Lester Chang
RCINCUMBENTNY State Assembly Member, District 49 (since 2023)
Lester Chang is the Republican and Conservative Party incumbent seeking re-election. A retired U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Warrant Officer with a career in banking, finance and global logistics, he has represented District 49 since 2023 and serves on the Aging, Banks, Cities, Education and Housing committees.[2][3]
Floor votes in Albany
- NoProvides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits · S10113 · Passed Assembly 88–53 · 2026-06-05 official record ↗Provides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits.
- NoRelates to granting employees access to personnel records · S3460 · Passed Assembly 92–49 · 2026-05-19 official record ↗Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.
Votes on landmark laws since 2019, plus 2026 roll calls where at least five members voted on the losing side — read from the legislature’s official records.
On the record — official actions
- billSponsored A6049, which would establish 'October 7th Remembrance Day' as a day of commemoration in New York State; the bill remains referred to the Ways and Means Committee.[5]
- legal2026-03-27 · Filed for a temporary restraining order to block a plan to house homeless individuals alongside long-term tenants at the Borough Park Apartments, after rallying with State Senator Steve Chan against the plan.[6]
- action2026-05-07 · Called for a full investigation after reports that an asbestos inspection at the site of a proposed homeless shelter on 86th Street in Bensonhurst may never have been properly conducted.[7]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsPublic funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)
His campaign site says he is a strong advocate for school choice and supports lifting the cap on the number of charter schools allowed in New York City.[4]
“He is strong advocate for school choice and believes in lifting the cap on charter schools in New York City.”
In their words — priorities
- Preserving merit-based admissions to specialized high schools and expanding charter-school availability.[4]
- Restricting how and where homeless shelters can be sited in residential neighborhoods.[4]
- Lowering costs for working families and small businesses, including studying longer-term (40- and 50-year) mortgages and expanding tax credits for child and dependent care.[4]
Background
- Born in New York City and graduated from Midwood High School.[2]
- Served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 24 years, reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3).[2]
- Earned a B.S. in accounting from Brooklyn College (CUNY) and a master's degree in international transportation from SUNY Maritime College.[2]
- Worked in banking and finance and in global logistics/shipping before elected office; volunteers on the executive committee of the local Chinatown American Legion Post 1291.[2]