Gregory Meeks

Gregory W. Meeks

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House New York District 5

U.S. House New York District 5

Tenure

2013 - Present

Term ends

2025

Years in position

11

Predecessor

Gary Ackerman

Prior offices

New York State Assembly

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U.S. House New York District 6

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Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Net worth

(2012) $0

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 8, 2022

Next election

June 25, 2024

Education

High school

Julia Richman High School

Bachelor's

Adelphi University

Law

Howard University

Personal

Religion

African Methodist Episcopal

Profession

Attorney, Judge

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Gregory W. Meeks (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing New York's 5th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2013. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Meeks (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 5th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on June 25, 2024.

Meeks previously represented New York's 6th Congressional District from 1998 to 2013.

Before being elected to the House, Meeks was a member of the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1993 to 1998. He was an assistant district attorney in Queens County from 1978 to 1983.

Biography

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

Meeks was born in East Harlem, N.Y.. He earned a B.A. from Adelphi University in 1975 and a J.D. from Howard University in 1978.

After earning his J.D., Meeks served as the assistant district attorney of Queens County, N.Y., from 1978 to 1983. He subsequently served as assistant special narcotics prosecutor of New York City, deputy counsel of New York's investigation commission and supervising judge of New York's workers compensation board.

Career

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

• 2013-Present: U.S. Representative from New York's 5th Congressional District
• 1998-2013: U.S. Representative from New York's 6th Congressional District
• 1992-1998: Member of the New York State Assembly
• 1978-1983: Assistant district attorney in Queens County, N.Y.
• 1978: Earned J.D. from Howard University, Washington, D.C.
• 1975: Earned B.A. from Adelphi University, Garden City, N.Y.
• 1971: Graduated from Julia Richman High School, New York, N.Y.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2023-2024

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

• Committee on Financial Services
• Capital Markets
• Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy

2021-2022

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

• Committee on Financial Services
• Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship and Capital Markets
• Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions
• Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chair

2019-2020

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

• Committee on Financial Services
• Committee on Foreign Affairs

2017-2018

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

• Committee on Financial Services
• Committee on Foreign Affairs

2015-2016

Meeks served on the following committees:

• Financial Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
  • Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing
• Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, Ranking Member
  • Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere

2013-2014

Meeks served on the following committees:

• Financial Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit - Ranking Member
• Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats
  • Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere

2011-2012

Meeks served on the following committees:

• Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Subcommittee on Asia (Vice Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
  • Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight
• Financial Services Committee
  • Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
  • Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology

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: 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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (228-206)
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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-210)
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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-207)
Yea	Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act   The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (H.R. 3617) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana, establish studies of legal marijuana sales, tax marijuana imports and production, and establish a process to expunge and review federal marijuana offenses. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (220-204)
Yea	For the People Act of 2021   The For the People Act of 2021 (H.R. 1) was a federal election law and government ethics bill approved by the House of Representatives. The Congressional Research Service said the bill would "expand voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It [would also limit] removing voters from voter rolls. ... Further, the bill [would address] campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices." The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-210)
Yea	Assault Weapons Ban of 2022   The Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 (H.R. 1808) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that sought to criminalize the knowing import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFD). The bill made exemptions for grandfathered SAWs and LCAFDs. It required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (217-213)
Yea	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 simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-70)
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 2/3 majority in the House to suspend rules and pass the bill as amended.	Passed (350-80)
Yea	American Dream and Promise Act of 2021   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 (H.R. 6) was an immigration bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed a path to permanent residence status for unauthorized immigrants eligible for Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure, among other immigration-related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (228-197)
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 simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (342-88)
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 simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (243-187)
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 simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (218-211)
Yea	SAFE Banking Act of 2021   The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting federal regulators from penalizing banks for providing services to legitimate cannabis-related businesses and defining proceeds from such transactions as not being proceeds from unlawful activity, among other related proposals. Since the House moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill in an expedited process, it required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (321-101)
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 simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (260-171)
Yea	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system, among other related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (224-206)
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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (258-169)
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 simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (230-201)
Yea	Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act   The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 7688) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit individuals from selling consumer fuels at excessive prices during a proclaimed energy emergency. It would have also required the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the price of gasoline was being manipulated. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (217-207)
Yea	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit the transfer of firearms between private parties unless a licensed firearm vendor conducted a background check on the recipient. The bill also provided for certain exceptions to this requirement. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (227-203)
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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-203)
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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (234-193)
Yea	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. The article of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (232-197)
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 simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (225-201)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

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

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: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 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: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))  Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 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. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program. Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)  Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border. Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)  Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 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 provided 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: Kate's Law (HR 3004)  Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally. Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)  Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws. Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. 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 (Conference report) (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 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: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 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 Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 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: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)  Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)  Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Nay on: 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)  Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.) Voted Nay on: 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)  Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)  Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 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: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)  Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)  Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund 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: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)  Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)  Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)  Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)  Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Did not vote on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)  Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding. 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. For more information pertaining to Meeks'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 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Meeks was one of 40 Democrats to vote in favor of TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Meeks was one of 28 Democrats to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Meeks was one of 28 Democrats to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Meeks was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. 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." Meeks voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 370-58. 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. Meeks and three other Democrats did not vote. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Meeks, voted against the resolution. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Meeks was the only Democrat who did not vote. It passed the Senate on October 30, 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 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. 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. Meeks voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Meeks voted with 161 Democrats for the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Meeks voted with 185 Democrats against the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Meeks voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Meeks voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House 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 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending 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." Meeks voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Meeks voted with 179 Democrats against the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Meeks voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Meeks voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Meeks voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against 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. For more information pertaining to Meeks's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security HR 644 See also: Bowe Bergdahl exchange On September 9, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 644, a resolution condemning President Barack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage. Meeks did not vote on the resolution. NDAA Meeks voted in opposition of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. DHS Appropriations Meeks voted in opposition of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Meeks voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Meeks voted in support of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. Economy Farm Bill See also: United States Farm Bill 2013 Meeks voted against the Farm Bill on July 11, 2013. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote. The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps. King Amendment Meeks signed a letter sent to Collin Peterson in August 2013, asking him to keep Steve King's amendment out of the final Farm Bill. The "Protect Interstate Commerce Act" amendment prevents states from applying their own laws on agricultural products to agricultural products from another state. King introduced the amendment in response to a law in California, requiring a larger size cage for egg-producing chickens. King represents Iowa, which is a large egg producer. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Meeks voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government 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 House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Meeks voted for HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Meeks voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Repealing Obamacare Meeks has voted against all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Social issues Abortion Meeks voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Meeks 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. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

Ethics

Loan investigation

In 2010, the FBI began investigating a loan Meeks received from a friend in 2007. Meeks did not report the loan, violating U.S. House ethics rules. He also was unable to provide paperwork on the loan's specifics, only paying the lender the loan amount plus interest after the FBI started investigations.

Spending habits

Use of campaign funds for personal expenses

In 2008, Meeks agreed to pay a total of $63,000 in fines when the Federal Election Commission (FEC) found that he had used campaign funds for personal expenses in 2003 and 2004. The expenses included "$6,200 on a personal trainer and $9,800 to lease and repair a vehicle that Mr. Meeks could not demonstrate was used for any campaign work."

Travel

Meeks has consistently filed as one of the poorest senators in New York, but outlets such as the New York Times and New York Post claim his travel and spending habits could contradict that status. Meeks has been criticized for potentially using taxpayer money since 2007 to take unnecessarily expensive trips in the name of fundraising. Locations such as "Hotel Playa Bonita in Panama; the MGM Grand, Mirage, Monte Carlo and Bellagio hotels in Las Vegas; the Buccaneer Hotel in St. Croix, V.I.; and multiple hotels in South Beach and San Juan" were listed among the questionable destinations. The New York Post also listed 2014 trips such as his week-long visit to Morocco, Rabat and Casablanca. Additionally, in 2013 Meeks received negative attention after attending an all-expenses-paid conference in Azerbaijan along with nine other lawmakers and 32 staff members. Although the trip was officially sponsored by the Council of Turkic-American Associations, when it came under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics, it became apparent that participants received expensive gifts and that part of the trip was secretly funded by Azerbaijan's oil company.

Meeks has said that all of his expenditures and trips were in line with FEC regulations. "I do fund-raisers where the people with the money are. I am not going to raise the money in my district that I need to be a player here in Washington," Meeks said.

House purchase and cash flow

In 2006, Meeks also received criticism for buying a large home in Queens for $830,000 while stating that he lived "paycheck to paycheck" like many citizens of New York. At the time, Meeks received a yearly salary of $174,000. His wife was earning a salary of $79,000 as of 2007. In 2009, Meeks indicated that "he had no checking or savings account worth more than $5,000, or any investment account worth more than $1,000."

Elections

2024

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District election, 2024

General election

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

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5

Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks is running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate
		Gregory W. Meeks

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 5

Madeline Brame is running in the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 5 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate
		Madeline Brame

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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.

2022

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 5

Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks defeated Paul King in the general election for U.S. House New York District 5 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gregory W. Meeks (D)	75.1	104,396
		Paul King (R / Conservative Party)	24.8	34,407
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	184

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 138,987
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Nader Akhlaghy (Peace and Freedom Party)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Paul King advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 5.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Amit Lal (R)
• Marilyn Miller (R)

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Paul King advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 5.

2020

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District election, 2020

New York's 5th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 23 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 5

Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks won election in the general election for U.S. House New York District 5 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gregory W. Meeks (D)	99.3	229,125
		Other/Write-in votes	0.7	1,554

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 230,679
= 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Amit Lal (Independent)
• Jay Sanchez (L)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5

Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks defeated Shaniyat Chowdhury in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5 on June 23, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gregory W. Meeks	75.6	50,044
		Shaniyat Chowdhury	24.1	15,951
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3	176

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 66,171
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian primary election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Jay Sanchez advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. House New York District 5.

2018

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 5

Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks won election in the general election for U.S. House New York District 5 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gregory W. Meeks (D)	100.0	160,500

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 160,500 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5

Incumbent Gregory W. Meeks defeated Carl Achille and Mizan Choudhury in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 5 on June 26, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gregory W. Meeks	81.6	11,060
		Carl Achille	9.5	1,288
		Mizan Choudhury	8.9	1,200

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 13,548
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

No Republican candidates ran in the primary.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michael O'Reilly (R)

2016

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Gregory Meeks (D) defeated Michael O'Reilly (R) and Frank Francois (G) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Meeks defeated Ali Mirza in the Democratic primary on June 28, 2016.

U.S. House, New York District 5 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Gregory Meeks Incumbent	85.5%	199,815
	Republican	Michael O'Reilly	13%	30,312
	Green	Frank Francois	1.5%	3,587
Total Votes				233,714
Source: New York Board of Elections

U.S. House, New York, District 5 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Gregory Meeks Incumbent	81.7%	7,056
Ali Mirza	18.3%	1,579
Total Votes		8,635
Source: New York State Board of Elections

2014

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District elections, 2014

In 2014, Meeks won re-election for the U.S. House to represent New York's 5th District. Meeks won the Democratic nomination in the primary on June 24, 2014, and defeated Allen Steinhardt ("Allen 4 Congress") in the general election. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, New York District 5 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Gregory Meeks Incumbent	94.9%	75,712
	Allen 4 Congress	Allen Steinhardt	4.8%	3,870
	N/A	Write-in votes	0.3%	239
Total Votes				79,821
Source: New York State Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Rep. in Congress Election Returns November 4, 2014," accessed August 30, 2021

U.S. House, New York District 5 Democratic Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Gregory Meeks Incumbent	80.1%	8,119
Joseph Marthone	19.9%	2,023
Total Votes		10,142
Source: New York State Board of Elections - Official Election Results

2012

See also: New York's 5th Congressional District elections, 2012

Meeks ran for re-election in New York's newly drawn 5th Congressional District in 2012. Three candidates challenged Meeks in the June 26 Democratic primary. Former city councilman Allan Jennings Jr., small-business owner Joseph Marthone and recent law-school graduate Mike Scala all hoped to defeat Meeks for the Democratic Party nomination. Meeks won the primary and advanced to the general election on November 6, 2012. He was re-elected on November 6, 2012.

Jennings also ran in the Republican primary, where he was unopposed. He considered himself to be willing to "work with anybody who’s going to help this district," which he said set him apart from Meeks.

The 29-year-old Scala graduated from law school on June 1, 2012, just a few weeks before the June 26 primary. He said he was most concerned with helping the lower and middle class.

Marthone named education as the way to solve the nation's problems.

At a forum in early June, the three challengers and a representative of Meeks discussed issues of importance. Jennings called for an end to the NYPD "stop and frisk" policy. Marthone pledged to fight hydrofracking and airplane noise pollution. Scala criticized Meeks for supporting the Budget Control Act, which took away subsidized loans for graduate students. Meeks was busy in Washington at the time of the forum, but his representative said that most of the issues brought up were city and state issues, not national ones -- indicating that the challengers were not prepared for federal politics.

U.S. House, New York District 5 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Gregory Meeks Incumbent	89.7%	167,836
	Republican	Allan Jennings Jr.	9.6%	17,875
	Libertarian	Catherine Wark	0.7%	1,345
	N/A	Write-in votes	0%	85
Total Votes				187,141
Source: New York State Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Rep. in Congress Election Returns Nov. 6, 2012," accessed September 1, 2021

U.S. House, New York District 5 Democratic Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Gregory W. Meeks Incumbent	66.2%	8,507
Allan Jennings	13.3%	1,712
Mike Scala	11%	1,417
Joseph Marthone	9.5%	1,217
Total Votes		12,853

Full history

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

2010 On November 2, 2010, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Asher Taub (R) in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory W. Meeks 87.7% 85,096      Republican Asher E. Taub 12.2% 11,826      N/A Write-in votes 0.1% 72 Total Votes 96,994 2008 On November 4, 2008, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory Meeks incumbent 100% 141,180      N/A Write-in votes 0% 26 Total Votes 141,206 2006 On November 7, 2006, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory Meeks incumbent 70% 69,405      N/A Blank/Void/Scattering 30% 29,705 Total Votes 99,110 2004 On November 2, 2004, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory Meeks incumbent 70.1% 129,688      N/A Blank/Void/Scattering 29.9% 55,269 Total Votes 184,957 2002 On November 5, 2002, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Roy Clarke (Independence) in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory Meeks incumbent 65.1% 72,799      Independence Roy Clarke 2.4% 2,632      N/A Blank/Void/Scattering 32.5% 36,387 Total Votes 111,818 2000 On November 7, 2000, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory Meeks incumbent 68.8% 120,818      N/A Blank/Void/Scattering 31.2% 54,804 Total Votes 175,622 1998 On November 3, 1998, Gregory Meeks won re-election to the United States House. He defeated write-in candidates in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic/Liberal Party/Independence Party Gregory Meeks incumbent 66.2% 76,122      Blank/Scattering Write-in candidates 33.8% 38,908 Total Votes 115,030 On February 3, 1998, Gregory Meeks won election to the United States House. He defeated Celestine V. Miller (R), Alton R. Waldon Jr. (Conservative), Barbara M. Clark (21st Century Party), and Mary Cronin (Right to Life Party) in the general election. U.S. House, New York District 6 Special Election, 1998, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Gregory Meeks 56.5% 14,224      Conservative Alton R. Waldon Jr. 20.8% 5,229      21st Century Barbara M. Clark 13.1% 3,305      Republican Celestine V. Miller 8.8% 2,209      Right to Life Mary Cronin 0.8% 206 Total Votes 25,173

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

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2022

Gregory W. Meeks did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Gregory W. Meeks did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2012

Meeks listed several of his campaign themes on his website:

• The Federal Budget
• Education
• Homeland Security
• Jobs and the economy
• Housing

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 endorsements by Gregory W. Meeks

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Josh Riley  source  (D)	U.S. House New York District 19 (2024)	Primary	–
Barbara Lee  source  (D)	U.S. Senate California (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)	Primary	Won General
Hillary Clinton  source  (D)	President of the United States (2016)	Primary	Lost General

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

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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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Gregory W. Meeks campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions
2024	U.S. House New York District 5	Candidacy Declared primary	$869,948
2022	U.S. House New York District 5	Won general	$2,704,713
2020	U.S. House New York District 5	Won general	$2,126,017
2018	U.S. House New York District 5	Won general	$1,027,793
2016	U.S. House, New York District 5	Won general	$967,921
2014	U.S. House (New York, District 5)	Won general	$1,017,709
2012	U.S. House New York District 5	Won general	$740,896
2010	U.S. House New York District 6	Won general	$917,283
2008	U.S. House New York District 6	Won general	$1,039,732
2006	U.S. House New York District 6	Won general	$819,726
2004	U.S. House New York District 6	Won general	$679,887
2002	U.S. House New York District 6	Won general	$580,765
2000	U.S. House New York District 6	Won general	$407,355
Grand total raised			$13,899,746
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission * This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

2018

U.S. House New York District 5 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top industry contributors to Gregory W. Meeks's campaign in 2018
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate	$521,650.00
Transportation	$58,000.00
General Business	$53,250.00
Labor	$52,500.00
Communications & Electronics	$52,250.00
Total Raised in 2018	$1,027,793.38
Source: Follow the Money

2020

U.S. House New York District 5 2020 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Gregory W. Meeks's campaign in 2020
Experian	$12,500.00
UBS Americas	$10,000.00
KPMG LLP	$10,000.00
Capital One Financial	$10,000.00
PNC Financial Services	$10,000.00
Regions Financial	$10,000.00
National Assn of Realtors	$10,000.00
Lockheed Martin	$10,000.00
American Federation of Teachers	$10,000.00
Home Depot	$10,000.00
Total Raised in 2020	$1,692,317.37
Total Spent	$1,495,899.66
Source: Follow the Money

2018

U.S. House New York District 5 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Gregory W. Meeks's campaign in 2018
MEHIEL, DENNIS D	$5,400.00
RUDIN, WILLIAM C	$5,400.00
BURGOS, TONIO	$5,400.00
MAITLAND, TRACY	$5,400.00
EISENSHTADT, JEFFREY K	$5,400.00
Total Raised in 2018	$1,027,793.38
Source: Follow the Money

2016

Meeks won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Meeks' campaign committee raised a total of $967,921 and spent $985,463. This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.

Cost per vote

Meeks spent $4.93 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, New York District 5, 2016 - Gregory Meeks Campaign Contributions

Total Raised	$967,921
Total Spent	$985,463
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$47,458
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$42,603
Top contributors to Gregory Meeks's campaign committee
Nasdaq Inc	$19,250
AES Corp	$10,000
Boeing Co	$10,000
Credit Union National Assn	$10,000
Deloitte LLP	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Securities & Investment	$151,450
Insurance	$116,800
Commercial Banks	$67,000
Real Estate	$66,600
Finance/Credit Companies	$49,000
Source: Open Secrets

2014

Meeks won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Meeks' campaign committee raised a total of $1,017,709 and spent $882,334. This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.

Cost per vote

Meeks spent $11.65 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, New York District 5, 2014 - Gregory Meeks Campaign Contributions

Total Raised	$1,017,709
Total Spent	$882,334
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$0
Top contributors to Gregory Meeks's campaign committee
Rent-A-Center	$17,750
Securities Industry & Financial Mkt Assn	$13,000
Citigroup Inc	$11,000
Goldman Sachs	$11,000
ACE Ltd	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Securities & Investment	$127,309
Insurance	$119,300
Finance/Credit Companies	$79,250
Commercial Banks	$62,225
Real Estate	$61,649
Source: Open Secrets

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Meeks' campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Meek’s reports.

Gregory Meeks (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 15, 2013	$27,719.37	$73,458.86	$(67,471.05)	$33,707.18
July Quarterly	July 15, 2013	$33,707.18	$160,796.74	$(101,616.55)	$92,887.37
October Quarterly	October 15, 2013	$92,887.37	$98,806.86	$(98,617.65)	$93,076.58
Year-End Quarterly	December 31, 2013	$93,076	$82,840	$(83,687)	$84,548
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$84,548.82	$86,576.50	$(101,822.82)	$69,302.50
Pre-Primary	June 12, 2014	$69,302.50	$118,065.32	$(109,766.56)	$77,601.26
July Quarterly	July 15, 2014	$77,601.26	$69,012.01	$(37,931.54)	$108,681.73
October Quarterly	October 15, 2014	$108,681.73	$209,380.56	$(111,935.88)	$206,126.41
Pre-General	October 23, 2014	$206,126.41	$28,450.00	$(29,605.33)	$204,971.08
			Running totals
			$927,386.85	$(742,454.38)

2012

Meeks won election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Meeks' campaign committee raised a total of $740,897 and spent $724,665.

Cost per vote

Meeks spent $4.32 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, New York District 5, 2012 - Gregory Meeks Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$740,897
Total Spent	$724,665
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$16,812
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$16,352
Top contributors to Gregory Meeks's campaign committee
FedEx Corp	$12,500
American Express	$10,000
AT&T Inc	$10,000
Bank of America	$10,000
Credit Suisse Group	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Securities & Investment	$92,000
Insurance	$77,750
Finance/Credit Companies	$68,500
Air Transport	$34,899
Real Estate	$32,500

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Meeks' campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010

Meeks was re-elected to the U.S. House in 2010 for a seventh term. His campaign committee raised a total of $917,283 and spent $959,453.

U.S. House, New York District 5, 2010 - Gregory Meeks Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$917,283
Total Spent	$959,453
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$74,942
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$64,043
Top contributors to Gregory Meeks's campaign committee
American Express	$24,900
Sheet Metal Workers Union	$20,000
NASDAQ OMX Group	$17,750
Bank of America	$17,450
AFLAC Inc	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Insurance	$113,650
Securities & Investment	$105,100
Finance/Credit Companies	$85,260
Real Estate	$48,150
Commercial Banks	$44,750

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Meeks' campaign funds before the 2010 election.

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, Meeks' net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $0 and $0. That averages to $0, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Meeks ranked as the 411th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Meeks' calculated net worth decreased by an average of 13 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Gregory Meeks Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$79,612
2012	$0.00
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	−100%
Average annual growth:	−13%
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). Meeks received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Securities & Investment industry.

From 1997-2014, 34.37 percent of Meeks' career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Gregory Meeks Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$6,210,704
Total Spent	$5,947,755
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Securities & Investment	$567,996
Insurance	$527,010
Finance/Credit Companies	$363,042
Real Estate	$354,164
Lawyers/Law Firms	$322,327
% total in top industry	9.15%
% total in top two industries	17.63%
% total in top five industries	34.37%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

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

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Meeks was a moderate Democratic leader as of August 2014. This was the same rating Meeks received 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.

Meeks most often votes with:

• Frederica Wilson
• Chris Gibson

Meeks least often votes with:

• Jim Matheson
• Jeff Duncan

Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Meeks missed 982 of 12,065 roll call votes from February 1998 to September 2015. This amounted to 8.1 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives 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. Meeks paid his congressional staff a total of $1,030,474 in 2011. Overall, New York ranked 28th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

Staff bonuses

According to an analysis by CNN, Meeks was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Meeks's staff was given an apparent $16,410.74 in bonus money.

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

Meeks ranked 115th in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Meeks ranked 54th in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Meeks ranked 68th 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

Meeks voted with the Democratic Party 94.4 percent of the time, which ranked 58th among the 204 House Democratic members as of August 2014.

2013

Meeks voted with the Democratic Party 94.3 percent of the time, which ranked 78th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Gary Ackerman (D)	U.S. House New York District 5 2013-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	U.S. House New York District 6 1998-2013	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	New York State Assembly 1992-1998	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

Vacant

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

Brian Higgins (D)

Democratic Party (17)

Republican Party (10)

Vacancies (1)