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Keith Wright
Keith L.T. Wright (b. January 3, 1955) is a former Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, representing District 70 from 1993 to 2017. He previously served as Assistant Majority Whip from 1998-2012.
Wright did not seek re-election to the New York State Assembly in 2016.
Wright was a 2016 candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 13th Congressional District of New York.[1] He was defeated by Adriano Espaillat in the Democratic primary.[2]
Wright considered a run for New York's 13th Congressional District in 2014, but failed to file with the New York Board of Elections.[3][4]
Biography
Wright earned his M.A. from Tufts University and his J.D. from Rutgers University.[5] His professional experience includes serving as a staff member for New York City Transit Authority, as a director of the Uptown Office for Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins, as a staff member to the City's Human Resources Administrations and as Special Assistant General Counsel for the Human Resources Administration.[6]
Committee assignments
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Wright served on the following committees:
| New York committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Housing, Chair |
| • Codes |
| • Correction |
| • Rules |
| • Ways and Means |
2013-2014
In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Wright served on the following committees:
| New York committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Housing, Chair |
| • Codes |
| • Correction |
| • Ways and Means |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Wright served on the following committees:
| New York committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Codes |
| • Correction |
| • Housing |
| • Labor, Chair |
| • Ways and Means |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Wright served on the following committees:
| New York committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Codes |
| • Correction |
| • Housing |
| • Social Services |
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Charles Rangel (D) did not seek re-election, leaving the seat open. Adriano Espaillat defeated eight other Democrats in the primary to replace Rangel. The race between Espaillat and Keith Wright was initially uncalled with Espaillat leading by nearly 3%. Wright conceded from the race two days after the election. Espaillat then defeated Tony Evans (R), Daniel Vila Rivera (G), and Scott Lloyd Fenstermaker (Transparent Government) in the general election. The primary elections took place on June 28, 2016.[7][2]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Adriano Espaillat |
88.8% | 207,194 | |
| Republican | Tony Evans | 6.9% | 16,089 | |
| Green | Daniel Vila Rivera | 3.5% | 8,248 | |
| Transparent Government | Scott Fenstermaker | 0.8% | 1,877 | |
| Total Votes | 233,408 | |||
| Source: New York Board of Elections | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Adriano Espaillat |
36% | 16,377 | ||
| Keith Wright | 34.1% | 15,528 | ||
| Clyde Williams | 11% | 5,003 | ||
| Adam Clayton Powell | 6.6% | 2,986 | ||
| Guillermo Linares | 5.5% | 2,504 | ||
| Suzan Cook | 5.1% | 2,341 | ||
| Mike Gallagher | 1% | 435 | ||
| Sam Sloan | 0.5% | 227 | ||
| Yohanny Caceres | 0.3% | 116 | ||
| Total Votes | 45,517 | |||
| Source: New York State Board of Elections |
||||
Campaign themes
The following issues were listed on Wright's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.
| “ |
|
” |
| —Keith Wright's campaign website, http://www.wright2016.com/lgbtq/ | ||
2014
NY Assembly
- See also: New York State Assembly elections, 2014
Elections for the New York State Assembly took place in 2014. A primary election took place on September 9, 2014. The general election took place on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 10, 2014. Incumbent Keith Wright was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Noni Moore was unopposed in the Republican primary. Wright also ran on the Working Families Party ticket. Wright defeated Moore in the general election.[9][10][11]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Keith Wright Incumbent |
96.3% | 18,161 | |
| Republican | Noni Moore | 3.7% | 700 | |
| Total Votes | 18,861 | |||
U.S. House
Wright considered a run for New York's 13th Congressional District, but failed to file with the New York Board of Elections.[3]
2012
- See also: New York State Assembly elections, 2012
Wright ran in the 2012 election for New York State Assembly District 70. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on September 13, 2012. He also ran on the Working Families Party ticket. He was unchallenged in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[12][13][14]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Keith Wright Incumbent |
100% | 40,387 | |
| Total Votes | 40,387 | |||
2010
- See also: New York State Assembly elections, 2010
Wright ran unopposed in the September 14 Democratic primary. He defeated Dexter Davis (R) in the general election on November 2. In addition to running on the Democratic ticket, he ran on the Working Families ticket.[15][16]
| New York State Assembly, District 70 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Keith Wright (D)
|
22,001 | |||
| Dexter Davis (R) | 924 | |||
2008
- See also: New York State Assembly elections, 2008
On November 4, 2008, Wright won re-election to the New York State Assembly, District 70, defeating opponent Rueben Riley (R).[17][18]
Wright raised $82,711 for his campaign while Riley raised $0.[19]
| New York State Assembly, District 70 2008 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Keith Wright (D)
|
37,130 | |||
| Rueben Riley (R) | 1,076 | |||
Campaign donors
The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
| Keith Wright campaign contribution history | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Office | Result | Contributions | |
| 2014 | New York State Assembly, District 70 |  |
$327,911 | |
| 2012 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$188,766 | |
| 2010 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$101,547 | |
| 2008 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$82,711 | |
| 2006 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$110,330 | |
| 2004 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$91,946 | |
| 2002 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$65,330 | |
| 2000 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$42,935 | |
| 1998 | New York State Assembly, District 70 | |
$27,150 | |
| Grand total raised | $1,038,626 | |||
| Source: [[20] Follow the Money] | ||||
2016
Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.
2014
Wright won re-election to the New York State Assembly in 2014. During that election cycle, Wright raised a total of $327,911.
| New York State Assembly 2014 election - Campaign Contributions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top contributors to Keith Wright's campaign in 2014 | ||||
| Anheuser-Busch | $9,000 | |||
| Metallic Lathers & Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 46 | $6,600 | |||
| Real Estate Board of New York | $4,100 | |||
| New York State United Teachers | $4,100 | |||
| New York State Laborers | $4,100 | |||
| Total Raised in 2014 | $327,911 | |||
| Source: Follow the Money | ||||
2012
Wright won re-election to the New York State Assembly in 2012. During that election cycle, Wright raised a total of $188,766.
| New York State Assembly 2012 election - campaign contributions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top contributors to Keith Wright's campaign in 2012 | ||||
| Service Employees Local 32BJ | $5,500 | |||
| New York State Trial Lawyers | $5,100 | |||
| 1199 Seiu United Healthcare Workers East | $4,100 | |||
| Jones, James R | $4,100 | |||
| Jacobs, Jay S | $4,100 | |||
| Total raised in 2012 | $188,766 | |||
| Source: Follow the Money | ||||
2010
In 2010, Wright received $101,547 in campaign donations. The top contributors are listed below.[21]
| New York State Assembly 2010 election - Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Top contributors to Keith Wright's campaign in 2010 | |
| General Building Contractors of New York State | $6,350 |
| Jones, James R | $3,850 |
| Zuffa LLC | $3,800 |
| Afscme District Council 37 | $2,500 |
| Featherstonhaugh Wiley Clyne & Cordo | $2,500 |
| Total Raised in 2010 | $101,547 |
2008
In 2008, a year in which Wright was up for re-election, he collected $82,711 in donations.[22]
The major contributors were:
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Builders LLC | $5,000 |
| Zog Sports LLC | $4,000 |
| 1199 SEIU United Health care Workers East | $3,800 |
| RP Stellar Riverton LLC | $3,500 |
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of New York scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2017
In 2017, the 202nd New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 4 through December 31. A recess began June 21, and there was a special session June 28-29.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
- EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2017 Environmental Scorecard
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2016, the 201st New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 6 through June 18.
|
2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2015, the 201st New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 7 through June 25.
|
2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2014, the 200th New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 8 to June 19, 2014.
|
2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2013, the 200th New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 9 to December 31.
|
2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2012, the 199th New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 4 to June 22, 2012.
|
2011
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2011, the 199th New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 5 to June 20, 2011.
|
Endorsements
2012
In 2012, Wright’s endorsements included the following:[23]
- 32BJ/SEIU
Personal
Wright and his wife, Susan Gayles, have two children; Jared and Jordan.[24]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Keith + Wright + New + York + Assembly"
See also
- New York State Assembly
- House Committees
- New York State Legislature
- New York state legislative districts
External links
- Profile from the New York State Assembly
- Campaign website
- Profile from Open States
- Keith Wright on Facebook
- Keith Wright on Twitter
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Campaign contributions via Follow the Money
Footnotes
- ↑ Capital, "Harlem clergy bless Wright’s bid to succeed Rangel," June 7, 2015
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Politico, "New York House Races Results," June 28, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Politicker, "David Paterson hints at congressional campaign" accessed May 15, 2013
- ↑ New York Board of Elections, "Candidate Petition List," accessed April 17, 2014
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Biography of Rep. Wright,” accessed August 1, 2014
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Biography of Rep. Wright,” accessed August 1, 2014
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedlist - ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ New York Board of Elections, "Certification for the September 9, 2014, State Primary Election," accessed December 17, 2014
- ↑ New York Board of Elections, "Primary results for September 9, 2014," accessed October 1, 2014
- ↑ New York Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Assembly Election Returns November 4, 2014," accessed December 17, 2014
- ↑ State of New York, State Board of Elections, "Candidate List for the September 13, 2012, State Primary Election," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ State of New York, State Board of Elections, "Official September 13, 2012, Primary Results," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ State of New York, State Board of Elections, "Official Assembly Election Returns Nov. 6, 2012," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ New York Times, "NY state legislative election results," accessed February 11, 2014
- ↑ New York State Board of Elections, "Official Primary results from September 14, 2010," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ New York State Board of Elections, "Official Primary results from September 9, 2008," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ New York State Board of Elections, "Official Assembly Election Returns November 4, 2008," accessed July 31, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Report on 2008 Campaign donations in New York," accessed August 1, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Contributions to Wright, Keith," accessed May 6, 2015
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2010 contributions," accessed December 23, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 contributions to Keith Wright," accessed August 1, 2014
- ↑ New York Daily News, "32BJ/SEIU Endorses For State Senate, Assembly," August 1, 2012
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Biography of Rep. Wright,” accessed August 1, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
New York Assembly District 70 1993–2017 |
Succeeded by Inez E. Dickens (D) |
