121st New York State Assembly district

121st New York State Assembly district is a legislative district in the New York State Assembly representing a largely rural portion of Central New York. The district was established during the 2012 New York State Legislature redistricting process following the 2010 United States Census. It encompasses the entirety of Madison County and a southwestern section of Oneida County, including communities around Oneida Lake. The district has been represented by Republican John Salka since the 2018 election.

History

The district was created as part of the New York Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment's 2012 New York State Legislature redistricting plan. It was formed primarily from territory previously represented by the 116th New York State Assembly district and the 111th New York State Assembly district. The district's boundaries were adjusted again following the 2020 United States Census and the subsequent 2022 New York State Legislature redistricting process, though its core composition in Madison County remained largely intact. Historically, the area has been a Republican stronghold, with voters favoring candidates like Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, though local races for offices like County Supervisor can be competitive.

Current assemblymember

The current assemblymember for the district is Republican John Salka, a former member of the Brookfield Town Board and Madison County Board of Supervisors. First elected in the 2018 election, Salka succeeded fellow Republican Bill Magee, who represented much of the area for decades. Salka serves on several Assembly committees, including the Health Committee, the Aging Committee, and the Local Governments Committee. His legislative focus has included issues related to agriculture, rural broadband access, and opposing the bail reform laws passed by the New York State Legislature.

Past assemblymembers

Prior to the district's creation in 2012, its territory was represented by other Assembly members. From its inception until 2018, the district was represented by Republican Bill Magee of Nelson. Magee, first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1990, had previously represented the 111th New York State Assembly district and was a prominent figure as Chair of the Agriculture Committee. His long tenure ended with his defeat by John Salka in the 2018 Republican primary.

Election results

Election results in the district have consistently favored Republican candidates. In the 2022 general election, incumbent John Salka defeated Democratic challenger Michael F. Hennessy. Salka's initial victory in the 2018 election followed a competitive primary against longtime incumbent Bill Magee. The district's partisan lean is reflected in statewide results; in the 2022 gubernatorial election, Republican Lee Zeldin carried the district over Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

District map

The district includes all of Madison County and a portion of southwestern Oneida County. Key populated places within the district include the city of Oneida, the villages of Hamilton, Cazenovia, Chittenango, and Canastota, and the towns surrounding Oneida Lake. The district borders the 122nd, 116th, and 101st Assembly districts.

Category:New York State Assembly districts