ABC
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The ABC Empire State Chapter, representing more than 500 merit shop contractors employing hundreds of thousands of workers across New York State, through its Government Affairs Committee announced its initial slate of 2026 legislative endorsements.
The endorsed candidates were vetted using the Associated Builders and Contractors candidate questionnaire responses, legislative scorecards and previous voting records. Critical factors in
determining a candidate’s eligibility for endorsement include their position on Prevailing Wage Survey Reform, Elevator Mechanic Licensing, Scaffold Law Reform and Project Labor Agreements.
Incumbents:
Incumbent Senate Endorsements
Dan Stec (R) 45th District
Mark Walczyk (R) 49th District
Pam Helming (R) 54th District
Jeremy Cooney (D) 56th District
Pat Gallivan (R) 60th District
Rob Ortt (R) 62nd District
Incumbent Assembly Endorsements
Mike Fitzpatrick (R) 8th District
Michaelle Solages (D) 22nd District
Daniel Weprin (D) 24th District
Chris Tague (R) 102nd District
Mary Beth Walsh (R) 112th District
Matthew Simpson (R) 114th District
Kenneth Blackenbush (R) 117th District
Christopher Friend (R) 124th District
Brian Manktelow (R) 130th District
Philip Palmesano (R) 132nd District
Stephen Hawley (R) 139th District
Paul Bologna (R) 144th District
David DiPietro (R) 147th District
Joe Sempolinski (R) 148th District
Joseph Giglio (R) 148th District
Andrew Molitor (R) 150th District
“These elected officials have earned ABC’s endorsement through their demonstrated commitment to fair and open competition and their willingness to work with us to strengthen New York’s construction industry,” said Brian Sampson, president of ABC’s Empire State Chapter. “They understand the challenges facing contractors and the skilled professionals they employ, and they have consistently engaged with ABC to help create a safer, stronger, and more competitive industry. We thank them for their partnership and look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our members and the communities they serve.”
Challengers:
Senate Candidates Endorsements
Sergio Esposito (R) 40th District
Rich McCarron (R) 48th District
James Corl (R) 50th District
Mike Bolles (R) 52nd District
Assembly Candidates Endorsements
Thomas Sullivan (R) 23rd District
George Dobbins (R) 130th District
“These challengers have earned ABC’s endorsement because they understand that New York’s construction industry needs new leadership,” said Sampson. “Their opponents have repeatedly supported policies that restrict fair and open competition, limit opportunities for contractors and their employees, and make it more difficult and expensive to build in New York. These candidates are committed to listening to the industry, supporting the businesses and skilled professionals who
build our communities, and pursuing policies that will create a stronger and more competitive construction environment. We are proud to support them and look forward to working with them.”
"These endorsements recognize leaders who understand the importance of a strong construction industry and are committed to policies that create opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and
support fair and open competition," said Sampson. "We look forward to working with them to help build a stronger future for New York."