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2006 General Election Voter Guide Introduction The Empire State Pride Agenda is the statewide, bi-partisan civil rights and political advocacy organization dedicated to winning equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers and our families. We are committed to seizing all opportunities in the political and legislative processes to advance our public policy goals and pursue our public policy agenda. Securing the election and appointment of LGBT supporters at all levels of government, educating political candidates and identifying, endorsing and providing campaign assistance to those who support our public policy agenda are important tools in our struggle. We believe that by supporting candidates for elected office, we can increase the number of allies in government, solidify the commitment of current allies and hold opponents accountable. Endorsement Criteria When deciding whether to endorse in a particular race, the Pride Agenda considers a number of factors including whether the endorsement furthers our public policy agenda, contributes to the election of LGBT candidates, allows for coalition building with strategic allies, results in significant community or capacity building within the LGBT community, allows for specific public education on an issue of importance or has the potential to influence the outcome of an election. We make our specific endorsement decisions based on responses to the Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire, an examination of a candidate's voting record (for those who have previously held elective office) and the voting record of their opponent, a review of his or her public acts and statements and consultations with other organizations throughout New York State, including local LGBT organizations. Non-incumbents are evaluated based upon the criteria above as well as the viability of their campaign. The Empire State Pride Agenda has endorsed 66 candidates for the 2006 general elections on November 7th. Some elected officials who are friends of the LGBT community are not profiled in the voter guide because they did not seek the endorsement of the Pride Agenda. The Pride Agenda did not endorse any candidate who took a position contrary to our public policy agenda. For example, we could not endorse candidates who said same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry, or who said they supported a so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that would limit marriage to one man and one woman. Unless otherwise indicated in the write-up of their race, endorsed candidates stated their support for all the issues at the top of our agenda including: prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression; protecting students from bias harassment; increasing the availability of state funding for community based organizations providing LGBT-specific health and human services; the unrestricted right to reproductive freedom including abortion; and family protections for same-sex couples including the ability to legally marry. Get Involved The Pride Agenda urges everyone to volunteer, contribute to, and vote for these deserving candidates on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. Those wishing to volunteer their time with the Pride Agenda on Election Day or on campaigns leading up to the primary should contact Chris Cormier at ccormier@prideagenda.org or 212-627-0305. Races:
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Governor -- Eliot Spitzer (D) Eliot Spitzer, currently New York State Attorney General, has stood up for the LGBT community and fought vigorously for LGBT equality and justice. He supports marriage equality for our families, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act and funding for community based organizations that address the long-standing health and human services needs of our community. He has also taken the additional steps of joining the Pride Agenda’s “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” website and promising to introduce a bill as governor to achieve equal access to marriage for all loving, committed couples regardless of gender. During his tenure as Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer:
His running mate, Senator David Paterson, is Senate Minority Leader. In that role, he has been a similarly strong advocate for the Attorney General Spitzer faces Republican John Faso, a former Minority Leader in the New York State Assembly. While serving as an Assemblymember, Mr. Faso supported LGBT legislation including the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and the Hate Crimes Act of 2000. Mr. Faso did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse the Spitzer / Paterson ticket in the gubernatorial election. |
Attorney General – Andrew Cuomo (D) Andrew Cuomo is running for the seat being vacated by Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. He was a founder of HELP USA, one of the nation’s largest providers of housing and services for the homeless. Mr. Cuomo was also President Clinton’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development where he strongly enforced anti-discrimination and civil rights laws. He also expanded the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program and provided federal funding for the NYC LGBT Community Services Center. Mr. Cuomo answered every question on the questionnaire correctly. As Attorney General, he has promised to work to ensure that LGBT New Yorkers receive the all benefits and responsibilities afforded to every citizen under the law. He has promised to interpret existing law through Attorney General opinions to clarify the state’s constitutional commitment to equality. Mr. Cuomo will also use the bully pulpit of his position to advocate for the passage of legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry, Dignity for All Students Act, and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He has been endorsed by openly LGBT elected officials, including New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez, State Senator Tom Duane and Assemblymember Deborah Glick. Other endorsements include Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, SEIU Local 200 United, New York State Teamsters, CSEA, CWA, UAW, UNITE HERE!, AFL-CIO, UFT, New York City Deputy Sheriffs Association and NARAL New York. He faces Jeanine Pirro who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. Ms. Pirro does have a record of support on some LGBT issues. As head of the state district attorneys association, she championed passage of New York’s hate crimes law with sexual orientation as a protected class. When the law passed in 2000 Ms. Pirro as Westchester County District Attorney interpreted the law to also include protections for transgender people. She has, however, stated her opposition to allowing same-sex couples to marry. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Andrew Cuomo in the November 7 general election for Attorney General. |
Comptroller -- Alan G. Hevesi (D) Comptroller Hevesi is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community as New York State Comptroller and in his previous elected positions as New York City Comptroller for eight years and, before that, as New York State Assemblymember for 22 years. In 2004, Comptroller Hevesi ensured that the state’s retirement system treated Canadian marriages of same-sex couples the same as any other marriage for purposes of retirement benefits and obligations. This made the retirement system the first state program in New York to respect all marriages equally. Just a few months after taking office in 2002, he signed an Executive Order protecting transgender people employed by the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) from workplace discrimination, making OSC the first state department to put in place these protections. As state comptroller, Mr. Hevesi continued his practice of using retirement system assets to propose and support shareholder resolutions requiring corporations to ban sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in hiring, promotion, benefits and other work-related matters. In 2005, he used the state’s position as a corporate shareholder to press Ford Motor Company to reverse its decision not to advertise in LGBT media. Before that as NYC comptroller, he filed shareholder resolutions calling upon Cracker Barrel to end its antigay policies and ExxonMobil to restore domestic partner benefits lost after the merger of Exxon and Mobil corporations. He was also the first city-wide official to champion the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. As an Assemblymember, he sponsored both SONDA and hate crimes legislation. Comptroller Hevesi faces Christopher Callaghan, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. Mr. Hevesi’s longstanding commitment and record of service to the LGBT community merits our continued strong support. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Alan G. Hevesi for New York State Comptroller. |
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Senate District 3 (Suffolk) – Jimmy Dahroug (D) Mr. Dahroug is challenging incumbent Republican State Senator Caesar Trunzo. Mr. Dahroug works in the office of County Executive Steve Levy, and serves as Chair of the County Executive’s Gang Taskforce. He has been endorsed by the Gay Democrats of Suffolk County. Mr. Dahroug answered every question on the questionnaire correctly and said that he would co-sponsor legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry. In contrast, his opponent, Senator Trunzo, is the only Senator on Long Island to be a sponsor of New York’s so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which would explicitly make marriages between two people of the same-sex null and void. Senator Trunzo did vote for the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) as well as other LGBT legislation to give domestic partners equal hospital visitation access and control over a loved one’s bodily remains. Senator Trunzo did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Jimmy Dahroug to represent the 3rd Senatorial District. |
Senate District 13 (Queens) – John Sabini (D-I)
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Senate District 14 (Queens) – Malcolm A. Smith (D) Senator Smith is the incumbent for this seat, and has been selected by his fellow Democratic senators to be the next Senate Minority Leader. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our support and endorse Malcolm Smith to represent the 14th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 18 (Brooklyn) - Velmanette Montgomery (D) Senator Montgomery is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Senator Montgomery is co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and Dignity for All Students Act and stated that she would co-sponsor the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). She has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Senator Montgomery has been endorsed by the Lambda Independent Democrats and the Stonewall Democrats of New York City. Senator Velmanette is being challenged by Viviana Vazquez-Hernandez, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Velmanette Montgomery to represent the 18th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 21 (Brooklyn) - Kevin Parker (D) Senator Parker is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Senator Parker is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and has agreed to co-sponsor the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. |
Senate District 23 (Brooklyn/Staten Island) – Diane J. Savino (D-WFP-I) Senator Savino is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. She is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and has expressed willingness in co-sponsoring additional pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Senator Savino has been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats of New York City. She faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Diane Savino to represent the 23rd Senatorial District. |
Senate District 24 (Staten Island) – Matthew J. Titone (D-WFP) Mr. Titone is running for the seat recently vacated by retired Republican State Senator John J. Marchi. Mr. Titone is an attorney who is a founding member of the Justin LiGreci HIV / AIDS Foundation for Children and Teens, a founding member of the Legal Services Department of Project Hospitality, a member of the Board of Trustees of Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and a Member of the Board of Directors of Community Health Action. He is also Staten Island’s first openly gay candidate and would be the New York State Senate’s second openly gay member. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and said that he would co-sponsor legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Mr. Titone has been endorsed by New York Choice PAC and the New York City and Staten Island Stonewall Democratic Clubs. He is running against Andrew Lanza, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Matthew Titone to represent the 24th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 25 (Brooklyn) – Martin Connor (D) Senator Connor is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him and has provided funding to community-based LGBT organizations. When he served as Senate Minority Leader, Senator Connor was an important partner in the fight to pass hate crimes legislation. More recently he has continued his proactive work on LGBT issues by co-sponsoring the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Dignity for All Students Act. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. He has been endorsed by openly LGBT elected officials such as State Senator Tom Duane, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez, as well as the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City and Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats. Senator Connor is being challenged on the Working Families Party line by Ken Diamondstone. Mr. Diamondstone is an openly gay man who develops affordable housing for working families and seniors. He sought the Pride Agenda’s endorsement, answering every question on the questionnaire correctly. Because Senator Connor has been a champion for LGBT issues for many years in the New York State Senate, the Pride Agenda believes the LGBT community should stand with him and that Senator Martin Connor is fully deserving of our endorsement to represent the 35th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 26 (Manhattan) – Liz Krueger (D-WFP) Senator Krueger is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Senator Krueger is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. She has also taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. She has been endorsed by numerous elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney and openly LGBT New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez. She has also been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats and Stonewall Democrats of New York City. Senator Krueger is being challenged by Phillip Pidot, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Liz Krueger to represent the 26th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 28 (Bronx/Manhattan) – José Serrano (D) Senator Serrano is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Senator Serrano answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He has also stated that he would co-sponsor Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Senator Serrano has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He faces no challenger in the November 7 general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse José Serrano to represent the 28th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 29 (Manhattan) – Tom Duane (D-WFP) Senator Duane is the incumbent for this seat. As the New York State Senate’s only openly gay member, Senator Duane has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community. He has voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him and he answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Senator Duane is the primary sponsor in the Senate for the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. He has also expressed willingness to sponsor additional pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation and took the extra step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Senator Duane has been endorsed by Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Stonewall Democrats of New York City, Village Independent Democrats and Chelsea Reform Democratic Club. He is being challenged by Dan Russo, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Tom Duane to represent the 29th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 31 (Manhattan) – Eric Schneiderman (D-WFP) Senator Schneiderman is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Senator Schneiderman answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. He is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. He has also stated that he would co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation and has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He has been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats of New York City, New York State United Teachers, UFT, DC-37, New York State AFL-CIO and Planned Parenthood. Senator Schneiderman is being challenged by Stylo Sapaskis, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Eric Schneiderman to represent the 31st Senatorial District. |
Senate District 35 (Westchester) – Nick Spano (R-I-C) Senator Spano is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him and going the extra step of sponsoring the Hate Crimes Act of 2000 and legislation allowing domestic partners hospital visitation rights that was passed in 2004. He has also provided funding for local LGBT organizations such as The Loft. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly with the exception of declining to answer the marriage question. Since the questionnaire was submitted, however, Senator Spano has come out publicly in favor of marriage equality. In an interview with the New York Blade he said, “Civil unions are fine, but that doesn’t really answer the equality issue. I’m for marriage equality… [T]here is no reason why those same rights and privileges shouldn’t be afforded to people of every sexual orientation.” He said he would co-sponsor the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Senator Spano has been endorsed by numerous unions including New York State AFL-CIO, AFSCME New York, CSEA, DC37, PEF, New York State United Teachers, SEIU Local 32BJ, UFT and advocacy groups such as the New York League of Conservation Voters. Senator Spano is being challenged by Westchester County Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. As Chair of the Legislature Committee of the Westchester County legislature, County Legislator Stewart-Cousins authored and passed the county’s first Human Rights Laws, which created the Westchester County Human Rights Commission and specifically prohibited discriminated based on sexual orientation and created a county-wide domestic partner registry and gave domestic partner benefits to county employees. She answered most of the questions on the questionnaire correctly, although she opposed legislation guaranteeing equal health insurance coverage to transgender New Yorkers and declined to answer the marriage question, instead saying, “…I support equal protection under the law for all New Yorkers. … As a state senator, I look forward to participating in a dialogue concerning whether these unions should be labeled ‘marriage.’” She said she would co-sponsor the Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, though not the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). While Ms. Stewart-Cousins has clearly been an ally of the LGBT community during her tenure as a member of the Westchester County Legislature, Senator Spano has also been a strong supporter in the New York State Senate. Because Senator Spano is willing to co-sponsor more pieces of legislation, had more correct responses on his questionnaire and has a stronger position on marriage equality, he is a better candidate on LGBT issues than Ms. Stewart-Cousins. Furthermore, Senator Spano has stood with our community, funding the local LGBT community and sponsoring bills that ultimately became law to protect LGBT people from hate crimes and protect our families with equal hospital visitation access. The Pride Agenda believes the LGBT community should stand with Nick Spano and that he is fully deserving of our endorsement to represent the 35th Senatorial District.
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Senate District 37 (Westchester) – Suzi Oppenheimer (D-WFP) Senator Oppenheimer is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. Senator Oppenheimer answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is currently a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill. She also joined the Pride Agenda’s “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative, and has agreed to co-sponsor the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. She is not facing a challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Suzi Oppenheimer to represent the 37th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 42 (Hudson Valley) – Susan Zimet (D-WFP) Ms. Zimet is challenging incumbent Republican State Senator John Bonacic. Ms. Zimet is a two-term member of the Ulster County legislature and formerly served two terms as New Paltz Town Supervisor. She answered every question on the questionnaire correctly and said that she would co-sponsor legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act, and several other pieces of LGBT-affirming legislation. In contrast, her opponent, Senator Bonacic, is a co-sponsor of New York’s so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which would explicitly make marriages between two people of the same-sex null and void. Senator Bonacic also voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA), though he has voted for some LGBT legislation such as a bill to give domestic partners equal hospital visitation access and control over a loved one’s bodily remains. Ms. Zimet has been endorsed by the Working Families Party, Teamsters Local 445, the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Senator Bonacic did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Susan Zimet to represent the 42nd Senatorial District. |
Senate District 46 (Albany) – Neil D. Breslin (D-WPF-I) Senator Breslin is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Senator Breslin answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. He faces no challenger in the November 7 general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Neil Breslin to represent the 46th Senatorial District. |
Senate District 52 (Binghamton) – Mark Trabucco (D-WFP) Mr. Trabucco is challenging incumbent Republican State Senator Thomas W. Libous. Mr. Trabucco has been a member of the Tioga County Legislature since 2002. He is a founding member of the Oswego Kiwanis Club and served on numerous Oswego village committees. While on the Board of Tioga Opportunities, he supported the policy not to allow the Boy Scouts of America to use their building because the organization discriminated on the basis of sexual orientation. Mr. Trabucco answered every question on the questionnaire correctly with the exception of opposing legislation to require the state of New York to only do business with companies offering domestic partner benefits or allowing localities to do the same, though he did say he supported the goal. He also said he would co-sponsor several pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. In contrast, his opponent, Senator Libous, is a co-sponsor of New York’s so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which would explicitly make marriages between two people of the same-sex null and void. Senator Libous also voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA), though he has voted for some LGBT legislation such as legislation to give domestic partners equal hospital visitation access and control over a loved one’s bodily remains. Senator Libous did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Mark Trabucco to represent the 52nd Senatorial District. |
Senate District 60 (Buffalo) – Antoine Thompson (D-WFP) Antoine Thompson is a Buffalo City Councilmember who defeated incumbent Marc Coppola in the September Democratic primary election. Mr. Thompson co-sponsored and actively pushed a transgender-inclusive fair housing ordinance for Buffalo. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and, if elected, agreed to co-sponsor a bill to require equal health insurance coverage for transgender New Yorkers. He has been endorsed by the New York State Stonewall Democrats, AFSCME, CSEA and Citizen Action New York. The Pride Agenda endorsed Mr. Thompson in his successful primary race. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Antoine Thompson to represent the 60th Senatorial District. |
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Assembly District 2 (Suffolk) – no endorsement The Republican incumbent in this race, Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (R-C-I), has in the past been a consistent ally of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on every bill that has appeared before him and even gone the extra step of co-sponsoring the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Unfortunately, in the questionnaire he submitted seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement, he said he would oppose legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry. He did indicate his support for civil union and domestic partner legislation, as well as his opposition to both federal and state laws explicitly prohibiting marriages between people of the same sex. The rest of the questions on his questionnaire were all answered correctly. While the Pride Agenda appreciates Assemblymember Thiele’s support of our community and is eager to continue partnering with him on issues of LGBT equality and justice, we are unable to endorse him because of his stated opposition to marriage equality. His challenger, M. Treewolf West (D-WFP) did not submit a questionnaire in time for his candidacy to be considered for endorsement. As a result, the Pride Agenda is making no endorsement in this race.
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Assembly District 3 (Suffolk) – Patricia Eddington (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Eddington is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. Assemblymember Eddington answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and has agreed to co-sponsor several pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, including the marriage equality bill. She is also currently a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. She has received endorsements from the CSEA, United Food and Commercial Workers, Long Island Environmental Voters Forum and Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. Assemblymember Eddington is being challenged by Scott J. Salimando, who did not submit a questionnaire for the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Patricia Eddington to represent the 3rd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 5 (Suffolk) – Ginny Fields (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Fields is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and has also agreed to co-sponsor the marriage equality bill. She is also a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. Assemblymember Fields has been endorsed by the CSEA, Long Island and New York State AFL-CIO, New York State Nurses’ Association and the Law Enforcement Officers Union. She is being challenged by William Faulk, Jr., who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Ginny Fields to represent the 5th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 11 (Suffolk) – Robert Sweeney (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Sweeney is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly on every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, with the exception of not indicating his postion on the allocation of public resources to organizations that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, such as the Boy Scouts of America. He has also agreed to co-sponsor several pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, including a marriage equality bill. He is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. Assemblymember Sweeney is being challenged by Donald Nohs, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Robert Sweeney to represent the 11th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 13 (Nassau) – Charles Lavine (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Lavine is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, with the exception that he would support allocation of public resources going to organizations that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, such as the Boy Scouts of America, Inc. He is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He also stated that he would co-sponsor the Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Assemblymember Lavine has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He is endorsed by Planned Parenthood of Nassau County Action Fund, UFCW Local 1500, New York State AFL-CIO, Law Enforcement Officers Union Council 82, Nassau PBA and CSEA. Assemblymember Lavine is being challenged by Steve J. Gonzales, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Charles Lavine to represent the 13th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 14 (Nassau) – Daniel A. Torres (D) Mr. Torres is challenging incumbent Republican Assemblymember Robert D. Barra. Mr. Torres is a database architect and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Pilot. Mr. Torres answered most of the questions on the questionnaire correctly with the exception of opposing legislation to require the state of New York to only do business with companies offering domestic partner benefits or allowing localities to do the same, and allowing public resources to go to groups like the Boy Scouts of America that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. He said he would co-sponsor legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry, the Dignity for All Students Act, and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. In contrast, his opponent, Assemblymember Barra, was quoted in the July 20 Herald Community Newspapers as saying about marriage equality for same-sex couples, "We don't let polygamy happen. We don't let people marry animals. Where do you draw the line at for something like that?" While Assemblymember Barra is a co-sponsor of the Dignity for All Students Act and has voted for other LGBT legislation including a bill to give medical decision-making authority to domestic partners, he also voted against several pieces of LGBT legislation, including a bill to require that insurance companies sell policies that cover domestic partners on an equal basis as spouses, to require that employers grant bereavement leave to domestic partners on the same basis as spouses, and to allow domestic partners to use sick leave to care for loved ones. Assemblymember Barra did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Daniel A. Torres to represent the 14th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 16 (Nassau) – Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember DiNapoli is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. He is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. Assemblymember DiNapoli is being challenged by Louis Chisari, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Thomas DiNapoli to represent the 16th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 23 (Queens) – Audrey I. Pheffer (D-WFP) Assemblymember Pheffer is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come before her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. She has also stated that she will co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Assemblymember Pheffer is being challenged by Stuart Mirsky, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Audrey Pheffer to represent the 23rd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 34 (Queens) – Ivan Lafayette (D-WFP) Assemblymember Lafayette is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come before him. Assemblymember Lafayette answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. He is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Assemblymember Lafayette has received the endorsements of the Stonewall Democrats of New York City, the LGBT Democratic Club of Queens, UFT and the New York State AFL-CIO. Although he faces no challenger in the general election, we are proud to express our continued support and endorse Ivan Lafayette to represent the 34th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 39 (Queens) – José Peralta (D-WFP) Assemblymember Peralta is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He answered every question on out candidate questionnaire correctly and expressed willingness to co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Assemblymember Peralta has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He has been endorsed the Stonewall Democrats of New York City. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse José Peralta to represent the 39th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 44 (Brooklyn) – James Brennan (D-WFP) Assemblymember Brennan is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, with the exception that he did not respond to the questions asking whether or not he supported the State of New York or New York localities only doing business with companies that extend spousal benefits to domestic partners. Assemblymember Brennan is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act and has stated that he will co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. He has been endorsed by the Lambda Independent Democrats, Stonewall Democrats of New York City and the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats. Assemblymember Brennan is being challenged by Yvette Velazquez-Bennet, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse James Brennan to represent the 44th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 52 (Brooklyn) – Joan Millman (D-WFP) Assemblymember Millman is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and has expressed willingness to co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. She has been endorsed by Lambda Independent Democrats, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, New York State AFL-CIO, CSEA and DC37. Assemblymember Millman is being challenged by Rosemarie Markgraf, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Joan Millman to represent the 52nd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 55 (Brooklyn) – William F. Boyland, Jr. (D-WFP) Assemblymember Boyland is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. He has been endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of New York City. Assemblymember Boyland is being challenged by Rose Laney, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse William Boyland to represent the 55th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 61 (Staten Island) – John W. Lavelle (D-WFP) Assemblymember Lavelle is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly with the exception that he would oppose legislation that would require the State of New York and localities to do business only with companies that extend spousal benefits to domestic partners. He is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act and has expressed willingness to co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Assemblymember Lavelle has been endorsed by New York State AFL-CIO, UFCW, CSEA, TWU, DC37, SEIU and NARAL. Assemblymember Lavelle is being challenged by Rose Margarella, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse John Lavelle to represent the 61st Assembly District. |
Assembly District 65 (Manhattan) – Alexander B. “Pete” Grannis (D-WFP) Assemblymember Grannis is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Grannis is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and he has agreed to co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, including Dignity for All Students Act. Assemblymember Grannis has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He has been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats and the Stonewall Democrats of New York City. Assemblymember Grannis is being challenged by Michael Fandal, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Alexander “Pete” Grannis to represent the 65th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 66 (Manhattan) – Deborah Glick (D-WFP) Assemblymember Glick is the incumbent for this seat and is the Assembly’s only openly lesbian member. Assemblymember Glick has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She was the primary sponsor of legislation allowing domestic partners hospital visitation rights that became law in 2004 and a bill requiring employees to grant bereavement leave to domestic partners on the same basis of spouses. She is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. Assemblymember Glick has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. She faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Deborah Glick to represent the 66th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 67 (Manhattan) – Linda Rosenthal (D-WFP) Assemblymember Rosenthal is the incumbent for this seat, having been elected in a special election this past February. In the short time she has been in office, she has already been a strong supporter of the Pride Agenda and an ally of the LGBT community. Assemblymember Rosenthal answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and has agreed to support several pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, including a marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), and Dignity for All Students Act. She has also taken the extra step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Assemblymember Rosenthal has received endorsements from Congressman Jerrold Nadler and openly LGBT elected officials New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, State Senator Tom Duane and Assemblymember Deborah Glick. She is also endorsed by Stonewall Democrats, SEIU 1199 and 32-BJ, DC-37 and the League of Humane Voters. Assemblymember Rosenthal is being challenged by Theodore Howard, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Linda Rosenthal to represent the 67th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 69 (Manhattan) – Daniel O’Donnell (D) Assemblymember O’Donnell is the incumbent for this seat and is the first openly gay man to serve in the New York State Assembly. Assemblymember O’Donnell has been a strong supporter of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He is the primary sponsor of a number of important bills for the LGBT community, including a law addressing hate crimes on college campuses, a bill requiring health insurance providers to offer coverage to domestic partners if such coverage is available for spouses and the Dignity for All Students Act. He is also a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He has also taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Assemblymember O’Donnell has been endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of New York City and Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and end endorse Daniel O’Donnell to represent the 69th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 70 (Manhattan) – Keith L.T. Wright (D-WFP) Assemblymember Wright is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong supporter of the Pride Agenda and an ally of the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Assemblymember Wright answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. He is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. He has also taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He has received the endorsements DC37 and 32-BJ. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Keith L.T. Wright to represent the 70th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 71 (Manhattan) – Herman “Denny” Farrell, Jr. (D) Assemblymember Farrell is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Assemblymember Farrell is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Assemblymember Farrell has been endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of New York City. He is being challenged by Glenda Allen, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Denny Farrell to represent the 71st Assembly District. |
Assembly District 73 (Manhattan) – Jonathan Bing (D-WFP) Assemblymember Bing is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Bing is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and has expressed willingness to co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. He has taken the additional steps of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative and sponsoring a community forum on marriage. He has been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Stonewall Democrats of New York City and Jim Owles Liberal Democrats. Assemblymember Bing is being challenged by Robert Heim, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Jonathan Bing to represent the 73rd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 74 (Manhattan) – Brian Kavanagh (D) Mr. Kavanagh defeated Democrat incumbent Sylvia Freidman in the September Democratic primary election for this seat. He previously served as chief of staff to New York City Councilmember Gail Brewer. He has been a supporter of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having been involved in drafting the Civil Rights Restoration Act and supporting other pieces of LGBT affirmative legislation in New York City. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Mr Kavanagh has also stated that, if elected, he would co-sponsor a marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. He has been endorsed by New York City Councilmember Gale Brewer, Stonewall Democrats of New York City, Jim Owles Democratic Club, League of Humane Voters, Village Reform Democratic Club, UFCW Local 1500, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 9, Mason Tenders District Council and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council. He is facing Frank J. Scala, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Brian Kavanagh to represent the 74th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 75 (Manhattan) – Richard N. Gottfried (D-WFP) Assemblymember Gottfried is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and is the primary sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) in the Assembly. He is also a co-, Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. He has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Assemblymember Gottfried has been endorsed by Stonewall Democrats of New York City, Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Jim Owles Liberal Democrats, NARAL, New York State AFL-CIO, New York State United Teachers and National Association of Social Workers. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Richard Gottfried to represent the 75th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 81 (Bronx) – Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-WFP) Assemblymember Dinowitz is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Dinowitz is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill and the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He expressed willingness to co-sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Assemblymember Dinowitz is being challenged by Steve Bradian, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Jeffrey Dinowitz to represent the 81st Assembly District. |
Assembly District 87 (Westchester) – J. Gary Pretlow (D-I) Assemblymember Pretlow is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Pretlow is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). He is being challenged by Barbara Snyder, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Gary Pretlow to represent the 87th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 88 (Westchester) – Amy Paulin (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Paulin is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Paulin is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. She has been endorsed by the New York State Association of PBAs, Westchester and Putman Central Labor Body, New York State AFL-CIO, CSEA, New York State United Teachers, NOW—New York State PAC and New York State Nurses Association. Assemblymember Paulin is being challenged by Jim Coleman, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Amy Paulin to represent the 88th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 89 (Westchester) – Adam T. Bradley (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Bradley is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Assemblymember Bradley answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and has stated that he would co-sponsor the Dignity for All Students Act. He has received the endorsement of multiple labor unions, including the New York State AFL-CIO, New York State Public Employees Federation, SEIU Local 32-BJ, the New York City Law Enforcement Officers’ Union and the New York State Nurses’ Association. He is also endorsed by NARAL, Planned Parenthood and the League of Conservation Voters. Although he faces no challenger in the general election, we are proud to express our continued support and endorse Adam Bradley to represent the 89th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 92 (Westchester) – Richard Brodsky (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Brodsky is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Brodsky has taken the additional step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. He has been endorsed by various labor unions, such as CWA, TWU and IUOE. Assemblymember Brodsky is being challenged on the Conservative Party line by Gerald R. Gershonowitz, who sought the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Richard Brodsky to represent the 92nd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 93 (Westchester) – Shelley Mayer (D-WFP) Ms. Mayer is running for the seat recently vacated by Republican Assemblymember Louis Mosiello. Ms. Mayer is an attorney who is a Board Member of the Jewish Council of Yonkers, Housing Action Council of Westchester, and the Westchester Women’s Agenda. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, with the exception of not indicating her position on the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Ms. Mayer has already been endorsed by SEIU 1199, CWA Local 1103, UFCW Local 1500, and numerous elected officials including openly LGBT Assemblymember Deborah Glick. She faces Republican Michael Spano who, though he was supportive of a number of LGBT issues when he was an assemblymember prior to 2004, did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Shelly Mayer to represent the 93rd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 94 (Rockland) – Ken Zebrowski (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Zebrowski is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly with the exception of declining to answer the marriage question, instead saying that, “I am seriously considering my position on this issue and in all likelihood am leaning towards a ‘yes’ vote.” He is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act and has expressed willingness to co-sponsor the several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse Ken Zebrowski to represent the 94th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 95 (Rockland) – Ellen C. Jaffee (D-WFP-I) Ms. Jaffe is running for the open Assembly seat vacated by Ryan Karben. She is currently an eight-year member of the Rockland County Legislature and has been previously endorsed by the Pride Agenda for that office. As a County Legislator, she initiated and authored successful legislation extending health insurance to domestic partners of Rockland County employees. That led the way to the creation of a domestic partner registry in Rockland as well as equal housing legislation. She also sponsored a resolution calling on the state legislature to pass the Dignity for All Students Act. She has been a visible presence in the Rockland LGBT community, speaking at town meetings and Pride events. She answered every question on the questionnaire correctly and has been endorsed by numerous elected officials including openly gay Nyack Mayor John Shields, and labor and advocacy groups such as NARAL, NOW, New York League of Conservation Voters and New York State AFL-CIO. Ms. Jaffe is running against Joseph Brennan who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Ellen C. Jaffee to represent the 95th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 102 (Dutchess) – Joel Miller (R-I) Assemblymember Miller is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly, though on the marriage issue he would only go so far as to say that he would vote for it if it came up before him. Assemblymember Miller is being challenged by Dutchess County Legislator Joel Tyner. In that capacity he is currently working to extend health benefits to domestic partners of county employees. He answered all of the questions on the questionnaire correctly, and said he would co-sponsor marriage equality legislation, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA, the Dignity for All Students Act and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. While Mr. Tyner has been an ally of the LGBT community in his political life thus far, Assemblymember Miller has also been a strong supporter in the New York State Assembly. Assemblymember Miller has stood with our community and voted to further LGBT equality and justice every chance he had on legislation, including hospital visitation and control of remains authority for domestic partners, the Dignity for All Students Act and the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). We believe the LGBT community should continue to stand with him. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Joel Miller to represent the 102nd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 103 (Hudson Valley) – Virginia Martin (D-WFP) Ms. Martin is running for the seat vacated by Republican Patrick Manning. She is a professor and writer, serves on the Stuyvesant Zoning Board of Appeals, and is on the Board of Columbia County Futures and the Women’s Press Club of New York State. Ms. Martin answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and said that she would co-sponsor marriage equality legislation, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act, and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. Ms. Martin is running against Marcus Molinaro, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Virginia S. Martin to represent the 103rd Assembly District. |
Assembly District 104 (Albany) – John McEneny (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember McEneny is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong supporter of the Pride Agenda and an ally of the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. Assemblymember McEneny answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, with the exception of saying that he believes that there should be some limits on abortion rights. He is a co-sponsor of several pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, including the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. He also stated that he would co-sponsor a marriage equality bill. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse John McEneny to represent the 104th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 106 (Capital Region) – no endorsement The Democratic incumbent in this race, Ron Canestrari, has in the past been a consistent ally of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on every bill that has appeared before him and even gone the extra step of sponsoring the law requiring colleges and universities to address hate crimes on their campuses. Unfortunately, in the questionnaire he submitted seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement, he said he would oppose legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry. He did indicate his support for civil union and domestic partner legislation, as well as his opposition to New York’s so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which would explicitly make marriages between two people of the same-sex null and void. The rest of the questions on his questionnaire were all answered correctly. His challenger, Republican Kandi Terry, did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. While the Pride Agenda appreciates Assemblymember Canestrari’s support of our community and is eager to continue partnering with him on issues of LGBT equality and justice, we are unable to endorse him because of his stated opposition to marriage equality. The Pride Agenda is making no endorsement in this race. |
Assembly District 107 (Binghamton) – Kelly Keck (D-WFP) Mr. Keck is challenging incumbent Republican Assemblymember Clifford W. Crouch. Mr. Keck is a Senior Education Specialist with the Research Foundation at SUNY Albany and the first openly gay candidate running for the 107th Assembly District. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly and said that he would co-sponsor legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the Dignity for All Students Act, and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. In contrast, his opponent, Assemblymember Crouch, has publicly stated his opposition to marriage equality. Assemblymember Crouch also voted against the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and routinely votes against any LGBT-affirmative piece of legislation. Mr. Keck has been endorsed by the Broome-Tioga Federation of Labor. Assemblymember Crouch did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Kelly Keck to represent the 107th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 113 (Essex/Hamilton/Warren/Saratoga) – Theresa R. Sayward (R-I-C) Assemblymember Sayward is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong supporter of the Pride Agenda and an ally of the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. Assemblymember Sayward answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, with the exception of saying that she wouldn’t support legislation that would require the State of New York or localities to do business only with companies that extend identical benefits to domestic partners of their employees. She, instead, would advocate for tax credits for companies meeting this criteria. She has agreed to co-sponsor several pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation, including making domestic partner benefits exempt from state taxation and allowing domestic partners to make medical decisions for their partners who are unable to do so. Although she faces no challenger in the general election, we are proud to express our continued support and endorse Theresa Sayward to represent the 113th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 120 (Syracuse) – William B. Magnarelli (D-WFP) Assemblymember Magnarelli is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a consistent ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly with the exception of declining to answer the marriage question, saying that he thinks “government should not be in the business of ‘marriage’,” but instead civil unions or domestic partnerships should be given to all couples. He added, “My firm belief is that there should be no difference between the rights of those in heterosexual unions and those in LGBT unions in the eyes of the law.” Assemblymember Magnarelli has been endorsed by the Working Families Party and New York State AFL-CIO, New York State United Teachers, CSEA, New York State PEF and Teamsters Local 1149. He faces no challenger in the general election. We are proud to express our continued support and endorse William B. Magnarelli to represent the 120th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 121 (North Syracuse) – Albert A. Stirpe, Jr. (D-WFP) Mr. Stirpe is running for the seat vacated by Republican Jeffrey Brown, a Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) sponsor. Mr. Stirpe answered every question on his questionnaire correctly and said that he would co-sponsor the Dignity for All Students Act, legislation to make domestic partner health benefits exempt from income tax just like spousal benefits and legislation to require that insurance companies sell policies that cover domestic partners on an equal basis as spouses. He has been endorsed by the Green Party and the UAW. Mr. Stirpe is running against William H. Meyer, Jr. who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Albert A. Stirpe, Jr. to represent the 121st Assembly District. |
Assembly District 124 (Onondaga) – Ed Putnam (D-WFP) Mr. Putnam is challenging incumbent Republican Assemblymember Will Barclay. Mr. Putnam is a retired Episcopal priest, author, and member of the Newark, NY school board. During his 35 years in the ministry, he advocated for LGBT issues in the church and even officiated at civil unions. He is on the Board of the Samaritan Center of Syracuse and Hospice of the Finger Lakes. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly, though he declined to answer the questions about New York State being required to only do business with companies offering domestic partner benefits to their employees and allowing localities to do the same. He said he would co-sponsor legislation to allow domestic partners to make medical decisions for each other. In contrast, his opponent, Assemblymember Barclay, has publicly stated his opposition to marriage equality. While Assemblymember Barclay has voted for some LGBT legislation including the Dignity for All Students Act and a bill to give medical decision-making authority to domestic partners, he also voted against several pieces of legislation including a bill to require that insurance companies sell policies that cover domestic partners on an equal basis as spouses, a bill to require that employers grant bereavement leave to domestic partners on the same basis as spouses, and a bill to allow domestic partners to use sick leave to care for loved ones. Mr. Putnam has been endorsed by the Veterans Party, and Teamsters Local 1199. Assemblymember Barclay did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Ed Putnam to represent the 124th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 125 (Ithaca) – Barbara Lifton (D-WFP) Assemblymember Lifton is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Lifton is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. She also stated that she would sponsor several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. She has been endorsed by New York State AFL-CIO, New York State United Teachers, PEF, the National Association of Social Workers and the LGBT Democrats of Tompkins County. Assemblymember Lifton is being challenged by Jim R. Rohan, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Barbara Lifton to represent the 125th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 126 (Binghamton) – Donna A. Lupardo (D-WFP) Assemblymember Lupardo is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Lupardo is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. She also stated that she would sponsor a marriage equality bill and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. She has been endorsed by the New York State AFL-CIO, Civil Service Employees Association, New York State United Teachers, SEIU Local 200 and New York State Association of PBAs. Assemblymember Lupardo is being challenged by Jay Dinga, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Donna Lupardo to represent the 126th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 130 (Monroe) – Daniel C. West (D-WFP) Mr. West is challenging incumbent Republican Assemblymember Joseph Errigo. Mr. West is District Administrator of the New York State Workers Compensation Board for the Rochester Region and has served on the Livonia Town Council and as Livonia Town and County Supervisor. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly and said he would co-sponsor the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). While his opponent, Assemblymember Errigo, has voted for some LGBT legislation including the Dignity for All Students Act, he more frequently voted against LGBT legislation including bills to require that insurance companies to sell policies that cover domestic partners on an equal basis as spouses, to require that employers grant bereavement leave to domestic partners on the same basis as spouses, to give medical decision-making authority to domestic partners and to allow domestic partners to use sick leave to care for loved ones. Mr. West has been endorsed by the Rochester Labor Council, CSEA and the UAW. Assemblymember Errigo did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Daniel C. West to represent the 130th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 131 (Rochester) – Susan V. John (D-WFP) Assemblymember John is the incumbent for this seat. She has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of her. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember John is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and Dignity for All Students Act. She has been endorsed by 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East, Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, New York State AFL-CIO, New York State Nurses Association, New York State United Teachers, UAW Region 9 and New York State Association of PBAs. Assemblymember John is being challenged by John Ferlicca, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Susan John to represent the 131st Assembly District. |
Assembly District 135 (Rochester) – David Koon (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Koon is the incumbent for this seat. He has been a strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on the questionnaire correctly with the exception of declining to answer the marriage question, instead saying that, “I have always supported equal rights for gay couples. I … welcome continued dialogue on this topic and am open to learning more about gaining equality for all members of the LGBT community in New York State.” He is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Dignity for All Students Act. Assemblymember Koon has been endorsed by New York State United Teachers, CSEA, SEIU, Planned Parenthood and the National Association of Social Workers. He is being challenged by Mark C. Johns, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse David Koon to represent the 135th Assembly District. |
Assembly District 144 (Buffalo) – Sam Hoyt (D-WFP-I) Assemblymember Hoyt is the incumbent for this seat. He has been strong ally of the Pride Agenda and the LGBT community, having voted correctly for every piece of LGBT legislation that has come in front of him. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. Assemblymember Hoyt is a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, Dignity for All Students and several other pieces of LGBT-affirmative legislation. He has gone the extra step of joining our “New Yorkers for the Freedom to Marry” initiative. Assemblymember Hoyt has been endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of Western New York, New York State AFL-CIO, Civil Service Employees Association, CWA-WNY Labor Council, New York State Nurses Association, New York State Association of PBAs, New York State United Teachers, SEIU Local 200 and United Food and Commercial Workers Local One. Assemblymember Hoyt is being challenged by Rus Thompson, who did not submit a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda’s endorsement. The Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Sam Hoyt to represent the 144th Assembly District. |
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Mayor of Ossining – William Hanauer (D) Mr. Hanauer is running for the open seat of Mayor of the Village of Ossining and would be Westchester County’s first openly gay mayor. He is currently a Village Trustee. Previously, Mr. Hanauer served as the executive director of the New York chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and has been actively involved in LGBT civil rights and labor advocacy. Mr. Hanauer answered every question on our questionnaire correctly. As a Village Trustee, he rejected a request from the Boy Scouts of America to use village property for a fundraiser because of their discrimination against LGBT people. He has also stated that he will support providing domestic partnership benefits to partners of gay village employees. He has been endorsed by Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body and Local 1 IATSE PAC. His Republican opponent is John Perillo, a past mayor of Ossining. According to The Journal News in Westchester County, Mr. Perillo said 24 hours after being named to run against Mr. Hanauer that his campaign would address “family values issues.” The Pride Agenda has seen this phrase and ones similar to it used in other campaigns across New York State when a candidate seeks to make sexual orientation or support for the LGBT community a campaign issue.
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LGBT community. He supports marriage equality and transgender non-discrimination. He worked hard to enact the state's Hate Crimes Act and Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act. He believes that under the law all Americans deserve full and equal protection, and promises to stand with the LGBT community in a shared commitment to fairness and justice.
