Kirsten Gillibrand

Kirsten Gillibrand

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. Senate New York

U.S. Senate New York

Tenure

2009 - Present

Term ends

2025

Years in position

15

Prior offices

U.S. House New York District 20

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Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Net worth

(2012) $102,003

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 6, 2018

Next election

June 25, 2024

Appointed

January 26, 2009

Education

Bachelor's

Dartmouth College

Law

University of California, Los Angeles

Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign YouTube

Kirsten Gillibrand (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from New York. She assumed office on January 26, 2009. Her current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Gillibrand (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent New York. She declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 25, 2024.^[source]

Gillibrand launched an exploratory committee to run for president of the United States on January 15, 2019, and formally declared her candidacy on March 17, 2019.

On August 28, 2019, Gillibrand announced that she was ending her campaign for the presidency.

Gillibrand was first appointed to the Senate in 2009 to fill the seat vacated through Hillary Clinton's appointment to secretary of state. She won re-election in 2018.

Prior to serving in the U.S. Senate, Gillibrand worked as an attorney, law clerk, campaign staffer, and special counsel to the secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She also represented New York's 20th Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2007 to 2009.

See Gillibrand's presidential campaign overview and Presidential candidates, 2020, for more information about the 2020 presidential election.

Biography

Gillibrand was born in Albany, New York, in 1966 and grew up in upstate New York. She graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Asian studies in 1988 and obtained her law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1991.

After graduating from law school, Gillibrand clerked for Judge Roger Miner on the United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. After working in private practice, she entered government service as special counsel to then-Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo. After working on Hillary Clinton's (D) campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2000, Gillibrand returned to private practice.

In 2005, Gillibrand left private practice to run against incumbent Rep. John Sweeney (R) in New York's 20th congressional district. Gillibrand won 53% of the vote to Sweeney's 47% in the 2006 election. Gillibrand won re-election with 62% of the vote in 2008.

In 2009, Gov. David Paterson (D) appointed Gillibrand to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton (D), who had resigned to serve as secretary of state. Gillibrand won election to the remainder of Clinton's term in 2010 with 60% of the vote. She was elected to a full term with 68% of the vote in 2012 and won re-election with 67% of the vote in 2018.

In December 2017, Gillibrand was the first member of the U.S. Senate to call on Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) to resign following allegations of improper conduct.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Gillibrand's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2009-Present: U.S. Senator from New York
• 2007-2009: U.S. House of Representatives
• 1991: Graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a J.D.
• 1988: Graduated from Dartmouth College with an A.B.

Committee assignments

U.S. Senate

2023-2024

Gillibrand was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Commodities, Risk Management and Trade
• Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research
• Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Local Food Systems, and Food Safety and Security, Chairman
• Senate Committee on Armed Services
• Subcommittee on Cybersecurity
• Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Chair
• Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
• Committee on Intelligence (Select)
• Committee on Aging (Special)

2021-2022

Gillibrand was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Aging (Special)
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Commodities, Risk Management and Trade
• Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research
• Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Local Food Systems, and Food Safety and Security, Chair
• Committee on Intelligence (Select)
• Senate Committee on Armed Services
• Cybersecurity
• Emerging Threats and Capabilities
• Personnel, Chair

2019-2020

Gillibrand was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Aging (Special)
• Senate Committee on Armed Services
• Committee on Environment and Public Works
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Gillibrand was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Aging (Special)
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Committee on Armed Services
• Committee on Environment and Public Works

2015-2016

Gillibrand served on the following committees:

• Special Committee on Aging
• Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
  • Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management and Trade
  • Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops and Agricultural Research
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Marketing and Agriculture Security, Ranking Member
• Armed Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
  • Subcommittee on Airland
• Environment and Public Works Committee
  • Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife

2013-2014

Gillibrand served on the following Senate committees:

• Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research
  • Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management
• Armed Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Personnel Chairman
  • Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
• Environment and Public Works Committee
  • Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife
  • Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health
• Special Committee on Aging

2011-2012

Gillibrand served on the following committees:

• Environment and Public Works Committee
  • Subcommittee on Children’s Health and Environmental Responsibility
  • Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health
  • Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife
• Armed Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Airland
  • Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
  • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
• Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee
  • Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management
  • Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security
• Special Committee on Aging

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, at which point Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 22, 2023, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2024. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.	Passed (87-13)
Yea	Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024   The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (H.R. 6363) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 17, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through January 19, 2024. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by November 17, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.	Passed (87-11)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act   The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 5860) was a bill approved by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through November 17, 2023. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by October 1, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.	Passed (88-9)
Yea	Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023   The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 3, 2023. The bill raised the federal debt limit until January 2025. The bill also capped non-defense spending in fiscal year 2024, rescinded unspent coronavirus relief funding, rescinded some Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding, enhanced work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF), simplified environmental reviews for energy projects, and ended the student loan debt repayment pause in August 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (63-36)
Nay	Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.   H.J.Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 10, 2023. The resolution ended the national coronavirus state of emergency, which began on March 13, 2020. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (68-23)
Nay	Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".   H.J.Res. 44 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate. The bill sought to nullify a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule establishing criteria to determine whether firearms equipped with stabilizing braces that facilitate shoulder fire were subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.	Failed (50-49)
Nay	Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".   H.J.Res. 30 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and vetoed by President Joe Biden (D) on March 20, 2023. This was Biden's first veto of his presidency. The resolution sought to nullify a Department of Labor rule that amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow retirement plans to consider certain environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in investment-related decisions. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (50-46)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia. Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 Vote Bill and description Status Yea Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act   The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (69-30) Yea American Rescue Plan Act of 2021   The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (50-49) Yea Inflation Reduction Act of 2022   The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (51-50) Nay National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (88-11) Yea James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023   The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (83-11) Yea Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022   The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (86-11) Yea Chips and Science Act   The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (64-33) Yea Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021   The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Failed (46-48) Yea Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (68-31) Yea Respect for Marriage Act   The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (61-36) Yea Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023   The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (72-25) Yea COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act   The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 20, 2021, that included provisions to designate an officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate expedited review of hate crimes, required the DOJ to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies aimed to establish online hate crime reporting processes and to raise awareness about hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and established state grants to create hate crime reporting hotlines, among other related provisions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (94-1) Yea Postal Service Reform Act of 2022   The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 6, 2022, that sought to address healthcare and retirement benefits for postal workers, allow USPS to provide certain nonpostal products and services, and expand service performance and budgetary reporting. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (79-19) Yea Bipartisan Safer Communities Act   The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (65-33) Yea Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act   The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through December 3, 2021, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred if fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills had not been passed by October 1, 2021. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate. Passed (65-35) Guilty Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.   This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Not guilty (57-43) Yea Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022   The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R. 350) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to expand the availability and reporting of information about domestic terrorism, enhance the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) ability to prosecute domestic terrorism, among other things. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Failed (47-47) Yea A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.   This concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14) was a budget resolution passed by the 117th Congress outlining the fiscal year 2022 federal government budget, setting forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023-2031, and providing reconciliation instructions for legislation that increased the deficit. It contained a proposed framework for the Build Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (50-49) Yea Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act   The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Failed (49-51) Yea Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022   The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to concur in the House's version of the bill. Click here to read more. Passed (68-29) Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020 Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)  Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018 Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system. Voted Yea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)  Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018 Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)  Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018 Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)  Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system. Voted Yea on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)  Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration. Voted Nay on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)  Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials. Voted Yea on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)  Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021. Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)  Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Voted Nay on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)  Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017 The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it. Voted Nay on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)  Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017 An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) Voted Nay on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)  Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017 A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments. Voted Nay on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017. Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)  Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote. Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))  Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass. Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))  Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations. Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)  Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)  Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Nay on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)  Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Nay on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018 Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code. Voted Nay on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)  Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Nay on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017 The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)  Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018 Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress. Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill, click here. Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)  Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Gillibrand's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 On May 22, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314, which was used as a legislative vehicle for trade legislation with the titles "Trade Act of 2015" and the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015," by a vote of 62-37. The bill proposed giving the president trade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended by Congress. Congress casts a simple up or down vote on a trade agreement, and the legislation only requires a simple majority for approval. The bill also included a statement of trade priorities and provisions for trade adjustment assistance. Gillibrand voted with 30 other Democratic senators against the bill. Trade promotion authority On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, the Senate approved trade promotion authority (TPA) as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. Gillibrand was one of 31 Democrats to vote against the bill. After, Senate Republican leadership honored a pledge to support trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part of HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. The House passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On May 5, 2015, the Senate voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 51-48. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government before funding runs out on October 1, 2015. The vote marked the first time since 2009 that Congress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44 Democrats, including Gillibrand, voted against the resolution. Defense spending authorization On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 91-3. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Gillibrand voted with 41 Democrats, 48 Republicans and one independent in favor of the bill. On November 5, 2015, the House passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. On June 18, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 71-25. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Gillibrand voted with 21 Democrats, two Republicans and one Independent against the bill. The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. 2015 budget On October 30, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 64-35. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Gillibrand voted with 43 Democrats, 18 Republicans and two independents in favor of the bill. It passed the House on October 28, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 7, 2015, the Senate voted to approve HR 1191 - A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, and for other purposes, by a vote of 98-1. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. All 43 Democratic senators who voted, including Gillibrand, approved the bill. Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 On September 10, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42. Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Gillibrand voted with 39 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the measure of disapproval. Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes On September 15, 2015, the Senate voted for a second time to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42. Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Gillibrand voted with 39 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the measure of disapproval. The legislation was voted on for a third time on September 17, and it failed for a third time by a vote of 56-42. Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote On September 17, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster a vote on S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640 by a vote of 53-45. The amendment proposed prohibiting "the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran." Gillibrand voted with 42 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the amendment. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On June 2, 2015, the Senate passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 67-32. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Gillibrand voted with 42 Democrats, 23 Republicans and one Independent to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Cyber security On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Gillibrand voted with 29 Democrats, 43 Republicans and one independent in favor of the bill. Immigration On October 20, 2015, the Senate voted against proceeding to a vote on S 2146 - the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act by a vote of 54-45. The bill proposed withholding federal funding from "sanctuary jurisdictions" that violate the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and other federal immigration laws. In addition, the bill proposed increasing "penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed" and providing "liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement." Gillibrand voted with 41 Democrats, one Republican and two Independents against proceeding to the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to Gillibrand's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security John Brennan CIA nomination Gillibrand voted for the confirmation of John Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on March 7, 2013, with a vote of 63 - 34. Most Democrats supported the nomination, while Republicans were somewhat divided with roughly one-third supporting the nomination. Rooney undersecretary of the Navy nomination Gillibrand put a hold on Jo Ann Rooney's nomination on October 31, 2013. Gillibrand criticized Rooney's remarks in a confirmation hearing. Rooney said, "A judge advocate outside the chain of command will be looking at a case through a different lens than a military commander." "I believe the impact would be decisions based on evidence, rather than the interest in preserving good order and discipline. I believe this will result in fewer prosecutions and therefore defeat the problem that I understand it seeks to address." Gillibrand explained her concern over Rooney's remarks asking, "If you were a service member raped on duty, why would you have confidence to come forward and report after hearing that basing decisions to prosecute solely on evidence would be a bad outcome? Jo Ann Rooney’s testimony should send chills down the spine of any member of the armed services seeking justice." Economy No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 Gillibrand voted for H.R.325 -- No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013. The bill passed the Senate on January 31, 2013, with a vote of 64 - 34. The purpose of the bill was to temporarily suspend the debt ceiling and withhold the pay of members of Congress until a budget could be passed. The vote largely followed party lines with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting it and many Republicans in opposition to the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 During the shutdown in October 2013, the Senate rejected, down party lines, every House-originated bill that stripped the budget of funding for the Affordable Care Act. A deal was reached late on October 16, 2013, just hours before the debt ceiling deadline. The bill to reopen the government, H.R. 2775, lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The final vote on H.R. 2775 was 81-18, with all 18 votes against the bill from Republican members. Gillibrand voted with the Democratic Party for the bill. Immigration Mexico-U.S. border Gillibrand voted against Senate Amendment 1197 -- Requires the Completion of the Fence Along the United States-Mexico Border. The amendment was rejected by the Senate on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 39 - 54. The purpose of the amendment was to require the completion of 350 miles of fence described in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status may be granted. It would also require 700 miles of fence be completed before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be changed to permanent resident status. The vote followed party lines. Social issues Violence Against Women (2013) Gillibrand voted for S.47 -- Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill was passed by the Senate on February 12, 2013, with a vote of 78 - 22. The purpose of the bill was to combat violence against women, from domestic violence to international trafficking in persons. All 22 dissenting votes were cast by Republicans. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Gillibrand voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. The bill was passed in the Senate by an 89 - 8 vote on January 1, 2013. House of Representatives As a Member of the House of Representatives, Gillibrand supported the auto bailout. As of September 13, 2010, 56 percent of Americans disapproved of the auto bailout, while 43 percent supported it. Senate As a Member of the Senate, Gillibrand voted for the stimulus bill. Fifty-seven percent of U.S. voters believed that the stimulus had either hurt the economy (36 percent) or had no impact (21 percent). Thirty-eight percent believed the stimulus helped the economy. Gillibrand also voted in favor of the health care reform bill. Fifty-seven percent of likely voters at least somewhat favored repeal of the health care reform bill, including 46 percent who strongly favored repeal. Thirty-five percent of likely voters opposed repeal. Fifty-one percent of likely voters believed the health care reform bill would be bad for the country, while 36 percent believed it would be beneficial. Finally, Gillibrand voted against an amendment that would have defunded the Obama Administration's lawsuit against Arizona over its new immigration law. As of July 8, 2010, 56 percent of U.S. voters were opposed to the Obama Administration's challenge to the Arizona immigration law.

Issues

Off the Sidelines PAC

See also: Off the Sidelines PAC

Off the Sidelines is a women's empowerment program and leadership PAC led by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). The group describes itself as "Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's call to action to encourage every woman and girl to make their voice heard on the issues they care about."

Elections

2024

See also: United States Senate election in New York, 2024

General election

The primary will occur on June 25, 2024. The general election will occur on November 5, 2024. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. Senate New York

YueXin Miller, Jonathan Ramos, and Diane Sare are running in the general election for U.S. Senate New York on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
		YueXin Miller (American Independent Party)
		Jonathan Ramos (Independent)
		Diane Sare (Independent)

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New York

The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New York on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate
		Kirsten Gillibrand
		Tyrrell Lev Sharif Ben-Avi
		Daniel Foti
		Khaled Salem
		William Schweitzer
		Reece Wright-McDonald

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate New York

The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate New York on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate
		David Bellon
		Cara Castronuova
		Calvin Driggers
		Joshua Eisen
		Jeffrey Rozler
		Mike Sapraicone

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2020

Presidency

See also: Presidential candidates, 2020

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) won the presidential election on November 3, 2020. Biden received 306 electoral votes and President Donald Trump (R) received 232 electoral votes. In the national popular vote, Biden received 81.2 million votes and Trump received 74.2 million votes.

Gillibrand announced that she was running for president of the United States on January 15, 2019.

On August 28, 2019, Gillibrand suspended her presidential campaign.

Ballotpedia compiled the following resources about Gillibrand and the 2020 presidential election:

• Recent news stories about the 2020 presidential election;
• An overview of key national and state campaign staffers;
• Endorsements from politicians, public figures, and organizations;
• An overview of candidate campaign travel; and
• A list of other presidential candidates who are running for election.

Click here for Gillibrand's 2020 presidential campaign overview.

2018

See also: United States Senate election in New York, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. Senate New York

Incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand defeated Chele Farley in the general election for U.S. Senate New York on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kirsten Gillibrand (D)	67.0	4,056,931
		Chele Farley (R)	33.0	1,998,220

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,055,151 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New York.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Chele Farley advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate New York.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jim Samsel (R)
• David Webber (R)
• Rafael Jones (R)
• Pat Hahn (R)

2012

See also: United States Senate elections in New York, 2012

Gillibrand won re-election in 2012. She ran unopposed in the June 26, 2012, Democratic primary. She defeated Chris Edes (L), Wendy Long (R), Colia Clark (G) and John Mangelli (CSP) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

U.S. Senate, New York General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Kirsten Gillibrand Incumbent	72.2%	4,822,330
	Republican	Wendy Long	26.3%	1,758,702
	Green	Colia Clark	0.6%	42,591
	Libertarian	Chris Edes	0.5%	32,002
	CSP	John Mangelli	0.3%	22,041
	N/A	Write-in votes	0%	2,012
Total Votes				6,679,678
Source: New York State Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections U.S. Senator Election Returns November 6, 2012," accessed August 30, 2021

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Kirsten Gillibrand, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Kirsten Gillibrand won re-election to the United States Senate. She defeated Joseph J. DioGuardi (R), Cecile A. Lawrence (Green), John Clifton (Libertarian), Joseph Huff (Rent Is 2 Damn High), Vivia Morgan (Anti-Prohibition) and Bruce Blakeman (Tax Revolt) in the general election. U.S. Senate, New York Special Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Kirsten Gillibrand incumbent 62.9% 2,836,361      Republican Joseph J. DioGuardi 35.1% 1,581,834      Green Cecile A. Lawrence 0.8% 35,497      Libertarian John Clifton 0.4% 18,407      Rent Is 2 Damn High Joseph Huff 0.4% 17,021      Anti-Prohibition Vivia Morgan 0.3% 11,773      Tax Revolt Bruce Blakeman 0.1% 4,522      N/A Write-in votes 0% 1,211 Total Votes 4,506,626

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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2018

Campaign website

Gillibrand's campaign website stated the following:

“	An Economy That Rewards Work Kirsten believes in building an economy that rewards the contributions of its workers and entrepreneurs. To create more good-paying jobs across New York, she is helping our startups and small businesses access opportunity and ensuring more products are stamped "Made in America." To improve the quality of jobs for all Americans, she is fighting for stronger unions, for workers to own a stake in the success of their business, and for a minimum wage that lifts all working families out of poverty. Supporting Our Working Families Workplace policies have not kept up with the needs of our changing workforce, harming our middle class. Kirsten believes that we must transform our policies to help meet the needs families face every day. That’s why she is leading fights in the Senate to create a national paid and medical family leave program and to make child care affordable and accessible for all American workers. Seniors As a member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten will oppose any efforts to cut the Social Security and Medicare benefits seniors have earned. Kirsten is also focused on ways to create more job opportunities for seniors, stop their exploitation, and help these New Yorkers save for retirement. She firmly opposes all efforts to privatize Social Security and believes in ensuring its solvency for the next generation without raising the retirement age. She is also leading the charge to combat senior fraud by introducing legislation to protect vulnerable citizens from scammers who try to steal personal information and harm them financially. Protecting The Environment From addressing the impacts of climate change to ensuring clean air and water for all New Yorkers, protecting our environment for future generations is an important responsibility that we all share. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Kirsten advocates to safeguard our natural resources from toxic substances and harmful chemicals, and calls for aggressive action to stem the tide of global climate change. Women’s Empowerment And Opportunity When women are given every chance to succeed in the workplace and at home, we're all better off. Kirsten believes that equal pay is key to helping working families. She helped to pass the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and advocates for passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure equal pay in America. She’ll continue to fight for policies that will expand opportunity for women across the country, such as increasing funding for women-owned small businesses and supporting women in STEM fields. Transparency And Accountability Every American has the right to know how their elected representatives are serving them. As the first member of Congress to post her daily official meetings on her website, and among the first to post federal earmark requests and personal financial disclosures, Kirsten has been committed to transparency throughout her career. She also wrote and secured the passage of the STOCK Act, that provides transparency and ensures that members of Congress play by the same rules as everyone else. Health Care It’s simple: Health care should be a basic human right, not a privilege for the few. As Kirsten has traveled across New York State, it’s clear that there’s still much work left to do to ensure high-quality, affordable health care for everyone who needs it—that’s why she supports working toward building a Medicare-For-All health care system in America. Immigration America does not just tolerate immigration; it thrives on the contributions of immigrants. Kirsten supports comprehensive immigration reform that gives immigrants a path to earned citizenship; and she will stand up on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who deserve to stay in this country by supporting the DREAM Act. Defending Those Who Protect Us Kirsten believes it is our responsibility stand up for brave service members and first responders who protect us every single day. She overcame tough partisan opposition to secure the passage of the Zadroga Act, which provides health care and compensation for 9/11 first responders affected by the toxins at Ground Zero. She advocates for justice for victims of sexual assault in the military by fighting to pass the Military Justice Improvement Act, legislation that would move decision making in sexual assault cases from the military chain of command to trained military prosecutors. She was a strong voice for opening up combat positions to women and is now focused on the recruitment and retention of women in these positions, and setting them up for success. Today, she is leading the fight to allow continued transgender service in the military. Women’s Health And Reproductive Rights A woman’s ability to access affordable reproductive health care is a basic right. Kirsten is committed to protecting and defending women's access to the full range of reproductive health care services. She will always push back against the efforts of those who seek to restrict women's reproductive freedom. Her work has earned her a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL. National Security As the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, Kirsten works to improve the lives of service members and their families by focusing on issues like mental health and childcare. She advocates to ensure that the U.S. has the resources and personnel needed to protect our country from cyber attacks; she has fought to ensure that federal anti-terrorism funding is prioritized for places, like New York, that bear the greatest threats to our safety and security; she has worked to provide critical tools and funding to our first responders; and she led the fight to pass into law a bill to create a nationwide, broadband network for first responders. Finally, she is committed to ensuring that the U.S. will always stand with Israel, our historic and closest ally in the Middle East—and has long led the effort to ensure support for a joint U.S.-Israeli cooperative missile defense program.	”
—Kirsten Gillibrand’s campaign website (2018)

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage and endorsements scopes.

Notable candidate endorsements by Kirsten Gillibrand

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Angela Alsobrooks  source  (D)	U.S. Senate Maryland (2024)	Primary	–
Kathy Hochul  source  (D)	Governor of New York (2022)	Primary	Won General
Kathy Hochul  source  (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)	Governor of New York (2022)	Primary	Won General
Joe Biden  source  (D)	President of the United States (2020)		Won General
Hillary Clinton  source  (D)	President of the United States (2016)	Primary	Lost General

Notable ballot measure endorsements by Kirsten Gillibrand

Measure	Position	Outcome
New York Equal Protection of Law Amendment (2024)  source	Support	On the ballot

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of 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. 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.

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Kirsten Gillibrand campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. Senate New York	Candidacy Declared primary	$12,427,262	$12,792,069
2020	President of the United States	Withdrew convention	$15,954,400	$15,870,011
2018	U.S. Senate New York	Won general	$20,882,387	$12,540,956
2012	U.S. Senate (New York)	Won	$15,735,457	N/A**
2010	U.S. Senate (New York)	Won	$13,418,545	N/A**
2008	U.S. House (New York, District 20)	Won	$4,649,651	N/A**
2006	U.S. House (New York, District 20)	Won	$2,634,157	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only availabale data.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Gillibrand's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $166,004 and $416,000. That averages to $291,002, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic senators in 2012 of $13,566,333.90. Gillibrand ranked as the 90th most wealthy senator in 2012. Between 2006 and 2012, Gillibrand's calculated net worth decreased by an average of 9 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Kirsten Gillibrand Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2006	$621,256
2012	$291,002
Growth from 2006 to 2012:	−53%
Average annual growth:	−9%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Gillibrand received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry.

From 2005-2014, 35.47 percent of Gillibrand's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Kirsten Gillibrand Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$37,340,662
Total Spent	$35,651,597
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$5,359,845
Securities & Investment	$3,531,480
Real Estate	$1,553,202
Women's Issues	$1,471,003
Retired	$1,327,838
% total in top industry	14.35%
% total in top two industries	23.81%
% total in top five industries	35.47%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Gillibrand is a "far-left Democratic leader" as of July 2014. Gillibrand was rated as a "far-left Democrat" in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Gillibrand most often votes with:

• Chuck Schumer
• Susan Collins

Gillibrand least often votes with:

• Joe Manchin
• Jim Risch

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Gillibrand missed 20 of 2,102 roll call votes from January 2009 to September 2015. This amounts to 1 percent, which is better than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Gillibrand paid her congressional staff a total of $3,321,631 in 2011. She ranked fifth on the list of the highest paid Democratic senatorial staff salaries and ranked seventh overall of the highest paid senatorial staff salaries in 2011. Overall, New York ranked fourth in average salary for senatorial staff. The average U.S. Senate congressional staff was paid $2,529,141.70 in fiscal year 2011.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Gillibrand ranked fifth in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Gillibrand ranked 13th in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Gillibrand ranked first in the liberal rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Gillibrand voted with the Democratic Party 96.9 percent of the time, which ranked 12th among the 53 Senate Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Gillibrand voted with the Democratic Party 96.9 percent of the time, which ranked 11th among the 51 Senate Democratic members as of June 2013.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Gillibrand and her husband Jonathan live in Brunswick with their two sons, Theo and Henry.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Kirsten + Gillibrand + New York + Senate

Kirsten Gillibrand News Feed

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	U.S. Senate New York 2009-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	U.S. House New York District 20 2007-2009	Succeeded by -

[show]

New York's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Kirsten Gillibrand (D)

Chuck Schumer (D)

Representatives

District 1

Nicholas LaLota (R)

District 2

Andrew Garbarino (R)

District 3

Tom Suozzi (D)

District 4

Anthony D'Esposito (R)

District 5

Gregory Meeks (D)

District 6

Grace Meng (D)

District 7

Nydia Velazquez (D)

District 8

Hakeem Jeffries (D)

District 9

Yvette Clarke (D)

District 10

Daniel Goldman (D)

District 11

Nicole Malliotakis (R)

District 12

Jerrold Nadler (D)

District 13

Adriano Espaillat (D)

District 14

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D)

District 15

Ritchie Torres (D)

District 16

Jamaal Bowman (D)

District 17

Michael Lawler (R)

District 18

Pat Ryan (D)

District 19

Marcus Molinaro (R)

District 20

Paul Tonko (D)

District 21

Elise Stefanik (R)

District 22

Brandon Williams (R)

District 23

Nick Langworthy (R)

District 24

Claudia Tenney (R)

District 25

Joseph Morelle (D)

District 26

Vacant

Democratic Party (17)

Republican Party (10)

Vacancies (1)