John W. Mannion (born July 8, 1968)[1] is an American politician who has served as the New York State Senator from the 50th district since 2020. He was elected defeating Republican Angi Renna and became the first Democrat to hold the seat in more than 50 years.[2] Prior to becoming a state senator, Mannion was a high school biology teacher.[3]
After completing his studies, Mannion became a high school biology teacher. He taught in the West Genesee Central School District, where he also served as president of the West Genesee Teachers' Association.[3]
New York State Senate
In 2018, Mannion ran for the New York State Senate in the 50th district but narrowly lost to the incumbent, Republican Bob Antonacci. He ran again in 2020 and won the seat with 52.57% of the vote, defeating Republican Angi Renna.[6]
Mannion's 2022 re-election campaign was closely contested. On election night, Republican candidate Rebecca Shiroff led by 396 votes before absentee ballots were counted.[7] A recount ultimately declared Mannion the winner, with a margin of 10 votes, making it the closest race in the 2022 New York State Senate elections.[8]
In 2023, Mannion announced his candidacy for New York's 22nd congressional district in the 2024 election, choosing not to seek re-election to the Senate.[9] In June 2024, three former staffers accused Mannion and his wife of creating a hostile work environment.[10][11] After an investigation, he was cleared of wrongdoing.[12]
Committee assignments
Mannion is the chairperson of the Committee on Disabilities. He also serves as a member of the following committees:
The Committee on Children and Families
The Committee on Civil Service and Pensions
The Committee on Education
The Committee on Environmental Conservation
The Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development