New York Note: Council Speaker, Casino Bids, NYC Legislation, Senate District 51

December 1, 2025

Manhattan Council Member Julie Menin Claims Victory in Speaker Race

Council Member Julie Menin (District 5) announced that she has secured the backing of 36 Council Members, effectively declaring victory in the race for the next New York City Council Speaker. Although the formal vote will not take place until January at the start of the new legislative session, only 26 votes are needed to win, placing Menin well past the threshold with a decisive supermajority. See here for her press release.

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Gaming Board Recommends Final Three Casino Bids for Approval

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended that the state’s Gaming Commission award licenses to all three remaining casino bids: Bally’s Bronx location and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City, both in Queens. The Gaming Commission is expected to follow the recommendations and vote on the licenses by the end of the month.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Wednesday, the City Council advanced a package of bills aimed at strengthening protections and education for survivors of gender-motivated violence and increasing oversight of artificial intelligence in city government. The Council approved measures to create a new legal pathway for survivors of past gender-motivated violence to pursue civil accountability against both individuals and institutions, and to establish a new office to oversee the city’s use of AI and automated decision systems. Legislation was also introduced to modify requirements for residential energy storage systems, require advance notice to tenants about construction, study the feasibility of data centers in New York City, and amend the New York City Energy Conservation Code, among other proposals. All legislation passed and introduced can be found here.

Assemblymember Chris Tague Announces Bid for State Senate District 51

Assemblymember Chris Tague (AD-102) launched a campaign for State Senate District 51, a seat currently held by Senator Peter Oberacker, who is running for Congress in NY-19 against Josh Riley. First elected in 2018, Tague represents all of Greene and Schoharie counties and parts of Delaware, Albany, Otsego, and Ulster.

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