District 53RepublicanAssistant Minority LeaderFirst elected 2006
Joseph A. Griffo, a Republican representing the R+12 SD-53 district since 2006, has concentrated his 2025 legislative activity across 292 sponsored bills, with his heaviest sponsorship focus on constitutional amendments, Penal Law, and Vehicle and Traffic measures (11, 11, and 9 bills respectively), while his 7 committee hearings reflect a consistent preoccupation with higher education funding parity — particularly the disparity between Downstate capital allocations of $450 million and Upstate's $200 million — as well as TAP expansion, campus consolidations, and healthcare workforce shortages. He holds member seats on the Finance, Higher Education, Rules, Transportation, and Cities 2 committees without a chairmanship, and his 94.1% party loyalty rate is tempered by 6 recorded cross-party votes spanning environmental conservation, criminal procedure, and vehicle and traffic issues. Griffo's district carries a base lean of R+15 under current modeling, and his 2024 general election margin of 40.4 points against James Meyers reflects a Likely R-to-Safe R electoral standing with minimal near-term vulnerability. His campaign raised $242,774 between 2022 and 2026, with 66.3% from individuals and top contributions from Salvatore Longo ($13,150) and the Oneida Indian Nation ($9,400), while the highest-volume lobbying contacts in his district involve health professions (26 contacts) and education funding and evaluation (overlapping totals across multiple education subcategories), with the Commission on Independent Colleges leading all lobbying organizations at 121 contacts.AI
Topic Focus AI
Campus Consolidations & ClosureshearinghearingOffice of Professions Regulatory TransferhearinghearingUpstate Medical Center Funding & ParityhearinghearingCareer & Technical Education CoordinationhearingDisabled Veterans Property Tax ExemptionsS1183Emergency Department Diversions & Hospital WorkforcehearingNursing & Teacher Workforce ShortageshearingSTEM & Critical Field Graduate Education SupporthearingTuition Affordability & Middle-Class ImpacthearingTuition Assistance Program (TAP) Expansion & Eligibilityhearing
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.
S7760Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to Officer Michael E. Jensen2025-09-10
S6385Extends the authority of the county of Madison to impose an additional rate of sales and compensating use taxes2025-08-07
S6386Extends the authority of Oneida county to impose additional rates of sales and compensating use taxes2025-08-07
S8275Extends the effectiveness of certain provisions authorizing the county of Madison to impose an additional mortgage recording tax2025-08-07
Covers Senate-sponsored bills only. Status from Open Legislation API.
Committee Assignments
Cities 2
Member
Finance
Member
Higher Education
Member
Rules
Member
Transportation
Member
Electoral History SD-53
General Elections
Year
Winner
Runner-up
Margin
2024
Joseph A. Griffo
70.2%(99,459)
James Meyers
29.8%(42,206)
40.4pts
2022
Joseph A. Griffo
100.0%(86,372)
Uncontested
—
2020
Rachel May
54.8%(66,699)
Sam Rodgers
44.2%(53,798)
10.6pts
2018
Rachel May
51.3%(48,076)
Janet Berl Burman
37.0%(34,648)
14.3pts
2016
David J. Valesky
100.0%(82,524)
Uncontested
—
2014
David J. Valesky
100.0%(51,052)
Uncontested
—
2012
David J. Valesky
100.0%(84,429)
Uncontested
—
2010
Thomas F. O'Mara
59.5%(46,226)
Pamela Mackesey
40.5%(31,470)
19.0pts
2008
George H. Winner, Jr.
58.5%(61,144)
John Tonello
41.5%(43,341)
17.0pts
2006
George H. Winner, Jr.
100.0%(51,422)
Uncontested
—
2004
George H. Winner, Jr.
59.8%(64,114)
Daniel J. Cleveland
40.2%(43,046)
19.7pts
2002
John Randy Kuhl, Jr.
95.0%(55,885)
Victoria J. Chiment
5.0%(2,914)
90.1pts
2000
Michael F. Nozzolio
100.0%(89,872)
Uncontested
—
1998
Michael F. Nozzolio
95.8%(67,574)
Laura J. Jacobsen
4.2%(2,974)
91.6pts
1996
Michael F. Nozzolio
95.1%(80,056)
Joanne M. Vacca
4.9%(4,123)
90.2pts
Primary Elections
Year
Winner
Runner-up
Margin
2018 (Democratic)
Rachel May
51.8%(8,553)
David J. Valesky
48.2%(7,943)
⚡
3.7pts
2018 (Women's Equality)
David J. Valesky
66.7%(2)
Zephyr Teachout
33.3%(1)
33.3pts
2010 (Republican)
Thomas F. O'Mara
59.3%(10,811)
James G. Bacalles
40.7%(7,420)
18.6pts
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts.
Vulnerability Index SD-53
Base lean: R+15
Favorable D
Likely R
Neutral
Likely R
Favorable R
Safe R
District redrawn after 2020 Census — limited same-boundary history
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (R+15). 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.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). Voter registration: NYS Board of Elections (Nov. 2025).
Voter Registration
28%
40%
32%
Dem 28.0%Rep 39.7%Ind/Other 32.4%
Campaign Finance (2022–2026)
Total raised$242,773
From individuals$160,958
From corporations/PACs$19,425
Other$62,390
Top Donors
Salvatore Longo$13,150
Oneida Indian Nation$9,400
Ike Epstein$6,250
Blake Ford$5,900
Jeff Gural$5,000
Lorenzo Fertitta$5,000
Volo Properties LLC$5,000
Dana White$5,000
Adirondack Bank$3,700
Rodney Kent$3,500
Donor Industries top donors
Real Estate / Construction
$5,000
Finance / Banking
↔ Bills$3,700
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
Health - Health Professions
26 disclosures
Economic Development - general
20 disclosures
Health – General
19 disclosures
Education - general
↔ Overlapbills →19 disclosures
COMMISSION ON INDEPENDENT COLLEGES &121 disclosures
BAR ASSOCIATION (NYS)61 disclosures
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS (NY CHAPTER)56 disclosures
ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB, INC.16 disclosures
AIRBNB, INC.15 disclosures
CLARKSON UNIVERSITY10 disclosures
CENTER FOR ELDER LAW &8 disclosures
NEW YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION5 disclosures
NY Medical Cannabis Industry Association4 disclosures
R. L. POLK &2 disclosures
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
White83.3%
Black4.9%
Hispanic5.8%
Asian3.4%
Median age41.4
Foreign born6.9%
Limited English households2.1%
Veterans6.9%
Disability rate15.1%
Commute Mode
Drive alone74.7%
Public transit0.9%
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
1031 Aye345 Nay67 Excused
Dissenting Votes by Topic
Environmental Conservation26 nay
S9072 ↗Establishes the climate corporate data accountability act2026-02-10
S9073 ↗Prohibits the sale of certain products that contain regulated perfluoroalkyl and…2026-02-10
S8832Relates to rechargeable battery recycling2026-01-21
S8823Relates to the department of environmental conservation's regulation of crabs2026-01-13
S228Requires manufactured home park owners to provide a written justification for re…2025-02-04
Surrogate's Court Procedure Act4 nay
S8373Relates to the computation and allocation of the commissions of trustees of char…2025-06-11
S7279Authorizes certified school psychologists to participate in the certification of…2025-06-05
S5285Relates to persons who may become a voluntary administrator2025-05-12
S5278Relates to establishing new fee rates for large estates2025-04-29
Civil Rights3 nay
S1169 ↗Relates to the development and use of certain artificial intelligence systems2025-06-12
S2444Relates to the right to breast feed2025-05-28
S4322Relates to creating a private right of action for unconsented removal or tamperi…2025-04-02
Estates, Powers and Trusts3 nay
S8887Relates to enacting provisions for the execution of electronic wills2026-01-28
S7416 ↗Relates to enacting provisions for the execution of electronic wills2025-06-05
S4423Provides for the types of damages that may be awarded to the persons for whose b…2025-05-28
General Obligations3 nay
S952 ↗Makes rent stabilized dwelling units eligible for certain protections2025-04-29
S3807Requires that plaintiffs no longer have to prove that a sexual offense occurred …2025-04-08
S413Relates to the resolution of certain claims by certain employees2025-03-24
Insurance3 nay
S8807Relates to procedures for protections of legally protected health activities2026-01-21
S1634Provides for primary care investment2025-06-11
S1763 ↗Relates to cost sharing fees for outpatient treatment at a substance use treatme…2025-05-29
Multiple Dwelling3 nay
S8078Relates to the standards for openable windows in residential units2025-06-10
S6600 ↗Requires the inspection of certain non-fireproof buildings and compliance with t…2025-06-09
S955Relates to the use of smart access systems and the information that may be gathe…2025-05-14
New York City Administrative Code3 nay
S2134 ↗Relates to requirements for a building owner to refuse to renew a lease under th…2025-06-10
S6718 ↗Relates to surcharges for the installation or use of certain appliances in housi…2025-06-04
S2436Prohibits the sale of ATVs and off-highway motorcycles in the city of New York2025-03-20
Public Housing3 nay
S8311 ↗Relates to succession rights for tenants of New York city housing authority prop…2025-06-12
S5001Provides for including siblings of parents and children of siblings in the defin…2025-06-10
S3569Allows prospective tenants of rent controlled or rent stabilized housing accommo…2025-03-25
Taxation3 nay
S4053Extends the authority of the village of Highland Falls to impose an occupancy ta…2025-05-27
S4495Extends the village of Goshen's authority to impose a hotel and motel tax2025-05-27
S4895 ↗Relates to the effectiveness of the occupancy tax in the village of Briarcliff M…2025-05-27
Workers' Compensation3 nay
S8387Authorizes certain penalties to be assessed against members of a limited liabili…2025-06-12
S2499Relates to employment discrimination relating to family leave2025-05-28
S755Relates to claims for mental injury premised upon extraordinary work-related str…2025-02-03
Arts and Cultural Affairs2 nay
S4722Requires the empire state plaza art commission to examine the historical signifi…2025-04-29
S115Relates to increasing access to resources for culturally diverse arts and cultur…2025-03-03
Cannabis2 nay
S3105Relates to reciprocity agreements with other states for medical cannabis program…2025-06-11
S6181Relates to employment at certain licensees for the purposes of parole conditions2025-06-04
Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 19742 nay
S8046 ↗Relates to audit of individual apartment improvements (IAIs) for rent stabilized…2025-06-11
S119Relates to rent registration statements filed by a limited liability company2025-05-28
Energy2 nay
S4191Relates to requiring certain distribution centers to be equipped with electric v…2025-05-14
S801Relates to standards for electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle…2025-02-10
Family Court Act2 nay
S8197Relates to the right to counsel in certain family court proceedings2025-06-11
S3660Relates to referrals for child support enforcement for foster care maintenance p…2025-05-29
Legislative2 nay
S2224 ↗Relates to reporting requirements on small nonprofits2025-05-28
S374Relates to lobbying for the confirmation of persons to state office2025-05-12
Lien2 nay
S3690Relates to adding certain notice requirements for enforcing liens on goods in se…2025-04-09
S5286Prohibits self-service facility owners from enforcing liens on personal property…2025-04-09
Public Officers2 nay
S8411Relates to certain powers of the attorney general2025-06-12
S4039 ↗Prohibits certain persons from receiving compensation for legal fees, consulting…2025-05-29
Transportation2 nay
S6976 ↗Establishes the New York road salt reduction council and the New York road salt …2025-06-10
S754Relates to the number of persons recommended for appointment to the commission f…2025-02-03
30 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 (3) AI
S1183An act to amend the Real Property Tax Law - veterans property tax exemption2025-05-27PASSED
Stated the bill demonstrates through action genuine concern and commitment to disabled veterans. Called on the Assembly to follow the Senate's action.
S280An act to amend the Executive Law2023-04-18PASSED
Voted in favor while noting the Legislature's failure to pass a state budget within the constitutional deadline, arguing that constitutional obligations regarding budget passage should be equally respected.
S440An act to amend the Executive Law; designating the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day2023-03-23PASSED
Highlighted Herbert Thorpe, a resident of his district who turned 100 in January and was inducted into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Noted Thorpe's continued service to the community after his military career at the Air Force Research Lab.
Floor Speeches: In Opposition (3) AI
A1890An act to amend the Real Property Law2025-06-11PASSED
Voted in opposition to the measure.
A1120An act to amend the Labor Law2023-06-08PASSED
Voted against the measure
S7475An act to amend the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act2023-06-07PASSED
Upstate Medical Center parityJudge Lippman report implementationCampus consolidation/closure concernsOffice of Professions proposal
Sen. Griffo raised concerns about parity between Downstate and Upstate Medical investments, questioned implementation of the Lippman report on campus safety, and asked about potential campus consolidations or closures.
emergency department diversionsUpstate University Hospital fundingworkforce shortagescapital funding parity
Sen. Griffo raised concerns about ED diversions across upstate New York and pressed Commissioner McDonald on funding disparities between Downstate ($450 million capital, $100 million operating) and Upstate ($200 million capital). He challenged the Commissioner's stated support for Upstate, noting that 'money would be more important' than expressions of support.
Campus closures or consolidationsNursing and teacher shortagesTuition increases and middle-class impactWorkforce development
Sen. Griffo asked substantive questions about enrollment challenges, workforce shortages, and the potential regressive impact of tuition increases on middle-class families. He sought concrete information on how the systems plan to address critical workforce gaps.
Proposed transfer of Office of Professions to Department of HealthRedundancy and confusion concerns
Sen. Griffo questioned why the Governor's proposal to move the Office of Professions to the Department of Health would improve healthcare professional licensing and addressed concerns about redundancy and confusion.
BOCES and career/technical education coordinationTeacher profession shortages by subject area
Sen. Griffo asked about connections between higher education and BOCES programs to ensure student access to career pathways, and inquired about specific teacher shortage areas. His questions suggest support for workforce development initiatives.
TAP eligibility increase and income thresholdImpact of TAP expansion on enrollmentGraduate TAP reinstatement for critical fieldsWorkforce development in nursing, education, and STEM
Sen. Griffo asked about expanding TAP eligibility to 24,000 additional families and whether the system could sustain increases. He advocated for reinstating Graduate TAP focused on high-need fields like nursing and education, and emphasized the need for workforce alignment with private sector opportunities.