NY State Assembly · District 80
John Zaccaro Jr.
Member, NY State Assembly, District 80 (since 2023)DINCUMBENT
- Race
- NY State Assembly · District 80
- Result
- John Zaccaro Jr., projected winner
- Opponent
- Denise Smith (C)
- Research
- In depth
Party line25 votes tracked
Broke with Democrats on
- Increases the occupancy tax in the county of St. Lawrence 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
- Authorizes the village of Atlantic Beach to impose a hotel, motel and beach club tax voted no
- and 2 more below
With party = voted the same way as most Democrats who voted.
Said vs. did0 statements · 25 votes
John Zaccaro Jr. is the Democratic Assembly Member for District 80 in the Bronx, first elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, and won re-election again on November 3, 2026. A Bronx native, he worked as a housing organizer and in New York City government, including as Chief of Staff to City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr., before joining the Assembly.[1][2][3][4][5]
Biography
John Zaccaro Jr. is the Democratic Assembly Member for District 80 in the Bronx, first elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, and won re-election again on November 3, 2026. A Bronx native, he worked as a housing organizer and in New York City government, including as Chief of Staff to City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr., before joining the Assembly.[1][2][3][4][5]
Zaccaro was born and raised in the Bronx by a single mother and has described experiencing housing insecurity growing up.[1][6][5] Wikipedia reports that he attended DeWitt Clinton High School and CUNY Prep.[7] 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.[1] The Bronx Times reported in 2022 that he got his start at age 20 working with then-Councilmember Fernando Cabrera.[8]
Zaccaro later served as Bronx Director for Intergovernmental Affairs under New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, and then as Chief of Staff for City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr.[1][8] His official biography cites over 14 years of local service to the Bronx community, and says he was a member of Bronx Community Board 7 and is a member of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association.[1] In 2020 he ran for 80th Assembly District Leader with the endorsement of the Bronx Democratic Party and lost to Marcos Sierra, according to the Bronx Times.[8]
When Nathalia Fernandez left the Assembly seat after winning the 2022 Democratic primary for State Senate, a Bronx Democratic Party vacancy committee chose Zaccaro as the party's nominee for District 80.[8] He defeated Republican Phyllis Nastasio in the November 2022 general election and took office on January 1, 2023; Ballotpedia also lists his 2024 general-election win over Nicholas Marricco and Grace Marrero.[8][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.[1] His campaign website says he has helped secure funding for schools, after-school programs, CUNY, parks, senior centers, and Mitchell-Lama developments, and that he lives in the district with his family; his official biography says he lives in the Pelham Parkway section of the Bronx with his wife and three children.[5][1] His campaign website said he ran on schools and youth programs, housing stability and senior services, neighborhood safety, and constituent services.[5] He won the November 3, 2026 general election over Denise Smith, according to unofficial results from the NYC Board of Elections.[3][4]
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 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 | 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 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 | 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 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 | 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 | 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 | Against partyvoted no | 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. |
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.
- 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.[9]
- 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.[10]
In their own 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.[11]
- 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.[11]
- 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.[9]
Campaign moneyNo FEC filing summary matched — state candidates file with their state, not the FEC.
Profile: /people/john-zaccaro-jr
Where they stood out
Voted against most of their party on 4 of 106 party-divided votes on file.
Enacts the "police radio transparency act"
What it does: Requires that any law enforcement agency in the state that encrypts any portion of its radio communications shall ensure that all of its radio communications, with the exception of sensitive information, may be monito…
Voted no · most Democrats voted yes · Democrats 77–18, Republicans 1–44
Jun 3, 2026Official record ↗
Authorizes the town of Clarkstown to establish community preservation funds and to impose a real estate transfer tax; repealer
What it does: Authorizes the town of Clarkstown to establish community preservation funds and to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in the community preservation fund; provides for the repeal…
Voted no · most Democrats voted yes · Democrats 72–23, Republicans 22–23
Jun 3, 2026Official record ↗
Authorizes the town of Gardiner to impose a hotel and motel tax
What it does: Authorizes the town of Gardiner, in the county of Ulster, to impose a hotel and motel tax.
Voted no · most Democrats voted yes · Democrats 69–24, Republicans 22–23
Jun 1, 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 83–53 · Yes 83–No 53 · Democrats 83–9, Republicans 0–44
Apr 28, 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 ↗
Compare all 2 candidates side by side ›
Sources cited in this profile
- 1.Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. — Biography · New York State Assembly · 2026-09-25 Official record
- 2.John Zaccaro Jr. · Ballotpedia · 2026-10-21 Reference
- 3.2026 New York State Assembly election · Wikipedia · 2026-11-09 Reference
- 4.New York State Assembly election results 2026 (unofficial election night results) · NYC Board of Elections · 2026-11-03 Official record
- 5.About John · Zaccaro for NY (campaign website) · 2026-10-21 Candidate's own words
- 6.Record & Priorities · John Zaccaro Jr. for NY Assembly · 2026 Candidate's own words
- 7.John Zaccaro Jr. · Wikipedia · 2026-10-21 Reference
- 8.Bronx Dems select Salamanca Chief of Staff John Zaccaro Jr. as nominee for open Assembly District 80 race · Bronx Times · 2022 News report
- 9.Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr., Hails Budget Victory over Illegal Smoke Shops · New York State Assembly · 2024-04-18 Official record
- 10.Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. — Biography · New York State Assembly · 2026-09-25 Official record
- 11.Record & Priorities · John Zaccaro Jr. for NY Assembly · 2026 Candidate's own words