Daniel J. O'Donnell headshot

Assemblymember

Daniel J. O'Donnell

Assembly District 69

Welcome Letter

Dear Neighbor,

I am grateful and humbled that the residents of Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side have selected me to represent them in the New York State Assembly since 2002.

During my years representing the 69th Assembly District, I have worked hard in Albany and in the community to promote progressive reforms to benefit all New Yorkers. My vision for New York is that it remains welcoming and diverse with room for all types of people -- whether they have been here for generations or they have just arrived. Diversity is what draws people into our great city. We have a lot of work to do to maintain this balance, including defending and advancing affordable housing, living wage jobs, and a culture that welcomes people regardless of race, religion, gender, age, ethnicity or sexual orientation. The future of New York shall be one that does not make it a crime to be who you are, one that maintains our green spaces, and one that protects the unique quality and grandeur of our communities.

I have worked hard in Albany and in the community to make this vision a reality by promoting progressive legislation -- including championing the Marriage Equality Act, creating our state's first anti-bullying law, and lowering speed limits. It is a privilege to serve as Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Arts, Parks, and Sports Development as our families, neighbors, friends, and the vibrancy of our entire community rely on the arts. This year - with so much at risk - I want to ensure that I fulfill my promise to represent all of you loudly and boldly. With your support and vital input, I remain an advocate for fairness, transparency, and dignity for all.

Please use this site to access information about my work in the 69th Assembly district and in Albany. Here, you can find the legislation I sponsor, the committees I sit on, and recent news. You can also find electronic versions of my Community Newsletters and other important updates.

I hope you will find my website informative and useful. My staff and I are always available to assist you in my Community Office where you can call, write, or visit us, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For those with specific housing problems or who need assistance in Spanish, I have a dedicated housing specialist on staff as well as two fluent Spanish-speaking staff available to help every day.

Interested in receiving my monthly updates? E-mail me at odonnelld@nyassembly.gov with the subject "subscribe" to learn about important news, events, and opportunities in our district.

Very truly yours,
Daniel O'Donnell
Assembly Member

Biography

Assemblymember Daniel J. O'Donnell

Daniel O’Donnell, the first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly, has been a progressive voice advocating fair and sensible legislation since he was elected to represent the 69th District in 2002. His district includes Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side.

Born in Queens and raised with his four siblings in Commack, Long Island, O’Donnell put himself through college and law school, earning a B.A. in public affairs from George Washington University and a law degree from CUNY Law School. After seven years as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society, he opened his own public interest law firm on the Upper West Side. His community practice helped clients with tenant representation, as well as civil rights litigation ranging from employee discrimination to First Amendment rights.

During his tenure in the Assembly he has been the prime sponsor of several trailblazing bills, most notably the Marriage Equality Act, a bill O’Donnell led to passage in the Assembly five times before it was finally signed into law in June 2011. He was also the prime sponsor of New York’s anti-bullying legislation, the Dignity for All Students Act, which requires public schools in New York to combat bias-based bullying and harassment.

He currently serves as the Chair of the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee and the Chair of the Codes Subcommittee on Criminal Procedure. His other Standing Committee Assignments include: Codes; Education; Environmental Conservation; and Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.He and his husband, John Banta, live in Morningside Heights.

District Map