John Zaccaro Jr.
DINCUMBENTMember, NY State Assembly, District 80 (since 2023)
John Zaccaro Jr. is the incumbent Democratic Assembly Member for District 80 in the Bronx, seeking his third term. He previously served as Chief of Staff to a New York City Council member and as a tenant-rights housing organizer.[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.
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
- action2024-04-18 · Announced that the state budget signed in April 2024 gave localities new enforcement powers to revoke tobacco, liquor, or lottery licenses from businesses selling illegal cannabis, targeting unlicensed smoke shops in his district.[4]
- action2025 · As of the 2025-2026 session, serves on the Assembly's Aging, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Economic Development/Job Creation/Commerce and Industry, Education, Housing, and Small Business committees.[2]
In their words — priorities
- "In just three years, he has helped secure millions in funding and advance legislation that strengthens neighborhoods across the district," with investments listed in schools and youth programs, housing stability and senior services, community safety and mental health resources, and parks and local business corridors.[3]
- Looking ahead, his stated priorities include expanding after-school programs and school-to-career pathways, protecting Mitchell-Lama housing and supporting homeowners and tenants, investing in community-based public-safety and mental-health services, expanding senior services, and improving city and state agency responsiveness.[3]
- He announced that the 2024 state budget included new enforcement powers to revoke the tobacco, liquor, or lottery licenses of businesses that possess or sell illegal cannabis, which he described as a win against illegal smoke shops in his district.[4]
Background
- Zaccaro was born and raised in the Bronx by a single mother and has described experiencing housing insecurity growing up.[2][3]
- He began his career as an intern for the New York City Council, then worked as a housing organizer helping residents fight poor living conditions and unwarranted rent increases and working with community groups to challenge landlords in court.[2]
- He served as Bronx Director for Intergovernmental Affairs under New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, and later as Chief of Staff for City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca before his election to the Assembly.[2]
- As of the 2025-2026 session, he sits on the Assembly's Aging, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Economic Development/Job Creation/Commerce and Industry, Education, Housing, and Small Business committees.[2]