NY State Assembly · District 43
Brian A. Cunningham
Member, NY State Assembly (since March 2022)DWFPINCUMBENT
- Race
- NY State Assembly · District 43
- Result
- Brian A. Cunningham, projected winner
- Opponents
- Unopposed
- Research
- In depth
Party line26 votes tracked
With party = voted the same way as most Democrats who voted.
Said vs. did4 statements · 26 votes
I’m relieved and I commend the Court for its ruling upholding patient access to the mifepristone, an important reproductive health care option.
Protect legal access to abortion
Compare statements with votes ›On the ballotNY State Assembly · 43
2026-11-03
| Brian A. Cunningham DWFP | incumbent |
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 80.8% of the vote
Said vs. did
Each documented position next to the recorded floor votes we map to the same issue. Votes are compared one at a time; no overall stance is inferred from them.
Prime sponsor of the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act (A3647-B), which would require towns, villages, and cities to allow denser residential construction on land owned by religious institutions, with at least 20% of units set aside as affordable for most of the state.
Documented position[6]
No recorded floor vote in our key-vote set maps to this issue.
Sponsor of a bill (A2666) requiring all municipal corporations statewide to adopt Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs within one year.
Documented position[7]
No recorded floor vote in our key-vote set maps to this issue.
Cosponsored A1466, the New York Health Act (2025–26 session), which would create a universal single-payer health plan (New York Health) for state residents.
Documented position[8]
No recorded floor vote in our key-vote set maps to this issue.
I’m relieved and I commend the Court for its ruling upholding patient access to the mifepristone, an important reproductive health care option.
In an April 2023 statement, welcomed a court ruling upholding patient access to the abortion medication mifepristone and said New York will continue to strengthen patient and physician protections.[9]
No recorded floor vote in our key-vote set maps to this issue.
No statement on this issue in our sources.
- YESS51001 (Concealed Carry Improvement Act, 2022-07-01): Enacted after the Bruen decision: added training and character requirements for carry permits and barred guns in designated sensitive places.[10]
Biography
Brian A. Cunningham is the Democratic and Working Families Party member of the Assembly for District 43, which covers Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, and Flatbush, has held the seat since winning a March 2022 special election, and won re-election on November 3, 2026. A New York City native, he worked in nonprofit youth and anti-violence programs and as a staff member in the New York City Council and State Senate before entering the Assembly. He won his June 2026 Democratic primary with 80.8% of the vote.[1][2][3][4][5]
Cunningham was born and raised in New York City to Jamaican immigrant parents in a working-class family, according to his official biography.[3] He worked as a youth advisor with organizations including CAMBA and NPower, and as an aide to President Obama's My Brother's Keeper Alliance.[3] Ballotpedia describes his career as including work as an advocate counselor with CAMBA, as a senior aide in New York State legislative offices, and as director of Neighbors in Action.[2] According to his official biography, he was the first person elected to run a Cure Violence site in New York City, working to reduce gun violence in Central Brooklyn.[3] Before the Assembly he also served as Chief of Staff in the New York City Council and as a Special Assistant in the New York State Senate.[3]
Cunningham won the March 22, 2022 special election for Assembly District 43 as the Democratic nominee, defeating Working Families Party candidate Jelanie DeShong with 62.28 percent of the vote, according to Board of Elections figures reported by Brooklyn Paper.[11] The seat was vacant because Diana Richardson had resigned to become a Deputy Borough President.[11] He took office on March 30, 2022, was elected to a full term in November 2022 on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines, and won the general election again in November 2024.[2]
For the 2025-2026 session, Cunningham serves on the Assembly Agriculture, Banks, Codes, Consumer Affairs and Protection, Economic Development/Job Creation/Commerce and Industry, and Transportation Committees.[12] He is First Vice Chair of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, Inc., and was the inaugural Treasurer of the New York State Black Legislative Task Force.[3] His official biography says he has secured over $1 billion in state funding for the district since taking office, and that he lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Stephanie Cunningham, and their son.[3] He was unopposed in the November 3, 2026 general election, according to unofficial results from the NYC Board of Elections.[4][5]
Recent votes
| Date | Party line | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Increases the occupancy tax in the county of St. LawrenceS10029 · Passed Assembly 96–35 · official record ↗Democrats 65–23 · Republicans 31–12 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to determining the capacity of a defendant to stand trialS1004-B · Passed Assembly 83–49 · official record ↗Democrats 83–6 · Republicans 0–43 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the village of Croton-on-HudsonS10058-C · Passed Assembly 113–18 · official record ↗Democrats 87–1 · Republicans 26–17 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to labor peace agreements and the cannabis industry wage board; repealerS10643 · Passed Assembly 98–34 · official record ↗Democrats 85–4 · Republicans 13–30 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Prohibits the use of restraints on incarcerated individuals during labor, absent extraordinary circumstances, and on pregnant persons during a custodial interrogationS2667-C · Passed Assembly 111–21 · official record ↗Democrats 87–2 · Republicans 24–19 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Requires elections and terms of certain officials occur on even-numbered years except in the city of New YorkS5711-C · Passed Assembly 82–52 · official record ↗Democrats 82–9 · Republicans 0–43 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Permits the town of Monroe to impose a hotel and motel taxS6047-A · Passed Assembly 95–36 · official record ↗Democrats 65–23 · Republicans 30–13 |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes an occupancy tax in the city of OneontaS6834-A · Passed Assembly 96–35 · official record ↗Democrats 66–22 · Republicans 30–13 |
Showing the 8 most recent of 26 votes.
All 26 recorded votes
| Date | Party line | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Increases the occupancy tax in the county of St. LawrenceS10029 · Passed Assembly 96–35 · official record ↗Democrats 65–23 · Republicans 31–12Increases the occupancy tax in the county of St. Lawrence from three to five percent. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to determining the capacity of a defendant to stand trialS1004-B · Passed Assembly 83–49 · official record ↗Democrats 83–6 · Republicans 0–43Provides for the use of restoration services when determining the capacity of a defendant to stand trial. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the village of Croton-on-HudsonS10058-C · Passed Assembly 113–18 · official record ↗Democrats 87–1 · Republicans 26–17Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the village of Croton-on-Hudson; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2031. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to labor peace agreements and the cannabis industry wage board; repealerS10643 · Passed Assembly 98–34 · official record ↗Democrats 85–4 · Republicans 13–30Relates to labor peace agreements and the cannabis industry wage board. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Prohibits the use of restraints on incarcerated individuals during labor, absent extraordinary circumstances, and on pregnant persons during a custodial interrogationS2667-C · Passed Assembly 111–21 · official record ↗Democrats 87–2 · Republicans 24–19Prohibits the use of restraints on and the use of force against incarcerated individuals during labor and incarcerated individuals who have experienced different pregnancy outcomes, absent extraordinary circumstances, and on pregnant and post-pregnancy persons during a custodial interrogation; provides for certain exceptions for restraints to be used and in such case limits the use to wrist restraints. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Requires elections and terms of certain officials occur on even-numbered years except in the city of New YorkS5711-C · Passed Assembly 82–52 · official record ↗Democrats 82–9 · Republicans 0–43Requires certain elections take place in even-numbered years for certain municipal and judicial officials except in the city of New York. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Permits the town of Monroe to impose a hotel and motel taxS6047-A · Passed Assembly 95–36 · official record ↗Democrats 65–23 · Republicans 30–13Permits the town of Monroe to impose a hotel and motel tax; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes an occupancy tax in the city of OneontaS6834-A · Passed Assembly 96–35 · official record ↗Democrats 66–22 · Republicans 30–13Authorizes an occupancy tax in the city of Oneonta not to exceed 6%. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Establishes the New York dignity in pregnancy and childbirth act and requires hospitals and other facilities that provide perinatal care to implement an evidence-based implicit bias programS6983-A · Passed Assembly 92–40 · official record ↗Democrats 89–0 · Republicans 3–40Establishes the New York dignity in pregnancy and childbirth act; requires hospitals and other facilities that provide perinatal care to implement an evidence-based implicit bias program for all health care providers involved in the perinatal care of patients within those facilities; requires the department of health to publish reports on maternal morbidity and pregnancy related deaths. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes the village of Atlantic Beach to impose a hotel, motel and beach club taxS7966-A · Passed Assembly 98–34 · official record ↗Democrats 68–21 · Republicans 30–13Authorizes the village of Atlantic Beach, county of Nassau to impose a three percent hotel, motel and beach club tax; defines "beach club" as a facility formed, organized or operated by any person, firm or corporation, located on or contiguous to an ocean beach, permitting sunbathing, swimming and other allied recreation activities, including such uses operated by a hotel, cooperative complex or other entity; makes related provisions. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Provides internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housingS8026-A · Passed Assembly 126–6 · official record ↗Democrats 89–0 · Republicans 37–6Provides WiFi service and internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing; relates to funding for internet service under the ConnectAll digital equity grant program. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes the county of Putnam to lease certain lands used as parklandsS8852-C · Passed Assembly 123–8 · official record ↗Democrats 80–8 · Republicans 43–0Authorizes the county of Putnam to lease certain lands used as parklands in the town of Carmel for use as a cell tower for thirty years. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes the village of Ellicottville to impose a hotel and motel taxS9027 · Passed Assembly 97–34 · official record ↗Democrats 67–21 · Republicans 30–13Authorizes the village of Ellicottville to impose a hotel and motel tax not exceeding five percent of the per diem rental rate for each room. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of IthacaS9528-A · Passed Assembly 110–21 · official record ↗Democrats 87–1 · Republicans 23–20Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Ithaca; repeals authorization of such program on December 31, 2030. |
| 2026-06-05 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes the town of Minisink to impose a hotel and motel taxS9862-A · Passed Assembly 95–36 · official record ↗Democrats 65–23 · Republicans 30–13Authorizes the town of Minisink to impose a hotel and motel tax at a rate of five percent. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Increases the distribution of revenue from extending the authorization for the hotel and motel taxes in Suffolk countyA11552 · Passed Assembly 117–24 · official record ↗Democrats 76–20 · Republicans 41–4Increases the distribution of revenue from extending the authorization for the hotel and motel taxes in Suffolk county; provides for the support of a not-for-profit organization that manages and owns the first lighthouse built in New York, a national register of historic places site in Suffolk county that has been named a national historic landmark and is a New York state historic site. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Enacts the responsible data center development actA11560 · Passed Assembly 103–38 · official record ↗Democrats 93–3 · Republicans 10–35Places a one year moratorium on the issuance of data center permits; requires utilities to establish an independent classification of service for large data centers; sets energy efficiency goals for data centers; provides for benefits for host communities; sets labor standards for the construction of data centers. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Enacts into law necessary legislation including extensions and technical correctionsA11561 · Passed Assembly 100–39 · official record ↗Democrats 93–2 · Republicans 7–37Extends the demonstration project and workgroup to reduce the use of temporary staffing agencies in residential healthcare facilities for a fifth year, until December 31, 2027 (Part A); extends the duration of certain brownfield redevelopment and remediation tax credits with respect to a site located at 1800 Park Avenue (Part B); makes technical corrections relating to extending the term and authority of the independent monitor for the Orange county IDA (Part C); extends the demonstration project and workgroup to reduce the use of temporary staffing agencies in residential healthcare facilities for a fifth year, until December 31, 2027 (Part D); makes technical corrections to section 11-3206 of the administrative code of the city of New York (Part E); provides for the temporary transfer of racing support payments (Part F). |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to the taxation of vapor productsA4619-B · Passed Assembly 135–6 · official record ↗Democrats 92–4 · Republicans 43–2Relates to the taxation of vapor products; provides for the licensing of vapor products distributors; imposes certain tax return filing requirements on vapor products distributors; provides for enforcement powers. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of AmsterdamS10196-A · Passed Assembly 118–23 · official record ↗Democrats 91–5 · Republicans 27–18Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Amsterdam; repeals authorization of such program on December 31, 2031. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of YonkersS10564 · Passed Assembly 118–23 · official record ↗Democrats 91–5 · Republicans 27–18Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Yonkers; repeals authorization of program December 31, 2031. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Authorizes the town of Greenburgh to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklandS10611 · Passed Assembly 126–15 · official record ↗Democrats 88–8 · Republicans 38–7Authorizes the town of Greenburgh to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parkland and to lease such land to HESP Solar LLC for a term not to exceed twenty-five years. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to judicial districtsS10626 · Passed Assembly 95–46 · official record ↗Democrats 95–1 · Republicans 0–45Provides that in the fourth judicial department, three new districts, fourteen, fifteen and sixteen are added; makes related provisions. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Relates to establishing minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customersS1327-A · Passed Assembly 100–39 · official record ↗Democrats 94–1 · Republicans 6–38Relates to establishing minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customers; requires the public service commission to set standards for payment plans for certain customers including reasonableness of agreements and timelines for payment; establishes eligibility. |
| 2026-06-04 | With partyvoted yes | Provides remedies for disrupted electionsS4602-B · Passed Assembly 93–48 · official record ↗Democrats 93–3 · Republicans 0–45Provides remedies for disrupted voting times and locations during elections; directs that the BOE extend voting to account for the disruption. |
| 2022-07-01 | Split partyvoted yes | Concealed Carry Improvement ActS51001 · Passed 90–52 · official record ↗Enacted after the Bruen decision: added training and character requirements for carry permits and barred guns in designated sensitive places. |
Albany votes: landmark laws since 2019, plus the 25 most recent 2025–26 roll calls where at least five members voted on the losing side, from the legislature’s official records. Party line is scored for 2025–26 votes only.
On the record
Official actions: bills, executive acts, filings and court records.
- bill2025-01-29 · Prime sponsor of the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act (A3647-B); as of the 2025-2026 session the bill has been amended and remains in the Assembly Local Governments Committee.[6]
- bill2025-01-21 · Prime sponsor of the High Impact Tutoring Act (A2625-A), establishing a pilot grant program for local education providers to implement high-impact tutoring for low-income or underserved students; amended and recommitted to the Education Committee in April 2026.[13]
- bill2025-01-08 · Prime sponsor of the New York City Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program Act (A00194), which would let NYC community school boards authorize school-grounds use in summer for steel pan practice ahead of the Labor Day Parade (West Indian Carnival); remains in the Education Committee.[14]
- billSponsor of legislation (A2666) requiring all municipal corporations to adopt SCRIE and DRIE senior/disability rent increase exemption programs.[7]
- actionServes on the Assembly Agriculture, Banks, Codes, Consumer Affairs and Protection, Economic Development/Job Creation/Commerce and Industry, and Transportation Committees for the 2025-2026 session.[15]
- actionServes as First Vice Chair of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, Inc.[16]
In their own words
Priorities
- Housing: has championed legislation to expand faith-based affordable housing, combat deed theft, and address bad-faith landlord practices.[16]
- Education: has advanced the High Impact Tutoring Act and the Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program Act to expand opportunities for New York's youth.[16]
- Public safety and mental health: has sponsored measures to expand youth mobile crisis outreach and supports alternatives to violence, including the annual Central Brooklyn Classic basketball tournament.[16]
Campaign moneyNo FEC filing summary matched — state candidates file with their state, not the FEC.
Profile: /people/brian-cunningham
Where they stood out
Voted against most of their party on 1 of 108 party-divided votes on file.
Relates to immunization vaccines for children
What it does: Requires the administration of certain vaccines for children in accordance with regulations issued by the commissioner, utilizing generally accepted medical standards and based on recommendations of the American Acade…
Voted no · most Democrats voted yes · Democrats 90–5, Republicans 0–43
Apr 21, 2026Official record ↗
Their votes on the most contested roll calls
The votes in their chamber that came out closest and most divided by party, among those they voted on. How we rank
- Yes
Facilitates appellate review of rulings that implicate issues of public concern
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 81–56 · Yes 81–No 56 · Democrats 81–11, Republicans 0–45
May 18, 2026Official record ↗
- Yes
Relates to requirements for the provision of medication for medical aid in dying
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 83–62 · Yes 83–No 62 · Democrats 83–17, Republicans 0–45
Feb 4, 2026Official record ↗
- Yes
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 83–61 · Yes 83–No 61 · Democrats 83–17, Republicans 0–44
Mar 31, 2026Official record ↗
- Yes
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 82–52 · Yes 82–No 52 · Democrats 82–9, Republicans 0–43
Jun 5, 2026Official record ↗
- Yes
Relates to certain mandatory disclosures for job advertisements
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 86–54 · Yes 86–No 54 · Democrats 86–9, Republicans 0–45
Jun 2, 2026Official record ↗
Sources cited in this profile
- 1.New York State Assembly District 43 · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-25 Reference
- 2.Brian A. Cunningham · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-25 Reference
- 3.Assemblymember Brian Cunningham - Biography · New York State Assembly Official record
- 4.2026 New York State Assembly election · Wikipedia · 2026-11-09 Reference
- 5.New York State Assembly election results 2026 (unofficial election night results) · NYC Board of Elections · 2026-11-03 Official record
- 6.Assembly Bill A3647-B · New York State Assembly Official record
- 7.Assembly Bill A2666 · New York State Assembly Official record
- 8.A01466 (New York Health Act) - Summary · New York State Assembly · 2026-10-03 Official record
- 9.Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision to Reject the Recent Ban on Abortion Medication · New York State Assembly · 2026-10-03 Official record
- 10.Assembly floor vote: S51001 — Concealed Carry Improvement Act · New York State Assembly · 2022-07-01 Official record
- 11.Brian Cunningham wins special election for Central Brooklyn Assembly seat · Brooklyn Paper · 2022-03-23 News report
- 12.Assemblymember Brian Cunningham - Committee Membership · New York State Assembly Official record
- 13.Assembly Bill A2625-A · New York State Assembly Official record
- 14.Assembly Bill A194 · New York State Assembly Official record
- 15.Assemblymember Brian Cunningham - Committee Membership · New York State Assembly Official record
- 16.Assemblymember Brian Cunningham - Biography · New York State Assembly Official record