Friday Morning Brief Nov. 14, 2025
Member Spotlight
Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright
Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright joins us to discuss her Manhattan-based district, legislative achievements, and some of the work she has been doing in the Assembly. During her time in the Assembly, she has been advocating on issues such as public education, the environment, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Currently, she is the Chair of Aging and serves on various Assembly committees, including on Codes, Judiciary, and Ways and Means.
What district do you represent?
AD 76 covers the Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island.
What are some of the things about your District that people may not know?
Roosevelt Island’s incredible, shape-shifting history!
Originally, it was Minnehanonck – lovely island in the Lenape language -- to the indigenous Canarsie; then it was known as Hog Island to livestock-raising Dutch colonists; after that it was Blackwell’s Island from the British colonial era to the early 1800s, when the City bought it and sited a penitentiary – one of the early scenes in Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” is set on Blackwell’s Island -- an “Asylum for the Insane,” a hospital complex including a general hospital, a hospital for “incurables,” and the first major U.S. hospital dedicated to smallpox treatment.
In the 1920s, the City renamed it Welfare Island and finally Roosevelt Island, after FDR, in 1973, when it was being developed into the synergistic, mixed-use community it is today. Renaming it after one of our most impactful presidents, who also lived with polio, was a tremendous boost of recognition at the time for people with disabilities.
For an island shy of two miles and 150 acres, it served as a canvas through the centuries by a remarkable “Who’s Who” of architects, designers, and sculptors. The Lighthouse Tower and Smallpox Hospital were designed by James Renwick Jr. (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Smithsonian Institution Building); postmodern giants Phillip Johnson and his partner John Burgee were responsible for the residential master plan, which envisioned a diverse, mixed income and pedestrian-centric way of living -- an ethos informed by the Civil Rights movement’s ideals -- and maximizing the Island’s picturesque East River location; the Catalonian architect Josep Lluís Sert’s Eastwood and Westview complexes are considered masterpieces of multi-family residential design; Four Freedoms Park, the FDR memorial at the southern end of the island, was one of Louis Kahn’s final works. In fact, he was carrying the blueprints in his briefcase when he died suddenly from a heart attack while walking through Penn Station.
Yorkville’s early identity, beginning in the mid-1800s, was shaped by waves of immigration from Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. Today, area stalwarts like Heidelberg, one of the oldest family-owned German restaurants in the U.S., the butcher shop and deli Schaller and Weber, and Budapest Café are still going strong, all worth a stop for a nosh when you’re in the district!
Can you name a few public figures who influenced you to enter public service?
As the first woman to serve my district, I have a few lodestars.
Taking pride of place in our Community Office in Yorkville is a candid photo of Bella Abzug and Shirley Chisholm together. Collaborating. Strategizing. These two singular New Yorkers – and CUNY alums, like me! —catalyzed the feminist and civil rights movements. Their fearlessness, often being the only woman--and in Chisholm’s case, the only Black person—in the room inspired and impacted my worldview on equality and social justice.
It was a privilege to work with Roe v. Wade attorney Sarah Weddington in D.C at the start of my public service career. At the time of her victory, she was the youngest-ever attorney to argue and win a SCOTUS decision.
She was also the first woman elected to the Texas House of Representatives, serving three terms. I started as Sarah’s intern, became her assistant, and ended up a lifelong, great friend. She was a bedrock of moral support and deft counsel on my first campaign for the Assembly in 2014; to have her speak at my Albany inauguration remains a bona fide moment of grace.
Another iconic Texan, Governor Ann Richards, whom I served as a fundraiser, helped shift the paradigm on women and political power. And she did so with panache and that incomparable wit. She said: 'We're not going to have the America that we want until we elect leaders who are going to tell the truth-not most days, but every day.”
Given our current national moment, I can almost hear her say, “Forget every day, or even most days. How about just one day?”
Do you follow any NY sports teams?
My family and I are diehard NY Liberty and Knicks fans! We were lucky to be at Barclays when the Liberty won the championship. What a time to be a basketball fan in this town. The Knicks brought finals fever back after a long drought, so they – and the fans – have plenty to be proud of!
As the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, what have you been working on this year?
Along with being Chair of Aging, I also represent the largest concentration of older adults in Manhattan. They, and their peers in the state, are especially impacted by the financial security crisis engulfing our communities.
Too many are left food- and housing-insecure. So, I was pleased that two of my bills addressing aging in place and affordability passed this month. The first one streamlines and expands access to EISEP (Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program), the state program that provides many non-medical home services such as personal care, case management, and respite services.
Previously, an EISEP client had to secure a physician’s note for non-medical services. The passage of my bill, A7907, eliminates this onerous requirement. The bill also disposes of counterproductive, cost-sharing analysis requirements, unburdening local aging agencies so they can focus more on providing services in an efficient and fiscally sound manner.
The second bill, A8090, requires the State DOH to produce a report for the Governor on the elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage (EPIC) program, which provides over 325,000 income-eligible seniors aged 65 with affordable prescription medication in New York.
There have been many changes to EPIC in recent years. The report would include granular data on enrollees, such as the total number and the percentage who are Medicare Savings program-eligible and benefits, like the number of participating provider pharmacies. With this information, legislators would be better equipped to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the program to serve more older New Yorkers.
Recently AARP-NY and the Center for an Urban Future released a report revealing that over a quarter million older adults in NYC are living in poverty, a forty percent surge in the last decade, and that close to sixty percent of those 70+ do not have a stable source of retirement income.
Another report from United Way – NY revealed that 57% of households headed by those 65 and older fell under the minimum income level necessary for survival for a household.
These two bills will enhance more elders’ ability to remain in a supportive environment of family and community, vs facing healthcare and housing insecurity, elevate the system of care, and widen access to affordable prescription drugs.
I’ve also introduced legislation to enact stronger fraud protection mechanisms to protect aging New Yorkers from targeted scams and to establish an elder financial exploitation public awareness campaign.
According to an FBI report released last year, New Yorkers aged 60 and older lost hundreds of millions, totaling $203, 437,635 in 2023, the fourth highest of any state in the nation. Elders are already grappling with the worst affordability crisis in decades. It is unconscionable that they are further left vulnerable to devastating financial fraud.
What advice would you give to young folks that want to get more involved in politics?
I began my career as an intern with Sarah Weddington. It remains the tried-and-true method of getting your foot in the door. The same applies to volunteering for advocacy groups, nonprofit service providers, and electoral campaigns. As Shirley Chisholm said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
What legislative accomplishment are you most proud of?
Most of my constituents are women. That’s why I fought for seven years – from when I first sponsored it to overwhelming enactment by voters last fall -- to get the Equal Rights Amendment into our state constitution.
I’m also proud of my 3D Mammogram bill, which was signed into law and serves as a national model. It expanded access to this lifesaving, early detection technology by eliminating co-pays and deductibles. Breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, provides higher cancer detection rates and fewer patient callbacks for additional testing, saving time and reducing stress for patients. This was also an important racial equity issue because Black women have a 41% higher rate of mortality from breast cancer. Early detection remains the key to improving breast cancer survival rates for Black women and all women in the state of New York."
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Elise Stefanik Officially Announces Campaign for Governor
After Election Day, North Country-based Congressmember Elise Stefanik officially announced her gubernatorial campaign after months of hinting at challenging Hochul for Governor. “I am running for governor to bring a new generation of leadership to Albany to make New York affordable and safe for families all across our great state,” said Stefanik. With her announcement, 56 chairs of county-level Republican parties quickly endorsed her campaign, allowing Stefanik to bypass the petition process. Stefanik was also quickly endorsed by the state GOP Chair Ed Cox, former Governor George Pataki, 12 Republican Senators, and 34 Republican Assemblymembers.
“There will not be a Republican primary and a year from now, Elise will lead our team to victory over Kathy Hochul, end one-party Democrat rule, and make New York affordable again,” Cox said. However, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who recently reelection by 12 points, is reportedly still considering a run for Governor. “I have tremendous respect for Elise, however our party must nominate a candidate that has broad-based appeal with independents and common sense Democrats,” explained Blakeman. Additionally, Blakeman said that he has been “urged by business, community, and political leaders across the state to make the run.”
According to a recent preliminary poll on a potential Republican primary between Stefanik and Blakeman, Stefanik would win the primary with 74% of the vote, trailing Hochul by 3 points with a 4.4% margin of error. However, Blakeman said he will be traveling across the state to “gauge the level of support for a potential candidacy for Governor.” As of Thursday afternoon, Stefanik has not commented on Blakeman’s consideration to run for Governor.
However, Hochul has already begun criticizing Stefanik for her relationship with President Donald Trump. “Sellout Stefanik is Donald Trump’s number one cheerleader in Congress and his right-hand woman in his war on New York,” Hochul campaign’s communications director explained. Stefanik's campaign explained that they will focus on Hochul’s policies instead of President Trump, with her spokesperson saying, “As much as Kathy Hochul wishes otherwise, New Yorkers know that this election is about Kathy Hochul and her failed policies making New York the most unaffordable state in the nation.” Before next year’s general November election, Hochul must first win her primary challenge against her Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
EXECUTIVE UPDATES
Early last week, Hochul announced a $50 million state capital investment to expand the RNA Institute at SUNY at Albany. The investment is expected to help develop the Life Sciences Research Building, which will include 20,000 square feet of new research laboratory space, a 3,000-square-foot pre-clinical manufacturing suite, and AI health research areas. The expansion supports the state’s commitment to developing its emerging technology industry and enhances its research capabilities through its colleges and universities’ campuses. “This is an investment in a better future, and it is being developed right here in New York. I am proud to announce this historic investment, and I thank the University for the lifesaving and life-affirming work its researchers do,” explained Hochul.
Last week, while attending SOMOS, Hochul touted the tenth anniversary of the state Office of Trade and Tourism in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. First launched in 2015 to increase economic and tourism ties between the state and Puerto Rico, the Office has generated more than $68 million in trade, created over 120 jobs, and expanded opportunities across various sectors, including agribusiness, life sciences, and tourism. The Office has also supported the state’s commitment to diversity and helped uplift the Puerto Rican communities throughout the state, with NYC being the home to the largest Puerto Rican population of any city in the US. “New York and Puerto Rico share a bond that runs deep — one built on shared culture, economic strength, and resilience,” said Hochul.
Earlier this week, Hochul announced a new $61 million investment to support eight stormwater infrastructure projects across the state. Funded through the Green Resiliency Grants and the state Environmental Bond Act, the investment is expected to target flood-prone communities, specifically $17.8 million in NYC. To complement the new investment, Hochul also announced the launch of anonline tool that allows residents to connect with the state’s resiliency and mitigation resources more easily. The latest investment and the tool build upon the state’s previous water infrastructure investment and support Hochul’s goal to modernize and strengthen water infrastructure throughout the state.
On Monday, Hochul joined AG Tish James in announcing a new landmark agreement to streamline and accelerate the permanent protection of open spaces and natural resources across the state. The agreement will modernize legal and administrative review procedures for conservation projects, including allowing greater use of commercial title insurance to reduce delays in state land-fee and easement transactions. The agreement builds upon the state’s commitment to conserve its natural resources and parks and to support the state’s 30x30 Initiative to conserve 30% of the state’s lands by 2030. “This agreement exemplifies my commitment, and that of Attorney General James and DEC, to advancing critical land acquisitions to ensure New Yorkers have increased and equitable public access to lands, forests, and waterways,” explained Hochul.
On Tuesday, after attending SOMOS in Puerto Rico, Hochul joined Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader in signing a Declaration of Intent to increase economic and cultural cooperation between the state and the DR. The declaration focuses on sectors including tourism, agriculture, drone technology, and disaster preparedness, through Empire State Development’s Global NY program, which will lead a trade mission next year. The trade mission is expected to help small businesses in the state attain access to new markets in the DR. The declaration and the upcoming trade mission build on previous trade missions to foster economic cooperation with countries including Canada, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Australia.
On Wednesday, Hochul attended the opening ceremony of the National Urban League’s new $242 million Empowerment Center on 125th St in Harlem, NYC. The new mixed-use development includes 170 affordable and supportive housing units, retail and grocery stores, a nonprofit, and the state’s first Urban Civil Rights Museum. Built through a public-private partnership with a $20 million direct state investment, the development is expected to help the ongoing revitalization of Harlem’s 125th St commercial corridor and celebrate the historic significance of Harlem. In addition to supporting the state’s goal of revitalizing neighborhoods, the development complements its goal of expanding the housing supply.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
There are currently 323 bills awaiting action by Hochul
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Budget Director on the State's Upcoming Budget Outlook
This week, State Budget Director Blake Washington held a Quick Start Budget Briefing, laying out the state’s budgetary forecast in anticipation of the upcoming budget negotiations. Earlier this year, Hochul and the Legislature were preparing for a $7.5 billion budget gap next year. But Washington explained that due to better-than-expected tax receipts, the state is now expecting a budget gap of about $4 billion. “We see this number as one that’s completely manageable,” explained Washington. However, Washington warned that, due to the state’s reliance on the finance, insurance, and tech industries for tax revenue, as well as economic uncertainty stemming from federal policies, there are risks that could harm future state revenue forecasts. On a renewed advocacy for raising taxes, Washington explained, “Taxes are a last resort, and at this moment in time, when we’re in a good spot financially and on good fiscal footing, that’s the last thing on my mind.”
Hochul Approves NESE Pipeline Project
Late last week, Hochul approved a permit for the construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, prompting criticism from some lawmakers. Although long championed by President Trump, Hochul explained that the approval of the pipeline was based on the state grid operators' warnings of upcoming energy grid reliability issues. “As Governor, a top priority is making sure the lights and heat stay on for all New Yorkers as we face potential energy shortages downstate as soon as next summer,” explained Hochul. However, many Democratic lawmakers criticized the decision, with Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger saying, “There is no reason to waste New Yorkers' money and lock us into a dirty, expensive, fossil-fueled future that only benefits Donald Trump and his billionaire Big Oil donors.”
State Agrees to Delay the Implementation of All-Electric Buildings Act
Additionally, this week, the state agreed to delay the upcoming implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act in a stipulation filed in a federal district court, pending a decision from a federal appellate court in their case. The agreement to delay the implementation comes as the lawsuit against the Act was first filed in the appellate court two years ago by several trade and union groups. The agreement also comes as several lawmakers, including a group of Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about potential negative impacts on housing and energy costs. “We have to address the present crisis in front of us before adding a new one,” explained Assemblymember William Conrad. Hochul has also previously raised concerns about the Act’s impact on affordability and said she would “look at this with a very realistic approach” with a focus on “affordability.”
Eon Huntley Officially Challenges Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman
On Tuesday, DSA-backed Eon Huntley launched his official primary challenge against Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman. Huntley, who previously challenged Zinerman last year, says he will be successful next year. “I’ve continued to build my connections and relationships, and I think that's evident in the room,” explained Huntley. Huntley’s campaign was launched with the backing of Senator Jabari Brisport and NYC Councilmember Chi Ossé, who did not endorse either Huntley or Zinerman last year. Huntley explained that he will focus on affordability and on fighting gentrification, a nod to last year’s criticism of him. Notably, Zinerman’s Assembly district encompasses House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ district and Ossé’s City Council district, who is reportedly looking to challenge Jeffries.
Democrat Michael Cashman Wins Special Election to Succeed Billy Jones
In the special election to succeed former Assemblymember Billy Jones, Democrat Michael Cashman defeated Republican Brent Davison with 51% of the total votes. Cashman will also now succeed Jones as the sole state Democratic lawmaker in the North Country and previously explained that he is an “independent thinker” and will work with Republican lawmakers in the Legislature. “I am completely humbled to have earned the trust of so many voters. I look forward to serving everyone [in] the 115th Assembly District,” explained Cashman. Cashman will have to run again next year for a full term when all the seats in the Legislature are on the ballot.
Erie County Democratic Chair Announces Campaign for Sean Ryan's Senate Seat
After Senator Sean Ryan won his Buffalo mayoral race, Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner announced his campaign for Ryan’s Senate seat. Zellner will face Assemblymember Jon Rivera, who has previously announced his interest and recently officially filed to run. Due to the race for Ryan’s Senate seat being a special election, Zellner said he will recuse himself from any party issues relating to the Senate district. Additionally, Zellner also resigned from the Erie County BOE. Both Zellner and Rivera said they are ready for the primary and believe they have the necessary support to be the nominee. "People know me there, and they know what I can bring," said Zellner.
Sarah Batchu Joins Crowded Race to Succeed Assemblymember Harvey Epstein
With Assemblymember Harvey Epstein winning his NYC Council race, former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio aide and nonprofit leader Sarah Batchu filed to run for Epstein’s Assembly district. Batchu was previously in the June primary for NYC Council against Epstein, but finished second. Batchu will now join an already crowded race to succeed Epstein, with DSA Josh Arnon and Kevin O’Keefe also filing to run. Outgoing Councilmember Keith Powers is also running to succeed Epstein, after finishing second to Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal for Manhattan Borough President. Notably, Congressmember Jerry Nadler endorsed Powers on Wednesday.
Three DSA Members Seeking to Succeed Zohran Mamdani
After the election victory of the now NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mandani, three DSA candidates are looking to succeed Mandani’s Queens-based Assembly district. Diana Moreno, a local DSA leader; Mary Jobaida, who previously challenged then-Assemblymember Cathy Nolan in 2020 in a neighboring district; and Rana Abdelhamid, a local community organizer, are all seeking the DSA endorsement for the special election to succeed Mamdani early next year. While Moreno is expected to get the endorsement, the Queens Democratic Party will have to choose the candidate for the special election. If neither of the DSA-endorsed candidates receives the nomination from the Queens Democratic Party, they are expected to run on the Working Families Party line. However, candidates explained that they are not concerned about the Queens Democratic Party, with Moreno saying, “I’m less concerned about what ballot line we run on as I am concerned of maintaining a movement-led candidate that shares the values of Zohran.”
OTHER UPDATES
Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoral Race
On Election Day, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won his landmark victory for NYC mayor over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani won the election with about 50% of the vote, while Cuomo got about 41% and Sliwa about 7%. Mamdani will become NYC’s youngest mayor since 1892, as well as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor, and the first NYC mayor to be born in Africa. The election saw the highest turnout since 1969, with about 2 million votes being cast. Mamdani won over a million votes, being the first candidate to do so since former Mayor John Lindsay in 1969.
Following his victory, Mamdani appointed his longtime aide, Elle Bisgaard-Church, as his Chief of Staff, and Dean Fuleihan as his First Deputy Mayor. Fuleihan has served in state and city government since 1978, with his recent posts including as the NYC Budget Director for Bill de Blasio and as a member of the state Financial Control Board. Mamdani is expected to announce other top appointments soon, including commissioners for the FDNY and NYPD, which he previously pledged to keep Jessica Tisch as Police Commissioner.
Brad Hoylman-Sigal Wins Manhattan Borough President Race
Alongside his colleagues from the Legislature, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and Congressmember Jerry Nadler, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal was announcedas the winner of the race for Manhattan Borough President. Hoylman-Sigal, who has represented parts of Manhattan since 2013, will now be the first LGBTQIA+ Borough President. “History is happening in Manhattan tonight. I know that we have a lot of work to do, but we are united, we are going to overcome the divisions that we’ve all felt over the last six months,” explained Hoylman-Sigal. He also explained that his first priority as Borough President will be to create affordable housing. With Hoylman-Sigal leaving his Senate seat, candidates to succeed him are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with observers anticipating that Assemblymembers Tony Simone or Linda Rosenthal will announce.
2025 Ballot Proposals Results
Additionally, there was one statewide ballot proposal and five NYC-based proposals for voters in the Five Boroughs. The statewide Prop 1 was narrowly approved by 46% of all statewide voters, but disapproved by the majority of NYC voters. The approved ballot measure will retroactively legalize the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex and add 2,500 acres to the Forest Preserve in Lake Placid. For the 5 NYC-based ballot proposals, Prop 6, which would align NYC’s local elections to presidential years, was disapproved by voters. The four other proposals will amend NYC’s procedures for approving housing development and were approved by a majority of voters, although most City Council members campaigned against the proposals. Supporters of the housing proposals argue that they will fast-track housing developments and alleviate the housing shortage in NYC.
Republicans Hold Nassau County Amidst Statewide Democratic Wins
Although last week's Election Day was seen as a victory for Democrats throughout the state, including local races in Buffalo, Albany, and Onondaga County, Republicans secured their own victories in Nassau County. While a smaller percentage of registered Republican voters cast ballots than in 2021, more unaffiliated voters cast ballots for Republican candidates. Observers noted that Nassau County’s proximity to NYC may have enabled Republican candidates to strengthen their victories. In Suffolk County, while Republicans still control the majority of the County Legislature, Democrats have chipped away at the Republicans’ supermajority. Assemblymember Chuck Lavine, who represents parts of Nassau County bordering Queens, explained that while “it’s no surprise” due to Nassau County Republican Party being “one of the strongest Republican parties” in the country, Democrats have been making “inroads” on Long Island, including in Suffolk County.
NYC Councilmember Erik Bottcher Joins Crowded Race to Succeed Congressmember Jerry Nadler
In the growing, crowded field to succeed Congressmember Jerry Nadler, term-limited NYC Councilmember Erik Bottcher announced his candidacy yesterday, following an announcement from JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, on his candidacy. Assemblymembers Micah Lasher, who previously worked for Nadler and Hochul, and Alex Bores are also running. Other candidates include a nonprofit leader, Liam Elkind, a former financial executive, Alan Pardee, and a journalist and attorney, Jami Floyd. While Nadler has not endorsed any candidates, Nadler’s Chief of Staff is already working on Lasher’s campaign.
Federal Government Shutdown Ends After 42 Days
On Wednesday night, the longest government shutdown in US history ended after 42 days. The move to end the shutdown occurred after 7 Democratic Senators and one independent Senator who caucus with the Democrats compromised with Republican Senate leaders to ensure the funding of SNAP benefits through September of next year, temporary prohibition of firing federal workers until January 30th, backpay for federal workers, and a promise by Senate Republican Leader to put a healthcare bill of Democrats’ choosing for a vote in December.
In the House, which reconvened for the first time since September, passed the spending bill largely on party lines, with Long Island Democrat Tom Suozzi voting for it, but two Republicans, including Tom Massie and Greg Steube, voted against it. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries promises to continue fighting for the ACA tax credits, saying, “This fight is not over. We’re just getting started.” With the spending bill covering federal funding only through the end of January, it remains to be seen whether another government shutdown occurs.
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