Trump Returns to White House as 47th President of the United States
Former President Donald Trump will return to the White House in 2025, securing 295 electoral college votes to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 226 votes. The Associated Press (AP) has Former President Trump winning the popular vote 50.9% (72,755,769 votes) to 46.7% (68,100,701 votes). The victory will make him both the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
Only one other President – Grover Cleveland – has won two non-consecutive terms in US history. President Cleveland won the popular vote in three elections but lost the Electoral College in the middle.
Tuesday’s elections also saw Republicans taking the majority in the US Senate, with a current 53- 45 edge. Meanwhile, the current tally in the House has Republicans holding a 212 to 201 edge, according to NBC News at the time of publication.
In New York, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will return to Washington, securing 58.4% of the vote. US Senator Charles Schumer was not up for re-election this year. In the State’s Congressional seats, Democrats were able to flip three seats: John Mannion unseating Rep. Brandon Williams in New York’s 22nd Congressional District; Josh Riley unseating Rep. Marc Molinaro in the 19th District; and Laura Gillen unseating Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in Long Island’s 4th Congressional District.
The majorities in the State Legislature remain intact, with the Democrats controlling both the State Senate and Assembly. Republicans threatened the Democrats’ supermajority in the Senate. The Democrats currently hold a secure supermajority in the Assembly.
According to Pitta Bishop Election Lawyer Ardian Tagani, in the State Senate, one member lost their reelection bid. In District 17, Steve Chan (R) leads incumbent Iwen Chu (D) by over 5,600 votes, or 10.6%. Other closely watched races were positive for incumbents. In District 11, incumbent Toby Ann Stavisky (D) leads her opponent by over 7,500 votes, or 7.4%. In District 23, incumbent Jessica Scarcella Spanton (D) leads her opponent by over 8,100 votes, or 9.1%. In District 38, incumbent William Weber Jr. (R) leads former State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D) by over 9,800 votes, or 7.1%. If results remain unchanged, the Senate will have five new members: Chan, Siela A. Bynoe (replacing retiring Nassau County Senator Kevin Thomas), Patricia Fahy (replacing retiring Albany Senator Neil Breslin), Christopher J. Ryan (replacing Congress-elect Mannion), and April McCants-Baskin (replacing Congressman Tim Kennedy).
Turning to the State Assembly, Tagani indicated that Democrats are on track to gain one seat, with three seats flipping for Democrats, and two for Republicans. However, margins remain close in some of these races. In District 4, Rebecca Kassay (D) leads incumbent Ed Flood (R) by 211 votes, or 0.3%. In District 16, Daniel Norber (R) leads incumbent Gina Sillitti (D) by 1,100 votes, or 1.6%. In District 21, former Assemblymember Judy Griffin (D) leads incumbent Brian Curran by over 2,000 votes, or 1.6%. In District 97, Rockland County Legislator Aron Wieder (D) leads incumbent John McGowan (R) by nearly 3,500 votes, or 6.8%. In District 143, Patrick Chludzinski (R) leads incumbent Monica Wallace (D) by over 2,300 votes, or 3.8%.
In addition, Tagani detailed, in District 23, incumbent Stacey Pheffer Amato (D) leads her opponent by nearly 1,100 votes, or 2.4%. This race was a rematch of the 2022 race, where Pheffer Amato won by only 15 votes following a recount. In District 25, incumbent Nily Rozic (D) leads her opponent by nearly 1,700 votes, or 5.6%. In District 45, incumbent Michael Novakov (R) leads his opponent by a narrow margin of 270 votes, or 0.9%. In District 46, incumbent Alec Brook-Krasny (R) leads his opponent by over 1,900 votes, or 5.2%. In District 142, Patrick Burke (D) leads his opponent by less than 800 votes, or 1.3%. If preliminary results remain unchanged, the Assembly will see 21 new members.
All results are preliminary, based on unofficial election night results. Absentee, military, and affidavit ballots still need to be counted, meaning margins are likely to change.
A chart of new members, prepared by Tagani, is listed below:
New York’s voters approved Proposition 1, also known as the “Equal Rights Amendment,” 62% to 38%. It amends Article 1 Section 11 of the state Constitution — which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, and religion — to include additional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy.
New York City voters approved four out of five of the City’s Charter Revision Commission’s ballot proposals. Specifically, New Yorkers voted to:
✓ Expand and clarify the Department of Sanitation’s power to clean streets and other City property and
require disposal of waste in containers (Proposition 2).
✓ Require additional fiscal analysis prior to hearings and votes on local laws, and update budget
deadlines (Proposition 3).
✓ Establish additional procedural requirements when the City Council considers proposed local laws
affecting the public safety operations of three city agencies: the New York City Police Department, the
New York City Department of Correction, and the Fire Department of the City of New York. The
Council must provide at least 30 days notice in advance of a vote on the proposed law. (Proposition 4).
✓ Ensure that the New York City Department of City Planning and the Mayor’s Office of Management
and Budget consider city facility conditions and maintenance needs, together with other factors such as
geographic distribution, impact on resiliency, and the criticality of an asset to an agency’s function or
mission when developing the 10-Year Capital Strategy (Proposition 5).
Voters did not approve the 6th proposition to enshrine the chief business diversity officer in the charter.
In the News-New York State
Governor & Attorney General Partner,
Preparing for President-Elect Trump’s
Second Term
State Leaders Double Down on Abortion Protections & Advancing State’s Climate Goals
Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday updated New Yorkers on their ongoing work to protect the fundamental freedoms of New Yorkers in preparation for President-Elect Donald Trump’s second term.
Governor Hochul and Attorney General James announced a strengthened partnership, including new dedicated staff, to address potential federal legal threats to reproductive freedom, gun safety laws, and other key issues. Governor Hochul also announced the new Empire State Freedom Initiative, which convened prior to Election Day and has already begun developing comprehensive plans to address any policy and regulatory threats that may emerge from a Trump Administration.
As Co-Chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, Governor Hochul will work with the Alliance’s bipartisan coalition of 24 governors – representing about 60 percent of the nation’s economy – to continue promoting a net-zero future by advancing state-led climate action.
According to the Governor, New York State, and the U.S. Climate Alliance will address any future threats to climate action by remaining focused on advancing its key policy commitments, including goals of reducing collective net greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement, promoting clean energy deployment, and creating good jobs.
Guided by what Governor Hochul called some of the nation’s “most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives,” New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by midcentury
In the News-New York City
Mayor Adams Signs Legislation to Protect Hotel Workers and Guests, Strengthen Tourism Industry
New York City Mayor Eric Adams this week signed legislation to create safer hotels for employees and visitors alike and bolster the city’s tourism industry. Introduction 991 will set new standards around safety, staffing, and cleaning in the city’s hotels, as well as licensing requirements to help enforce worker and guest protections.
“Since we came into office, we’ve been laser-focused on supporting the recovery of our $74 billion tourism economy,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “That includes attracting visitors from around the globe back to the five boroughs and supporting the hotel and hospitality industries that make New York City the best city in the world. The Safe Hotels Act will help us ensure the safety of our 62 million tourists as well as our city hotel workers. In partnership with the hotel industry, we are committed to creating a streamlined application process for qualified hotel license applicants so that the operations of this critical industry are not disrupted.”
Intro. 0991 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — takes several steps to keep New York City hotels safe, healthy, and clean. Hotels must receive a license from the city and ensure that staff — including front desk staff at all hotels and security guards at large hotels — are on-site whenever a guest is staying at the hotel. The legislation also requires hotel operators to train employees on recognizing human trafficking and equip employees with panic buttons. Finally, it requires hotels to clean guest rooms every day unless a visitor declines the service.
“The Safe Hotels Act will not only protect hotel guests and workers but ensure high-quality hotel operations that will cement New York City’s status as a world-class hospitality destination,” said Rich Maroko, president, of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. “We thank Mayor Eric Adams for signing this critical legislation into law and prioritizing the well-being of the regular people who run New York’s tourism economy. We also thank Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilmember Julie Menin for their incredible leadership in getting this bill passed by such a strong margin in the City Council.”
Last year, the tourism industry generated $74 billion in economic impact for New York City, with more than $48 billion coming from direct spending, supporting over 380,000 leisure and hospitality jobs — roughly 9 percent of the city’s workforce — and thousands of small and minority-owned businesses.
Briefs
Governor Hochul Launches “Call Out Hate” Campaign
Governor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Human Rights Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, announced a public information campaign to educate New Yorkers about the support available in combating hate and bias in communities across New York State, as well as the importance of reporting such incidents when they occur.
The campaign, entitled “Call Out Hate,” will be featured in the coming months in the New York City Subway, Metro-North, and Long Island Rail Road train cars and transit stations. It will also be included in statewide Division educational events reminding New Yorkers that hate has no home in New York, and that we all belong here.
“Hate has no place in New York State, and it is critical that we come together to prevent any person from enduring discrimination or feeling endangered because of hateful rhetoric or acts,” Governor Hochul said. “We must ‘Call Out Hate’ wherever we see it, and in doing so, we will empower our communities to protect each other and find commonality in our differences.”
State Supreme Court Strikes Down New York’s John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act
The state Supreme Court in Orange County struck down a 2022 New York state law intended to prevent localities from enacting rules that could suppress voting rights, according to published reports.
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act (NYVRA) aimed to strengthen voting rights, particularly for minority voters, by prohibiting vote dilution and voter suppression. Under the law, local municipalities could not use electoral methods that weakened the ability of racial minority groups to elect the candidate of their choice or influence the election. It established a procedure for “preclearance” whereby local governments would gain approval from state officials to pass certain voting laws.
“…the NYVRA is violative of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which is supreme to any law of New York. Therefore, the NYVRA is hereby STRICKEN in its entirety from further enforcement and application to these Defendants and to any other political subdivision in the State of New York,” Justice Maria Vazques-Doles wrote.
The State is expected to appeal.
Governor Hochul Proclaims November New York State Apprenticeship Month
For the third consecutive year, Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed November New York State Apprenticeship Month as part of her continued support of this “highly effective workforce development model” that is helping to prepare the next generation of New Yorkers for careers.
As part of the announcement, the New York State Department of Labor launched a new public awareness campaign featuring Commissioner Reardon and New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa promoting registered apprenticeships as a form of higher education that is often debt-free.
As part of Apprenticeship Month, NYSDOL unveiled details of the 2024 New York State Apprenticeship Summit, which will take place on November 14th at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. The summit will bring together workforce development experts, advocates, and stakeholders to collaborate on ways to expand diversity, address barriers, and attract program sponsors to this form of higher education.
“As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Labor, I believe robust training programs are critical to achieving our State’s economic goals, and the earn while you learn model is integral to launching people to career success,” Assemblyman Harry Bronson said. “I thank Governor Hochul and DCS for taking the steps to raise awareness for both educational partners and students about the incredible opportunity of registered traineeship programs. In proclaiming November New York State Apprenticeship Month, we are making it known that New Yorkers have a viable path to quality, enriching careers with family-sustaining wages.”
NYS Department of Labor Releases Guidance to Protect Outdoor Workers
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) has released new guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during heavy precipitation events and wildfire smoke hazards. This initiative builds on the Department’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of outdoor workers in extreme weather, following the recent release of guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat.
According to DOL, historically, New York has experienced extreme weather during this time of year, including Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in late October 2012. These events underscore the importance of preparedness and protecting outdoor workers from hazardous conditions. Recent hurricanes, such as Helene and Milton in the southern United States, further highlight the critical need for worker protections against the devastating effects of extreme weather. As the frequency and intensity of these events increase due to climate change, it is essential for employers to take proactive measures to ensure worker safety.
Protecting Workers from Heavy Precipitation: The guidance advises employers to:
• Monitor weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Provide waterproof PPE and adjust work schedules as needed.
• Ensure rest breaks in warm, dry areas and maintain safety during and after precipitation events.
Addressing Wildfire Smoke Hazards: For wildfire smoke, employers should:
• Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds.
• Provide respirators and adjust work plans based on air quality.
• Train workers on recognizing smoke-related health risks and proper safety protocols.
Adams Administration Files Lawsuit Against Major Online Distributor for Illegally Selling Disposable Flavored E-Cigarettes
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Acting Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant announced that the City of New York has filed a federal lawsuit against a major distributor of disposable flavored e-cigarettes, Price Point Distributors, Inc., based in Farmingdale, Long Island.
Price Point Distributors is accused of distributing e-cigarettes with flavors such as snow cone, strawberry shortcake, and Hawaii Punch to retail stores and directly to consumers in New York City and around the country through online sales, violating nearly every applicable federal, New York state, and New York City law governing the sale of such products.
The lawsuit seeks to block Price Point Distributors, Inc., from further sales of these illegal items and seeks both monetary damages and fines. The lawsuit alleges that Price Point Distributors, Inc., violated the Prevent All Cigarettes Trafficking Act, a federal law that bars the sale of any e-cigarettes except in face-to-face transactions with some exceptions. Price Point Distributors, Inc., is also accused of violating New York Public Health Law § 1399-ll (1-a), which makes it illegal for anyone to deliver e-cigarettes to anyone other than a state-licensed vapor business, as well as New York City Administrative Code § 17-715, which makes it illegal to sell, offer for sale, or possess for sale flavored e-cigarettes to New York City residents. Additionally, the company is accused of violating New York City’s public nuisance laws because its alleged sale and offering to sell flavored e-cigarettes injures the health and safety of people within New York City and interferes with the public right to health and safety
Coming Up
New York State
Tuesday, November 12th
Cannabis Control Board Meeting, SUNY Global Center – New York City, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, November 13th
Oversight of Budget Measures Related to Developing Needs in Agriculture
Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture Public Hearing
Hamilton Hearing Room B, LOB 2nd Floor, 10 a.m.
Friday, November 15th
*New York State Bi-Monthly Lobbying Reports Due*
New York City
Tuesday, November 12th
Committee on Housing and Buildings, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, Committee Room – City Hall, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, November 13th
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation,
Council Chamber – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections, Council Chamber – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Finance, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10:30 a.m.
Committee on Veterans, Council Chambers – City Hall, 11 a.m.
Committee on Land Use, Committee Room – City Hall, 11 a.m.
City Council Stated Meeting, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 14th
Committee on Economic Development, Committee Room – City Hall, 12:30 p.m.
Friday, November 15th
*New York City Bi-Monthly Lobbying Reports Due*
Disclaimer: The materials in this This Week in New York report are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a comprehensive review of legislative or governmental or political developments, to create a client-consultant/lobbyist relationship, or to provide consulting, lobbying or political advice. Readers are cautioned not to attempt to solve specific problems on the basis of information contained in this This Week in New York. If consulting, lobbying or government relations advice is required, please consult a professional expert in such matters.
The information contained herein, does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC, or any of its members or employees or its clients. Neither Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC, nor its members or employees make any warranty, expressed or implied, and assume no legal liability with respect to the information in this report, and do not guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, useful or current. Accordingly, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC is not responsible for any claimed damages resulting from any alleged error, inaccuracy, or omission. This communication may be considered an advertisement or solicitation. To request that copies of this publication be sent to a new address or fax number, to unsubscribe, or to comment on its contents, please contact Theresa Cosgrove at tcosgrove@pittabishop.com or at (518) 449-3320.
To Our Clients: If you have any questions regarding any of the matters addressed in this newsletter, or regarding any legislative, government relations or political or consulting or related issues in general, please contact the Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC professional with whom you usually work.
This Week in New York is a publication of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC.
120 Broadway, 28th Floor
New York, New York 10271
Telephone (212) 652-3890
Facsimile (212) 652-3891
111 Washington Avenue, St. 401
Albany, New York 12210
Telephone (518) 449-3320
Facsimile (518) 449-5812
1220 19th Street NW, St. 600
Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone (202) 964-4753