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Sen. Leroy Comrie

District 14 Democrat Majority Whip First elected 2015

Leroy Comrie, a Democrat first elected in 2015 who chairs the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, anchored his 2025 legislative activity around public authorities, public services, and transit accountability, sponsoring 537 bills with the heaviest concentrations in Public Authorities (77 bills), Public Service (44 bills), and General Business and Insurance (31 bills each), while engaging in 26 committee hearings with a recurring focus on MTA funding and transparency, MWBE procurement, and Fair Fares expansion. He cast 1,443 votes with a 100.0% party loyalty rate and zero nay votes, and 4 of his sponsored bills were signed into law against 3 vetoed. Comrie holds one of the most secure seats in the chamber, representing a D+63 district in Queens where he has run uncontested in every general election since 2016, and the district's base lean is modeled at D+72 across all 2026 electoral scenarios. His campaign raised $276,756 in the 2022–2026 cycle, with 88.4% from individuals and just 3.3% from corporations and PACs, while lobbying contacts flagged overlaps with his committee jurisdiction across Budget/Appropriations (209 contacts), Transportation (153 and 140 contacts across subcategories), Health, and Tax — Real Property.AI

Topic Focus AI

MTA Transparency & Forensic AuditsS3008Chearinghearing MWBE Procurement & Minority Contractor Participationhearinghearing MTA Fare Equity & Fair Fares ProgramS174hearinghearing MTA Capital Projects & Penn Station RenovationA3009Chearinghearing Broadband Infrastructure & Last-Mile Connectivityhearinghearing Affordable Housing & ADU Conversion Programshearinghearing Congestion Pricing & Tollpayer Protectionhearinghearing Consumer Protection in Real Estate & Auto SalesS8416 Deed Theft & Property Fraud PreventionS5177 Medical Aid in DyingA136 Underage Gambling Prevention & Sports Betting Safeguardshearing Water Rate Transparency & PSC RegulationS2253

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

Fair Fares program expansion 2025-02-06 2025-02-06
Fair Fares expansion 2025-02-06 2024-02-06
MTA funding 2023-02-15 2023-02-15
MTA police budget and staffing 2025-02-06
Fare evasion reduction 2025-02-06
Bus service reliability 2025-02-06
Broadband infrastructure 2025-02-06
Wildlife crossings 2025-02-06
MWBE procurement 2025-02-06
Transparency and audits 2025-02-06
Broadband infrastructure integration with highway projects 2025-02-06
Cross Bronx Expressway bridge rehabilitation and reimagining 2025-02-06
Van Wyck Expressway repairs and exit closures 2025-02-06
DOT project transparency and public database access 2025-02-06
MWBE program effectiveness and vendor outreach 2025-02-06

From committee hearings, floor debate, and bill sponsorship.

Legislative Activity (2025–2026)

Floor votes 2,654
Party alignment 100.0%
Hearing engagements 26
Bills sponsored 537
Floor debate appearances 7

Floor votes and party alignment from complete Senate roll call records. Hearing engagements and floor debate appearances from official transcript processing.

Bill Outcomes

Introduced 527
Reached floor 33 6.3%
Passed Senate 14 2.7%
Signed into law 4 0.8%
Vetoed 3

Covers Senate-sponsored bills only. Status from Open Legislation API.

Committee Assignments

Corporations, Authorities And Commissions Chair
Budget And Revenue Member
Finance Member
Procurement And Contracts Member
Racing, Gaming And Wagering Member
Rules Member

Electoral History

General Elections

Year Winner Runner-up Margin
2024 Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 100.0% (89,194) Uncontested
2022 Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 100.0% (57,872) Uncontested
2020 Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 100.0% (110,626) Uncontested
2018 Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 100.0% (78,377) Uncontested
2016 Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 92.1% (97,578) Jarret N. Freeman 7.9% (8,364) 84.2pts
2014 Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 100.0% (37,466) Uncontested
2012 Malcolm A. Smith 100.0% (86,419) Uncontested
2010 Malcolm A. Smith 81.5% (43,356) Samuel Benoit 14.7% (7,798) 66.9pts
2008 Malcolm A. Smith 100.0% (72,885) Uncontested
2006 Malcolm A. Smith 100.0% (37,328) Uncontested
2004 Malcolm A. Smith 100.0% (72,100) Uncontested
2002 Malcolm A. Smith 100.0% (42,619) Uncontested
2000 George Onorato 76.7% (48,550) Katina KiourKenidis 23.3% (14,773) 53.3pts
1998 George Onorato 70.9% (32,046) Robert Adler 22.7% (10,270) 48.2pts
1996 George Onorato 92.2% (43,942) Kevin J. Hanratty 7.8% (3,716) 84.4pts

Primary Elections

Year Winner Runner-up Margin
2014 (Democratic) Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 69.0% (10,229) Malcolm A. Smith 19.3% (2,865) 49.6pts

Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts.

Vulnerability Index

Base lean: D+72

Favorable D
Safe D
Neutral
Safe D
Favorable R
Safe D
  • District redrawn after 2020 Census — limited same-boundary history

Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+72). 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 7/22/2026 — see current figure on the district map. Not a prediction — reflects structural competitiveness under different cycle environments.

District 14 Profile

Population 323,460
Median income $95,006
Median rent $1,886
Homeownership 55.3%
Education (BA+) 37.9%
Poverty rate 10.5%
Uninsured rate 5.9%
Unemployment rate 7.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). Voter registration: NYS Board of Elections (latest available enrollment file).

Voter Registration

70%
22%
Dem 70.4% Rep 7.5% Ind/Other 22.1%

Campaign Finance (2022–2026)

Total raised $276,756
From individuals $244,785
From corporations/PACs $9,000
Other $22,971

Top Donors

David Trone $14,000
Mike McKay $10,000
Darin Goldstein $6,500
Facia Class $4,665
Hector Ricketts $4,565
Giorgio DeRosa $4,000
Barbara Goldstein $4,000
Allison Lee $3,500
Jacqui Williams $3,500
Atu New York Cope Fund $3,000

Donor Industries

Labor / Unions $3,000

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

Counts reflect bi-monthly disclosure records filed with the Ethics Commission — not individual meetings.

Top Lobbying Issues

Budget/Appropriations ↔ Overlap bills → 1518 disclosures
Human Rights/Civil Rights 1115 disclosures
Transportation – General ↔ Overlap bills → 1014 disclosures
Energy & Natural Resources - general 911 disclosures
Health - Health Professions ↔ Overlap bills → 855 disclosures
Real Estate - Affordable Housing 832 disclosures
Energy & Natural Resources – Environmental Conservation/Preservation 726 disclosures
Public Utilities - Gas 702 disclosures
Public Utilities – Electric 702 disclosures
Public Utilities - Water 676 disclosures

Top Organizations Lobbying This Senator

AARP 9233 disclosures
Public Employees Federation 4396 disclosures
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES NY, INC 1902 disclosures
FUND FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK, INC. 751 disclosures
Public Interest Research Group Fund, Inc. (New York) 637 disclosures
NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, INC. 624 disclosures
Our Time for NYC, Inc. 464 disclosures
SIERRA CLUB - ATLANTIC CHAPTER 180 disclosures
Working Families Organization, Inc. 152 disclosures
New York Foundling (The) 126 disclosures

Source: NY Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government via data.ny.gov. ★ Chair = lobbying issue overlaps with a committee this senator chairs. ↔ Overlap = matches committee membership or bill sponsorship focus.

Demographics

White 17.6%
Black 44.3%
Hispanic 17.9%
Asian 14.7%
Median age 40.8
Foreign born 43.2%
Limited English households 11.6%
Veterans 2.4%
Disability rate 10.9%

Commute Mode

Drive alone 36.7%
Public transit 38.7%

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

1311 Aye 0 Nay 132 Excused

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 (16) AI

S2484 An act in relation to directing the State Energy Planning Board to conduct a study on the time frames for replacing or upgrading battery energy storage systems 2026-05-14 PASSED

Supports the bill but emphasized the study must address fire safety and toxicity concerns from battery fires. Cited a constituent case where a storage facility was placed less than 30 feet from a home, noting that current technology can only contain fires and residents fear the fumes and toxicity.

A8410 An act to amend the Public Authorities Law 2026-04-15 PASSED

Sponsor stated that NYSERDA and the Public Service Commission's handling of ratepayer money is a travesty requiring review and amendment. Argued the bill ensures fiscal clarity and transparency by expanding reporting requirements to Energy Committee chairs so advocates and legislators can better understand how the agency spends billions in ratepayer funds.

Resolution 1607 Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026 as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York 2026-03-11 ADOPTED

Noted that Southeast Queens has high disaster needs due to older housing stock and electrical fires. Encouraged volunteerism with the Red Cross and advocated for increased state budget support to extend assistance beyond three days.

S8416 An act to amend the General Business Law (Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Fair Business Practices Act) 2025-06-13 PASSED

The bill protects consumers from deceptive, unfair, and abusive practices in home purchases, auto sales, and other transactions. It has been worked on for seven years with input from the business community, Attorney General's office, and the Governor's office, and matches language used in 47 other states and federal law.

A136 An act to amend the Public Health Law - Medical Aid in Dying 2025-06-09 PASSED

Argued the bill only affects a small segment of people in pain and suffering who want to die with dignity on their own terms, and expressed confidence legislators will monitor for abuse.

Committee Hearing Engagement (35) AI

Date Committee Engagement Stance Focus Areas Summary
2025-02-06 Joint Legislative Hearing - Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee supportive MTA police budget and staffing Fare evasion reduction Fair Fares program expansion Bus service reliability Broadband infrastructure Wildlife crossings MWBE procurement Transparency and audits Chair Comrie focused on MTA operations, equity, and transparency. He questioned the MTA police budget reduction, advocated for forensic audits, and pushed for expanded Fair Fares eligibility. He expressed concern about bus service reliability and requested additional transparency measures.
2025-02-06 FINANCE unclear Sen. Comrie was listed as present but did not ask questions in the transcript provided.
2025-02-06 FINANCE supportive Broadband infrastructure integration with highway projects Cross Bronx Expressway bridge rehabilitation and reimagining Van Wyck Expressway repairs and exit closures DOT project transparency and public database access MWBE program effectiveness and vendor outreach Wildlife crossing initiatives and habitat connectivity Sen. Comrie praised the Commissioner's responsiveness and work over several years. He focused on infrastructure equity issues, particularly broadband access in upstate communities and regional transportation projects in the Bronx and Long Island. He expressed interest in expanding MWBE opportunities and continuing wildlife crossing work.
2025-02-06 FINANCE skeptical Design-build procurement projects Department audits and capital project spending Budget completion rates for 2020-2027 capital plans Sen. Comrie requested detailed information on design-build projects, department audits, and spending completion rates for recent capital plans, signaling oversight concerns about project execution and budget accountability.
2025-02-06 FINANCE skeptical MTA police budget cuts and headcount Governor's $77 million NYPD subway deployment Fair Fares program expansion Dashboard transparency and procurement visibility Wheel wear issues on Queens Boulevard line Alstom train procurement Number of subway cars needed Sen. Comrie engaged extensively with MTA leadership, pressing for clarification on police budget reductions, the duration of state funding, and transparency in spending. He expressed support for Fair Fares expansion and raised concerns about train procurement delays and operational issues.
2025-02-06 FINANCE skeptical Forensic audit of MTA Frequent user discounts for express buses Weekly CityTicket reinstatement Queens bus redesign Rockaway to JFK connection Long Island Jewish connection Transparency in capital spending Upstate procurement opportunities Sen. Comrie pressed for greater transparency and accountability, specifically requesting a forensic audit to satisfy public concerns about MTA spending. He advocated for fare discounts to increase ridership and raised concerns about the Queens bus redesign, particularly regarding connections to JFK and Long Island Jewish Hospital. He emphasized the importance of advertising capital spending across the state.
2025-02-06 FINANCE supportive DMV innovations and resources REAL ID compliance and public awareness E-ZPass billing errors and customer service High-speed internet expansion Toll comparisons Out-of-state vehicle inspections and insurance impacts Vehicle registration and inspection procedures Sen. Comrie engaged extensively with both testifiers, thanking them for innovations while raising practical concerns about E-ZPass errors and proposing solutions like pop-up adjudication centers and amnesty programs. He expressed concern about out-of-state vehicles being inspected in New York and its impact on insurance costs.
2025-02-06 FINANCE supportive MTA transparency and forensic audits Transit equity and affordability Rider representation on MTA Board Fair Fares expansion Capital project priorities Sen. Comrie asked each panelist about their priority projects and emphasized the importance of transparency, equitability, and improved transportation. He requested another forensic audit of the MTA and expressed support for PCAC's affordability initiatives and Rider Representation Act.
2025-02-06 FINANCE supportive CHIPS funding support Upstate funding Winter extreme funding Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe road conditions Sen. Comrie expressed strong support for CHIPS and upstate funding, pledging to fight for increased allocations. He acknowledged the egregious situation facing the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and committed to seeking relief for their road maintenance needs.
2025-02-06 FINANCE supportive Equitable resource distribution across communities MTA accessibility (ramps vs. elevators) Upstate support Sen. Comrie expressed support for upstate colleagues and commitment to ensuring all communities receive deserved resources. He asked Greif clarifying questions about accessibility solutions and their cost-effectiveness.
2025-01-29 FINANCE supportive Financial literacy education Student debt prevention Senator Comrie expressed frustration about the inability to pass financial literacy legislation and asked about NYSED's readiness to implement financial literacy instruction. He noted support from nonprofit organizations and national banks willing to provide curriculum.
2025-01-29 FINANCE supportive IEP issues and costs Specialized class teacher recruitment STEAM programs in Queens Sen. Comrie expressed support for the Chancellor and asked about specific challenges including IEP costs, teacher recruitment for specialized areas, and the need for STEAM schools in Queens.
2024-02-14 FINANCE neutral Sen. Comrie was present but did not ask questions during the testimony period covered in this transcript.
2024-02-14 FINANCE skeptical Rent-stabilized unit vacancies Loan programs for building owners MWBE developer participation Creedmoor project scope concerns Sen. Comrie pressed the Commissioner on specific numbers and outcomes, asking how many loans have actually been granted to rent-stabilized building owners (receiving an admission of minimal uptake), requesting MWBE developer participation data, and expressing concern about the Creedmoor project exceeding community expectations.
2024-02-14 FINANCE unclear Landlord incentives for capital improvements Sen. Comrie is mentioned by Sen. Martins as having raised the issue of landlord incentives, but no direct testimony from this senator appears in the transcript.
2024-02-14 FINANCE skeptical ADU conversion barriers and costs East New York pilot program results Rent-stabilized unit rehabilitation funding caps Minority developer engagement Sen. Comrie asked pointed questions about the feasibility of basement conversions, the limited success of the East New York pilot, and whether current funding caps are realistic. He pressed for specific data on completed projects and minority developer outcomes.
2024-02-06 FINANCE supportive Fair Fares expansion commuter vehicle insurance rates smoke shop enforcement mayoral accountability Comrie asked pointed questions about expanding Fair Fares to 200% of poverty level, supporting a bill to lower insurance rates for commuter vehicles, and implementing the SMOKEOUT bill. He expressed support for mayoral accountability and requested improved communications between parents and the school system.
2024-01-30 FINANCE skeptical MWBE participation in procurement and services MWBE staffing in executive positions Long-term nonprofit funding in cultural sector Commuter Van Stabilization Act status Community Electrification Act status Capitol building maintenance and minority contractors Captive insurance for commercial vehicles Sen. Comrie raised multiple concerns about equity and minority business participation, requesting data on MWBE procurement and staffing. He pressed for updates on stalled legislation (Commuter Van Stabilization Act, Community Electrification Act) and advocated for captive insurance solutions for downstate commercial vehicle operators, noting that most commercial vehicles in the state are illegal due to insurance costs.
2024-01-24 FINANCE skeptical Transparency and public accountability Fare evasion and EAGLE Team effectiveness Turnstile security vulnerabilities Congestion pricing prerequisite projects MWBE participation and workforce development Outer Borough Transit Account usage Comrie asked pointed questions about MTA transparency, fare evasion return on investment, and specific security vulnerabilities in new turnstiles shown on YouTube. He expressed concern about Outer Borough Account being redirected from capital projects to bridge fees, signaling skepticism about fund allocation priorities.
2024-01-24 FINANCE supportive G Train modernization and capacity expansion Outer Borough Account funding Bridge funding from general account Sen. Comrie asked detailed questions about G Train expansion to more than 8 cars and expressed concern about service timing. He advocated for returning bridge funding to the general account to expand Outer Borough Account opportunities.
2024-01-24 FINANCE skeptical Penn Station expansion and cost increases through-running capability at Penn Station Fair Fares expansion and CityTicket project labor agreements and union labor platform barriers and turnstile pilot contracts Sen. Comrie demonstrated skepticism about Penn Station project costs and advocated for through-running capability and shared facilities with other rail operators. He pressed for information on labor agreements and contract details, expressing frustration with time constraints preventing full answers.
2024-01-24 FINANCE skeptical Cross Island Parkway project upgrade UBS Arena traffic impact tracking Vehicle insurance oversight State Trooper arrest data sharing Pavement lifetime and durability Toxic chemicals in asphalt (BHPA) Sen. Comrie persistently questioned DOT's oversight responsibilities, asking about vehicle insurance monitoring, State Trooper data sharing, and pavement quality. He expressed concern about the Cross Island Parkway's capacity to handle increased traffic from UBS Arena and sought clarification on DOT's jurisdictional boundaries.
2024-01-24 FINANCE skeptical Tollpayer Protection Act and excessive fines for payment issues Accessibility for toll dispute resolution Small business mini-DMV facilities Rest stop capacity and overcrowding issues Blind vendor access to vending machines Hydrogen fuel cell technology EV charging station canopies Sen. Comrie raised concerns about toll fine structures disproportionately affecting good-faith customers with payment issues versus deliberate scofflaws, advocating for expanded dispute resolution resources. He also questioned rest stop capacity and pushed for contract amendments with Applegreen to address overcrowding.
2024-01-24 FINANCE supportive Fair Fares program expansion to commuter rail Fare system rationalization and clarity Income eligibility thresholds Sen. Comrie asked detailed follow-up questions to Daglian about expanding Fair Fares to Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North, and about creating a clear zone fare system across regions. His questions indicate support for fare equity and rider affordability.
2024-01-23 FINANCE skeptical Hospital bed capacity in Queens CDPAP fiscal intermediary contracts Ozempic access for diabetes patients Sen. Comrie pressed on why DOH did not support bills addressing underbedding in Southeast Queens, noting a 25-year-old study documenting the shortage. He also raised concerns about CDPAP contract litigation and medication access issues for diabetes patients.
2024-01-23 FINANCE supportive Hospital capacity and bedding Berger report findings Medicaid reimbursement rates Geographic disparities in hospital access Sen. Comrie highlighted geographic disparities in hospital access and called for Medicaid rate equity, drawing parallels to school funding equity campaigns.
2023-02-15 FINANCE supportive charter school expansion minority charter school owners school collocations housing and ADUs AMI adjustment progressive design-build teleworking Diwali holiday MTA funding Sen. Comrie, as chair of the Corporations Committee, expressed strong support for the Mayor's position on MTA funding, pledging to work on alternative revenue sources. He raised multiple policy issues and expressed support for the Mayor's migrant response and other initiatives.
2023-02-15 FINANCE unclear MTA funding Sen. Comrie is mentioned by Sen. Krueger as having raised a point about MTA costs, but no direct testimony or questions from this senator appear in the transcript.
2023-02-06 FINANCE skeptical West of Hudson capital projects MTA debt and bond issuance charges Operational efficiencies and waste reduction System cleanliness and rider confidence Free bus proposal Congestion pricing and New Jersey opposition Chair of Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities & Commissions, Comrie asked detailed, probing questions about West of Hudson facilities, debt levels, the $400 million in efficiencies (pressing on how MTA would achieve savings without service cuts), personnel and administrative inefficiencies, system cleanliness, and alternative proposals like free buses. He challenged Lieber on specifics and pressed for concrete answers on waste reduction.
2023-02-06 FINANCE supportive Penn Station renovation funding and federal coordination with Senator Schumer Amtrak Gateway plan limitations and through-running service MWBE contracting and replacement of MWBE director Platform safety test installations at Times Square, Third Avenue, and Sutphin Boulevard Sen. Comrie focused on Penn Station renovation, advocating for federal coordination and expressing disappointment with Amtrak's limited through-running plans. He praised MTA's MWBE leadership and sought clarification on replacing the departing MWBE director. He also inquired about platform safety test implementations.
2023-02-06 FINANCE neutral Kew Gardens exchange completion Van Wyck HOV lane project timeline and community meetings Cross-Island Parkway expansion MWBE procurement practices Sen. Comrie congratulated DOT on Kew Gardens exchange completion and requested community meetings and timelines for Van Wyck project. He asked for updates on Cross-Island Parkway expansion and MWBE spending data.
2023-02-06 FINANCE neutral Fiber optic infrastructure and revenue Last-mile/first-mile broadband connectivity Tollpayer Protection Act and bill amnesty programs Customer service and toll dispute resolution Service center amenities and accessibility MWBE and procurement metrics Sen. Comrie asked detailed questions about fiber revenue generation, broadband connectivity initiatives, and toll dispute resolution processes. He expressed frustration with the Governor's veto of his Tollpayer Protection Act and sought clarification on how the Thruway handles customer complaints and referrals to other tolling agencies. He also requested specific MWBE procurement data.
2023-02-06 FINANCE supportive MTA transparency and governance Penn Station renovation project Federal coordination on Penn Station Sen. Comrie expressed strong support for PCAC's transparency work and asked about the Penn Station project's status, noting federal Tier II review and concerns from a U.S. Senator. He sought clarification on whether the project should proceed despite federal concerns.
2023-01-31 RACING, GAMING AND WAGERING neutral Underage gambling prevention Online/mobile access controls Age verification tracking Sen. Comrie asked how the commission ensures underage gambling doesn't occur online and whether there are tracking mechanisms, indicating concern about minor access to mobile platforms.
2023-01-31 RACING, GAMING AND WAGERING skeptical College sports betting restrictions Age requirements for mobile sports betting Campus safeguards against student gambling Advertising warnings about gambling addiction Sen. Comrie expressed concern about protecting college students from sports betting, noting the tension between the 21-year age requirement and college students starting at age 17. He advocated for establishing boundaries to keep students focused on learning and proposed legislation requiring gambling advertisements to include warnings about harmful and addictive effects.

Floor Amendments (1)

Date Bill Description Outcome
2025-04-02 S3799 Amendments to page 13 of the bill adopted