Nathalia Fernandez
DWFPINCUMBENTNew York State Senator, District 34 (since January 2023)
Nathalia Fernandez is the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for re-election to New York State Senate District 34. She has represented the district since January 2023 and previously served in the State Assembly representing District 80 from 2018 to 2023.[1]
Floor votes in Albany
- YesAssesses a separate tax on distributions from designated settlement funds · S10585 · Passed Senate 39–21 · 2026-06-01 official record ↗Assesses a 100% tax on distributions from the federal anti-weaponization fund; provides that such tax shall not be reduced pursuant to any deduction, exemption or credit.
- 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 Senate 47–13 · 2026-06-01 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 winter road maintenance data collection and monitoring · S10094 · Passed Senate 44–16 · 2026-06-01 official record ↗Establishes a standardized statewide system for collecting, recording, and monitoring winter road maintenance operational data in order to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and support the protection of water resources in the state of New York; requires calibration of all deicing material application equipment used for winter highway maintenance on public roads.
- YesEstablishes the New York State grid reliability and energy affordability transition (GREAT) act · S9500-A · Passed Senate 39–21 · 2026-06-01 official record ↗Establishes the New York State grid reliability and energy affordability transition (GREAT) act; establishes the virtual power plant program to help reduce energy costs and grid reliability risks; provides incentives to participants for supporting the grid by investing in distributed energy resources and reducing net energy costs.
- YesRelates to placing restrictions on the sale of flare guns · S8455-B · Passed Senate 35–25 · 2026-06-01 official record ↗Establishes the crimes of criminal sale of a flare gun in the first and second degrees; sets restrictions on and requirements for the sale of flare guns.
- YesRequires certain construction project contracts to include siting of renewable energy systems, qualified energy storage systems, or electric major utility transmission facilities · S7898-A · Passed Senate 39–21 · 2026-06-01 official record ↗Requires certain construction project contracts with a value of greater than or equal to five million dollars to include siting of renewable energy systems, qualified energy storage systems, or major electric transmission facilities.
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
- bill2026-08-14 · Sponsored S10156-B, establishing a school speed-zone camera demonstration program in the Village of Pelham; signed by the Governor August 14, 2026 (Chapter 216).[4]
- bill2026-06-04 · Sponsored S10632, which would prohibit a victim's voluntary intoxication from being used as a defense to a sex-crime charge; passed the Senate 60–0 on June 4, 2026 and remained in the Assembly Codes Committee.[8]
- billSponsored S10149, which would remove preauthorization requirements for outpatient substance use disorder treatment coverage; in Senate Insurance Committee as of April 30, 2026.[5]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsFaster transition away from fossil fuels
Voted yes on the GREAT Act (S9500-A), which passed the Senate 39–21 and establishes a virtual power plant program and incentives for distributed energy resources to reduce energy costs and grid strain.[6]
- SupportsStricter gun laws
Voted yes on S8455-B, which passed the Senate 35–25 and creates new criminal offenses restricting the sale of flare guns.[7]
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Sponsored S10149, which would eliminate insurance preauthorization requirements for outpatient substance use disorder treatment.[5]
In their words — priorities
- "I want to build resiliency for our coastal communities, increase transit access, funding for our schools and bring good paying jobs to uplift our local economy."[2]
- "Climate change is a constant concern for this area. Our coastal communities are threatened and our roads and transit systems often flood. We need to build long term resilience for this district through investing in infrastructure that stays strong against climate change and providing homeowners with assistance to protect their property."[2]
- "The East Bronx is a transportation desert... I want to make that a reality. We need transit access to connect our communities and continue to build economic growth for the area."[2]
- "I have a history of championing small businesses... I will do this through addressing the high property taxes that are getting in the way of their growth and honor the diversity of this district through uplifting minority and women owned businesses."[2]
Background
- Earned a B.A. in public relations from Hofstra University in 2010.[1]
- Worked as an administrative assistant at Genesis Realty Group and as executive coordinator and chief of staff to Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj before running for office.[1]
- Served as a Bronx regional representative in the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo.[1]
- Represented the 80th Assembly District from 2018 to 2023, including winning a 2018 special election, before moving to the State Senate.[1]
- Chairs the Senate Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee and co-chairs the Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction and Overdose Prevention.[3]