Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is a first-term Republican senator representing SD-9, a D+11 district, whose 2025 legislative record of 70 sponsored bills concentrates heavily on education, criminal justice, and mental health — with first responder and youth mental health emerging as signature concerns reflected in floor speeches, 17 hearing engagements, and bills such as the Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act. Despite the district's Democratic registration advantage of 40.7% to 29.5% Republican, she won her 2024 general election by 35.0 points over James Lynch, improving substantially on her 12.3-point margin in 2022, and the district's 2026 outlook is rated Lean R across both neutral and favorable-environment scenarios. She holds no committee chairmanships, sits as a member on five committees including Mental Health and Judiciary, and votes with the Republican caucus at an 87.8% rate, with notable cross-party breaks on labor, municipal energy, and education measures. Her $159,113 in campaign fundraising is drawn predominantly from individuals at 86.3%, with the Nassau County PBA PAC contributing $4,000 — aligning with her documented focus on law enforcement mental health — while top lobbying contacts to her office are led by health and environmental conservation interests, each flagged for issue overlap with her bill sponsorship record.AI
Topic Focus AI
Topics extracted by AI from floor speeches, committee hearing transcripts, and sponsored legislation. Bill and hearing citations link to source records for verification. Tag size reflects number of supporting citations.
Key Issues AI
From committee hearings, floor debate, and bill sponsorship.
Legislative Activity (2025–2026)
Based on complete Senate roll call records.
Bill Outcomes 2025 Session
Covers Senate-sponsored bills only. Status from Open Legislation API.
Committee Assignments
Electoral History SD-9
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Patricia M. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick 67.5% (83,902) | James Lynch 32.5% (40,422) | 35.0pts |
| 2022 | Patricia M. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick 56.1% (63,136) | Kenneth M. Moore 43.9% (49,315) | 12.3pts |
| 2020 | Todd D. Kaminsky 57.7% (94,022) | Victoria M. Johnson 42.3% (68,961) | 15.4pts |
| 2018 | Todd D. Kaminsky 61.8% (73,412) | Francis X. Becker, Jr. 38.2% (45,417) | 23.6pts |
| 2016 | Todd D. Kaminsky 51.7% (75,739) | Christopher T. McGrath 47.2% (69,217) | ⚡ 4.5pts |
| 2014 | Dean G. Skelos 65.8% (50,142) | Patrick P. Gillespie, Jr. 34.2% (26,026) | 31.7pts |
| 2012 | Dean G. Skelos 60.7% (68,816) | Thomas H. Feffer 39.3% (44,646) | 21.3pts |
| 2010 | Dean G. Skelos 65.8% (59,252) | George S. Sava 34.2% (30,804) | 31.6pts |
| 2008 | Dean G. Skelos 64.7% (82,410) | Roy D. Simon 35.3% (45,038) | 29.3pts |
| 2006 | Dean G. Skelos 63.5% (53,545) | Odelia Goldberg 36.5% (30,772) | 27.0pts |
| 2004 | Dean G. Skelos 64.7% (83,193) | Joshua S. Ketover 35.3% (45,313) | 29.5pts |
| 2002 | Dean G. Skelos 67.8% (56,947) | Richard H. Glassberg 29.7% (24,958) | 38.1pts |
| 2000 | Dean G. Skelos 59.6% (73,357) | Edward J. Oppenheimer 38.2% (46,941) | 21.5pts |
| 1998 | Dean G. Skelos 65.3% (60,947) | Bruce L. Waterman 31.9% (29,731) | 33.4pts |
| 1996 | Dean G. Skelos 65.1% (73,746) | Betty Miller 32.8% (37,184) | 32.3pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (Reform) | Todd D. Kaminsky 79.8% (505) | Francis X. Becker 18.0% (114) | 61.8pts |
| 2016 (Green) | Laurence S. Hirsh 59.0% (23) | Todd Kaminsky 41.0% (16) | 17.9pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts.
Vulnerability Index SD-9
Base lean: R+9
- District redrawn after 2020 Census — limited same-boundary history
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (R+9). 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 = 20+ pts, Likely = 10–19 pts, Lean = 4–9 pts, Toss-up = within 3 pts. Generic ballot from Silver Bulletin (Nate Silver), as of 5/20/2026 — see current figure on the district map. Not a prediction — reflects structural competitiveness under different cycle environments.
Top Co-Sponsors
District 9 Profile
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). Voter registration: NYS Board of Elections (Nov. 2025).
Voter Registration
Campaign Finance (2022–2026)
Top Donors
Donor Industries top donors
Source: NYS Board of Elections via data.ny.gov. Itemized monetary contributions only. ↔ Bills = donor industry aligns with bill sponsorship focus area.
Data through 2026-03-28.
Lobbying Activity 2025
Top Lobbying Issues
Top Organizations Lobbying This Senator
Source: NY Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government via data.ny.gov. Counts reflect bi-monthly disclosure records filed with the Ethics Commission — not individual meetings. ★ Chair = lobbying issue overlaps with a committee this senator chairs. ↔ Overlap = matches committee membership or bill sponsorship focus.
Demographics
Commute Mode
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). Race and ethnicity figures may not sum to 100% — Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity category that overlaps with racial groups.
Voting Record
Dissenting Votes by Topic
34 additional dissenting votes across other topics
From 1,443 recorded floor votes via OpenLeg API. Dissenting votes grouped by law section to reveal policy patterns.
Votes through 2026-02-10.
Floor Speeches: In Support (19) AI
Described her 21-year-old daughter's emergency hospitalization for multiple blood clots in both lungs following ovarian surgery, noting the lack of medical understanding about why and how to treat the condition. She thanked Persaud and Murray for bringing attention to this issue and expressed hope the working group would provide answers.
Argued the proposed amendment was germane to the bill's purpose of empowering domestic violence victims with information. Cited statistics showing high rates of re-arrest among domestic violence offenders and intimate partner homicides, and noted the amendment was modeled on Tennessee legislation and similar to bills she and Sen. Mattera had introduced.
Thanked the sponsor and noted her husband coordinates wheelchair missions for the Knights of Columbus in Nassau County, giving her perspective on the need this legislation addresses.
Supported the bill as antisemitism and hate are horrible issues, and educational institutions should not be breeding grounds for discrimination. Praised the establishment of coordinators to address discrimination on campuses.
As ranking member on Mental Health, she highlighted the troubling suicide rate among police officers and praised the bill as a powerful way to support first responders. She noted her family connections to NYPD and FDNY personnel.
Floor Speeches: In Opposition (35) AI
Stated the bill burdens small municipalities with limited staff, taking time away from application reviews and other essential functions. Voted no on behalf of her constituents.
Argued arbitration is a useful tool for judicial economy and that the bill imposes unnecessary burdens on financial service companies and arbitration organizations, potentially driving them out of New York. Expressed concerns about disclosure of employment-related wage information and conflicts with federal FINRA regulations.
Sought clarification on whether financial assistance constitutes a loan with repayment obligations or a grant with no repayment requirement, noting the distinction is important for understanding the program's fiscal impact.
Expressed frustration that the bill was rushed through without adequate time for review and revision, and noted marijuana odor is pervasive and the substance is a gateway drug.
The bill is vague, costly, and creates unfunded mandates that will strain small businesses, which comprise 85 percent of the debt collection industry. It imposes requirements unique to collection agencies—dual NYC licensing, bonding requirements, and annual renewals—that conflict with existing law and will lead to industry consolidation.
Committee Hearing Engagement (17) AI
| Date | Committee | Engagement | Stance | Focus Areas | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-05 | Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee | high | skeptical | COLA adequacy Workforce retention Youth mental health Involuntary commitment concerns Loan forgiveness programs | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick questioned the adequacy of the 2.1 percent increase and advocated for higher COLA rates. She expressed concern about workforce retention and asked about loan forgiveness programs to encourage people to enter the field. |
| 2025-01-28 | FINANCE | low | neutral | RAPID Act local law override HFC regulations and small businesses ORES permitting process | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked about RAPID Act implementation and local community involvement in siting decisions. |
| 2024-02-13 | FINANCE | high | supportive | DSP wages and COLA adequacy School-based mental health clinics Social media impact on youth mental health Treating overdoses as mental health crises | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick expressed support for agency work while raising pointed concerns about whether COLA increases are adequate to address workforce issues. She emphasized the impact of social media on teenage girls' mental health and asked about treating overdose presentations as mental health crises requiring hospitalization. |
| 2024-02-13 | FINANCE | moderate | neutral | Opioid use disorder medication funding in county jails State funding adequacy for local governments Coordination between state agencies and NAMI | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked about the impact of underfunding on local governments and whether counties are diverting resources from other programs. She inquired about coordination between state agencies and advocacy organizations on best practices. |
| 2024-02-13 | FINANCE | high | supportive | Youth suicide and mental health stigma Changing narrative around mental wellness Shortage of child psychiatrists Loan forgiveness programs for mental health professionals | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick expressed deep concern about youth suicide rates and the stigma around mental health. She proposed loan forgiveness for professionals serving underserved communities and asked advocates how to encourage youth to seek help, signaling strong support for mental health investment. |
| 2024-02-13 | FINANCE | moderate | supportive | Licensed creative arts therapists and workforce shortage Artificial intelligence applications for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Remote/telehealth service delivery post-COVID | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick expressed interest in expanding LCAT services and asked detailed questions about AI applications for disability services, seeking clarification that AI would augment rather than replace therapy. She also inquired about continued use of remote technologies. |
| 2024-02-13 | FINANCE | moderate | skeptical | Effectiveness of Community First navigators Involuntary admission as tool for chronic street homelessness Outcomes of voluntary vs. involuntary interventions | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked critical questions about the low rate of voluntary service acceptance (17 of 881 individuals) and questioned whether involuntary admission is an appropriate solution, signaling skepticism about coercive approaches. |
| 2023-02-16 | FINANCE | low | unclear | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick was identified as ranker on Mental Health but did not ask questions during the transcript provided. | |
| 2023-02-16 | FINANCE | high | supportive | Workforce development and COLA distribution Veterans mental health (Dwyer program) College student mental health School-based clinics implementation 4201 schools funding access | Ranking member on Mental Health who asked detailed questions about COLA rollout, workforce pay increases for nonprofits, and college student depression rates. Expressed strong support for veterans programs and raised concerns about 4201 schools' access to mental health funding. |
| 2023-02-16 | FINANCE | high | supportive | COLA rollout to providers Direct-care pay increases for nonprofit workers College student mental health (41% depression rate) School-based clinics funding and implementation 4201 schools access to mental health funding Dwyer veteran program support | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick demonstrated strong support for workforce investments and veteran mental health programs while raising concerns about 4201 schools' access to mental health funding and the $2 million budget cut they face. She asked detailed questions about COLA implementation and school-based clinic expansion. |
| 2023-02-16 | FINANCE | high | supportive | Workforce compensation and COLA rollout Children's mental health programs School-based clinics 4201 schools funding access Veteran mental health support (Dwyer program) | Ranker on Mental Health who expressed strong support for workforce investments and veteran programs. She questioned whether COLA has been fully rolled out and raised concerns about 4201 schools' inability to access mental health funding and a $2 million budget cut, requesting follow-up information. |
| 2023-02-14 | FINANCE | moderate | neutral | Offshore wind and energy storage goals Equinor project delays Grid reliability and storage capacity New York Independent System Operator report | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked clarifying questions about the relationship between offshore wind and energy storage goals, expressed concern about whether 20% energy storage capacity would be sufficient for grid reliability, and referenced an ISO report on future grid needs. |
| 2023-02-14 | FINANCE | moderate | supportive | South Shore Estuary Reserve funding Advanced recycling for plastics and carbon emissions Local municipal recycling compliance requirements | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked about South Shore Estuary Reserve funding needs and advanced recycling technology concerns, demonstrating interest in district-specific environmental issues. |
| 2023-02-07 | FINANCE | moderate | neutral | Court backlogs by type Surrogate's Court backlogs and pilot programs Capital project funding Impact of bail reform legislation on court efficiency | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked practical questions about backlog priorities and implementation plans, particularly regarding Surrogate's Court. She asked a pointed question about whether bail reform legislation has improved court efficiencies, which Judge Amaker declined to answer on policy grounds. |
| 2023-02-07 | FINANCE | moderate | neutral | Court backlogs by type Implementation plans for addressing backlogs Surrogate's Court backlogs and pilot programs Impact of bail reform legislation on court efficiency | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked practical questions about where backlogs are most severe and how the OCA plans to address them, with particular interest in Surrogate's Court. She asked whether bail reform changes have improved court efficiency but accepted the judge's position that the judiciary does not take policy positions on such matters. |
| 2023-02-07 | FINANCE | moderate | neutral | Court backlogs by type Implementation plans for addressing backlogs Surrogate's Court backlogs and pilot programs Impact of bail reform on court efficiency | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked practical questions about backlog priorities and implementation strategies, with particular interest in Surrogate's Court where she practices. She asked a pointed question about whether bail reform changes improved court efficiency, which Judge Amaker declined to answer on policy grounds. |
| 2023-02-07 | FINANCE | moderate | neutral | Court backlogs by type Surrogate's Court backlogs and pilot programs Capital project funding Impact of bail reform on court efficiency | Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick asked practical questions about backlog priorities and implementation plans, with particular focus on Surrogate's Court where she practices. She asked a pointed question about whether bail reform changes improved court efficiency, which Judge Amaker declined to answer on policy grounds. |
Floor Amendments (13)
| Date | Bill | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-24 | S2280B | Would create a persistent domestic violence registry requiring individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses after a prior domestic violence conviction to register, modeled on sex offender registry with public access but safeguards for sensitive information. | defeated |
| 2025-05-14 | S3247 | Amendment to repeal the state's electric vehicle mandate and restore consumer choice in vehicle purchases | defeated |
| 2025-03-25 | S2305 | Amendment to repeal the 2019 changes to discovery law in criminal procedure, citing concerns about bail reform and discovery reform creating a revolving door in the criminal justice system and leading to increased case dismissals. | defeated |
| 2025-02-25 | S3876 | The amendment would require residential utility bills to include a line item showing ratepayers how much of their bill results from CLCPA mandates, extending transparency principles to state climate policy costs. | defeated |
| 2024-04-15 | S1669 | Would require chancellors of CUNY and SUNY and presidents of accredited higher education institutions in New York to implement antisemitism awareness and prevention training and record and report antisemitic incidents of hate and discrimination. | ruled nongermane |
| 2024-04-09 | S761 | Amendment to increase penalties for animal cruelty and modify bail laws to allow judges to set bail for those charged with aggravated animal cruelty offenses | defeated |
| 2024-03-25 | S7205 | Would amend the Penal Code to clarify that squatters and those occupying property without owner permission are not treated as tenants and have no right to remain on the property | ruled nongermane and out of order; appeal defeated |
| 2024-03-19 | S2016B | Amendment would require the PSC and Legislature to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis before imposing new surcharges, assessments, taxes, fees, or cost-bearing regulations related to environmental and energy policies, ensuring transparency about impacts on New Yorkers' utility bills. | defeated |
| 2024-03-11 | S1200A | Would require the PSC to determine the cost of CLCPA mandates for each family across the state and publicize that information prior to voting on actions needed to comply with the CLCPA | defeated |
| 2023-06-09 | S6218A | Amendment would remove the parkland alienation language (Section 4) added to the A print, keep the original Section 1885 of the Public Authorities Law, require NYSERDA to develop a comprehensive offshore wind plan before projects are finalized rather than after 9,000 megawatts is met, prioritize community and environmental protections, and ensure meaningful public input through required hearings. | defeated |
| 2023-05-30 | S167 | An amendment relating to mental health law and Kendra's Law provisions, addressing outpatient commitment and court-ordered inpatient treatment for individuals with serious mental illness | defeated |
| 2023-05-02 | S4006C | Amendment to establish mental health services coordinator program and expand access to mental health services in schools; also amendment to create dangerousness standard for bail determinations | defeated |
| 2023-03-09 | S4342 | Amendment requested during committee to address concerns about unrelated fiduciaries acting without bond requirements | withdrawn |