State Assembly Member - District 82
Michael R. Benedetto
Democratic Assembly member for District 82 since 2005, first elected in 2004.
Where they stand
Policing, gun safety and cannabis rules
Sponsored the 2025 law directing the state health commissioner to run a public awareness campaign on safe storage of firearms and keeping them away from children. Voted for the February 2026 law changing the limits on how close cannabis dispensaries may be to schools and houses of worship.
Schools, teacher reviews and trade training
Sponsored laws on annual performance reviews of teachers and principals, uniform statewide diapering and toileting protocols for public school students, and extending New York City School Construction Authority provisions to 2028; also sponsors a bill on type 1 diabetes information for parents that passed both houses in June 2026.
Housing costs and homeownership
Voted for the 2024-25 state budget bill covering education, labor, housing and family assistance, which became law in April 2024.
Issues Michael is raising
Health care and medical aid in dying
Voted for the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which became law in February 2026, and for the 2024-25 state health and mental hygiene budget bill. Sponsors a bill to bar children 12 and younger from playing tackle football.
Climate and energy
Voted for the 2024 law making companies that contributed significantly to greenhouse gas buildup pay a share of climate adaptation infrastructure costs, for a law requiring electric vehicle charging in certain new construction, and for a 2026 law on gas service to new customers.
Veterans' rights
Sponsors a bill establishing a veterans' bill of rights, which passed the Assembly in February 2026 and the Senate in June 2026.
Consumer protection and business practices
Voted for the 2026 law on the attorney general's ability to protect New Yorkers from unfair, deceptive and abusive business practices.
Background
Born in the Bronx in 1947, he taught at Our Lady of Assumption School in Pelham Bay and then in the city's public schools, at P.S. 160 in Co-op City from 1977 until his election, and started the Bronx Times Reporter newspaper in 1981.
- Member of the New York State Assembly for District 82; elected in 2004 and in office since 2005
- Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 62.3% of the vote (4,563 votes)
- Re-elected in 2024 with 68.8% of the vote (29,668 votes) and in 2022 with 66.2% (19,197 votes)
- Taught at Our Lady of Assumption School in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, 1969–1974
- Joined the New York public school system in 1974; assigned to P.S. 160 in Co-op City in 1977, where he stayed until his 2004 election
- Started the Bronx Times Reporter newspaper in 1981
- Member of Community Planning Board #10, 1975–1979
- Served on the staffs of Council Members Michael DeMarco and Madeline Provenzano
- B.A. in History/Education from Iona College (1969); M.A. in Social Studies/Education (1971)
Support
No endorsements beyond the Democratic nomination were found as of Sept. 30, 2026.
Money
$99K
raised
Top donors: NYSPT Political Action Committee, New York State AFL-CIO COPE, State Street Associates PAC
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