Chantel Jackson
Chantel Jackson is the incumbent Democratic Assembly Member for District 79 in the Bronx, seeking a fourth term. A licensed social worker, she chairs the New York State Legislative Women's Caucus and previously chaired the Black Legislative Task Force.[2]
Floor votes in Albany
- YesProvides 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.
- YesRelates 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.
- YesConcealed Carry Improvement Act · S51001 · Passed 90–52 · 2022-07-01 official record ↗Enacted after the Bruen decision: added training and character requirements for carry permits and barred guns in designated sensitive places.
- Yes2021–22 budget revenue bill · S2509 · Passed 88–61 · 2021-04-07 official record ↗Raised personal income tax rates on incomes above $1 million and raised the corporate franchise tax rate on large businesses, among other revenue measures.
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
- bill2021-12-29 · Sponsored A7713, which changed adolescent-offender plea and Family Court removal procedures; it passed the Assembly and Senate and was signed into law (Chapter 809 of 2021).[3]
- bill2026-05-27 · Is the Assembly sponsor of A2140 (Fair Pricing Act, same as S705), which would cap prices for a set of routine outpatient medical services at 150% of the Medicare rate; the bill was reported to the Codes Committee on May 27, 2026.[7]
- action2025 · As of the 2025-2026 session, serves on the Assembly's Cities, Education, Housing, Mental Health, and Small Business committees, and chairs the Subcommittee on Micro Business.[2]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsStronger rent regulation and tenant protections
In a 2020 candidate survey, said New York had passed progressive tenant protection laws and pledged to work to see them enforced in the Bronx.[6]
“New York State has passed some of the most progressive tenant protection laws, and Chantel will work to ensure they are being upheld in the Bronx.”
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
In a 2020 candidate survey, said she wants to properly fund mental health services and increase insurance coverage for uninsured and underinsured people.[6]
“She wants to properly fund mental health services and increase insurance for uninsured and underinsured people.”
- SupportsStricter gun lawsFrom recorded votes
Voted yes on S51001 (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.[8]
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporationsFrom recorded votes
Voted yes on S2509 (2021–22 budget revenue bill, 2021-04-07): Raised personal income tax rates on incomes above $1 million and raised the corporate franchise tax rate on large businesses, among other revenue measures.[9]
In their words — priorities
- Now in her third term at the time of the profile, Jackson focuses on maternal health, economic development, mental health, youth development, and holistic wellness.[2]
- As Chair of the New York State Black Legislative Task Force, she helped secure a $30 million investment for underserved communities and led a 12-stop statewide listening tour to ensure the funding reflected local needs.[2]
- In February 2026 she hosted The Next Wave Career Summit, bringing together professionals in content creation, photography, and entrepreneurship to equip students with tools and pathways into those fields.[2]
- Co-writing with state Sen. Cordell Cleare, Jackson said Albany budget proposals "restored funding to Aid and Incentives to Municipalities, increased tax revenue to New York City, restored funding for foster care, adult shelter costs, cash assistance for low-income families, and more — driving more than $5 billion more toward our city," arguing the state had shortchanged New York City and that Black families face the city's steepest affordability pressures.[4]
Background
- Jackson was born in Harlem; her mother immigrated from Belize and her late father was an entrepreneur and CEO of WIBO.[2]
- She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the City College of New York, then spent nine years working with low-income, first-generation students on college access and financial aid.[2]
- She earned a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University in 2014 and worked as a licensed social worker in New York City public high schools for four years, supporting students' mental and physical well-being.[2][3]
- She sits on the Assembly's Cities, Education, Housing, Mental Health, and Small Business committees, and chairs the Subcommittee on Micro Business.[2]