NY State Assembly · District 49
Lester Chang
NY State Assembly Member, District 49 (since 2023)RCINCUMBENT
- Race
- NY State Assembly · District 49
- Result
- Not yet called
- Opponent
- Joyce Xiaoqiong Xie (D)
- Research
- In depth
Party line25 votes tracked
Broke with Republicans on
- Increases the occupancy tax in the county of St. Lawrence voted no
- Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the village of Croton-on-Hudson voted no
- Permits the town of Monroe to impose a hotel and motel tax voted no
- Authorizes an occupancy tax in the city of Oneonta voted no
- and 8 more below
With party = voted the same way as most Republicans who voted.
Said vs. did1 statement · 25 votes
He is strong advocate for school choice and believes in lifting the cap on charter schools in New York City.
Public funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)
Compare statements with votes ›On the ballotNY State Assembly · 49
2026-11-03
| Lester Chang RC | incumbent |
| Joyce Xiaoqiong Xie D | challenger |
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.
He is strong advocate for school choice and believes in lifting the cap on charter schools in New York City.
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]
No recorded floor vote in our key-vote set maps to this issue.
Biography
Lester Chang is the Republican and Conservative Party incumbent in Assembly District 49, seeking re-election. Born in New York City, he worked in banking, finance and global logistics and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve before winning the seat in 2022, defeating incumbent Peter Abbate Jr. Ballotpedia lists his committees as Aging, Banks, Cities, Education and Housing.[1][2][3]
According to his campaign website, Chang was born in public housing on the Lower East Side to Chinese immigrant parents, his father died when he was 8, and the family later settled in Brooklyn's Midwood neighborhood.[1][3][2] He graduated from Midwood High School, earned a B.S. in accounting from Brooklyn College (CUNY), and received a master's degree in international transportation from SUNY Maritime College.[1][3] He began his career in banking and finance before moving into global logistics; his campaign website says he led operations across several Asian countries, and his official biography cites 20 years of management experience in global trade and logistics.[3][2]
Chang served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for about 24 years, reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3).[1][3] His campaign website says he supported Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Coast Guard at Fort Wadsworth after 9/11 and was deployed as a military analyst to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in 2009 and 2010.[3] He is a member of the New York State Naval Militia and volunteered for state active duty from March 2020 to March 2021 in support of COVID-19 operations, including converting the Jacob Javits Convention Center into a field hospital.[3][2] He has also worked with the Board of Elections as a Poll Site Coordinator for more than 30 years, according to his official biography.[2]
Chang won the November 8, 2022 general election for Assembly District 49, defeating incumbent Peter Abbate Jr., and took office in 2023; his official biography describes the district as covering parts of Kings County.[1][2] He volunteers on the executive committee of the local Chinatown American Legion Post 1291 and lives in Brooklyn.[1][3]
Recent votes
| Date | Party line | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-05 | Against partyvoted no | 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 no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 no | 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 no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 25 votes.
All 25 recorded votes
| Date | Party line | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-05 | Against partyvoted no | 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 no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 no | 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 no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against 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 no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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 no | 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 | Against 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 no | 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. |
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.
- 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]
In their own 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]
Campaign moneyNo FEC filing summary matched — state candidates file with their state, not the FEC.
Profile: /people/lester-chang
Where they stood out
Voted against most of their party on 20 of 112 party-divided votes on file.
Most often on: Jobs & cost of living (10), Health & care (5), Climate & energy (4)
Enacts the responsible data center development act
What it does: Places 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; prov…
Voted yes · most Republicans voted no · Democrats 93–3, Republicans 10–35
Jun 4, 2026Official record ↗
Relates to establishing minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customers
What it does: Relates 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 agreement…
Voted yes · most Republicans voted no · Democrats 94–1, Republicans 6–38
Jun 4, 2026Official record ↗
Enacts the "freedom to read act"
What it does: Requires each board of education to adopt a written policy for reconsideration of school library materials and make such policy available on its website; requires such policies to include provisions for the creation o…
Voted yes · most Republicans voted no · Democrats 92–4, Republicans 22–23
Jun 4, 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
- No
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 ↗
- No
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 ↗
- No
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 83–53 · Yes 83–No 53 · Democrats 83–9, Republicans 0–44
Apr 28, 2026Official record ↗
- No
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 83–61 · Yes 83–No 61 · Democrats 83–17, Republicans 0–44
Mar 31, 2026Official record ↗
- No
With most of their party · Passed Assembly 82–52 · Yes 82–No 52 · Democrats 82–9, Republicans 0–43
Jun 5, 2026Official record ↗
Compare all 2 candidates side by side ›
Sources cited in this profile
- 1.Lester Chang · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-25 Reference
- 2.Lester Chang - Biography · New York State Assembly Official record
- 3.Meet Lester · Lester Chang for NY Candidate's own words
- 4.Lester Chang (campaign home page) · Lester Chang for Assembly Candidate's own words
- 5.Bill A06049 status · New York State Assembly Official record
- 6.Chang and Lawmakers Push Back on Proposed Integration of Homeless and Non-Homeless Populations · New York State Assembly · 2026-03-27 Official record
- 7.Chang Calls for Full Investigation into Fake Asbestos Inspection at Proposed 86th St. Shelter Site · New York State Assembly · 2026-05-07 Official record