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S324

An act to amend the Election Law — 2026-01-12 · Calendar #1

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Gianaris to restrict foreign influence in electoral politics by limiting political spending by foreign-controlled corporate entities. The bill passed on a 46-13 roll call vote, with all 13 nays coming from Republican senators. The measure targets business entities with foreign ownership or control, with a 1 percent foreign ownership threshold triggering restrictions. Sen. Walczyk led Republican opposition, arguing the bill is ineffective because the 1 percent threshold would have minimal impact on eliminating foreign money from New York politics and ignores the broader dark money loophole in the campaign finance system. Walczyk characterized the legislation as partisan, noting that foreign nationals are already prohibited from donating to campaigns. Sen. Gianaris defended the bill as a necessary response to foreign government meddling in U.S. elections, drawing a distinction between protecting people versus protecting foreign corporations. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.
PASSED Ayes: 46 · Nays: 13

Debate Summary

Sen. Gianaris sponsored legislation to restrict foreign influence in U.S. electoral processes by limiting political spending by foreign-controlled corporate entities. Sen. Walczyk questioned the bill's effectiveness, noting that foreign nationals are already prohibited from donating and arguing the 1 percent foreign ownership threshold would have minimal impact on eliminating dark money in politics. Gianaris countered that the bill targets foreign-controlled businesses specifically, distinguishing between protecting people versus protecting foreign corporations.

Recorded Votes

Recorded votes are predominantly dissenting (nay) votes captured from roll call records.

Senator Vote Party
Borrello nay Republican
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick nay Republican
Chan nay Republican
Helming nay Republican
Mattera nay Republican
O'Mara nay Republican
Ortt nay Republican
Rhoads nay Republican
Stec nay Republican
Tedisco nay Republican
Walczyk nay Republican
Weber nay Republican
Weik nay Republican