority to set bail for repeat offenders. The bill also extends alcohol-to-go sales for five additional years, drawing criticism from members including Glick and Peoples-Stokes who questioned the policy's appropriateness.
A08808-C
PASSED
2024-04-18
Budget Bill - Multiple parts relating to transportation, energy, insurance, economic development, and other matters
The New York State Assembly passed a comprehensive budget bill (A08808-C) on April 18 that includes major provisions on illegal cannabis enforcement, retail theft penalties, hate crimes statute expansion, and prison closures. The bill generated significant floor debate, with broad bipartisan support for cannabis enforcement measures including the SMOKEOUT Act to padlock illegal smoke shops and revoke business licenses. Members also supported retail theft provisions addressing organized retail crime and hate crimes statute modernization. However, the bill's prison closure provisions—allowing up to five facility closures with only 90 days notice—drew substantial opposition from members representing rural districts where prisons are major employers. Opponents cited workforce impacts on corrections officers and their families, increased violence in facilities, and insufficient alternative public safety measures. Supporters of closures argued prisons should reform people, not serve as permanent employment, and that resources should be redirected to community-based solutions. The bill passed with members from both parties voting affirmatively despite reservations on specific provisions.
A6172
PASSED
2024-03-26
An act to amend the Public Health Law, in relation to requiring labeling of ingredients on diapers
The Assembly passed legislation requiring manufacturers to list all ingredients on diaper packaging in order of predominance, with a 12-month implementation deadline. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Rosenthal, the bill applies to both infant and adult diapers. Supporters, including several parents in the chamber, argued the measure provides necessary consumer transparency and parental choice, comparing it to successful menstrual product labeling requirements. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Goodell, questioned whether the bill provides meaningful protection given that ingredient lists lack quantity information, and raised concerns about the tight implementation timeline and potential civil penalties of up to 1 percent of annual in-state sales. The sponsor rejected calls to extend the deadline to 18 months, as the Senate version proposes, arguing one year is sufficient time for compliance. The bill passed with bipartisan support despite Republican Conference opposition.
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.
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.