Christopher S. Friend

Christopher S. "Chris" Friend was born on December 21, 1972, and is an American chemist and politician. He is a Republican who has represented New York's 124th Assembly District since 2011. This district encompasses parts of Broome and Chemung Counties, as well as all of Tioga County.

Friend resides in Big Flats with his wife Renée and their four children: Brianna, Joshua, Ashley, and Elijah.

Political Experience

Friend began his political career in 2006 when he was elected to the Chemung County Legislature. In 2010, he successfully won election to the New York State Assembly, defeating Chemung Town Supervisor George Richter in both the Republican and Conservative party primaries. The seat had become vacant after former Assemblyman Tom O'Mara ran successfully for the New York State Senate.

As an incumbent assemblyman, Friend has maintained consistent electoral support, winning reelection in 2024 with 46,573 total votes, representing 99.3% of votes cast.

Notable Positions and Voting Record

Friend has taken distinctive positions on certain legislative matters. In June 2020, he was one of only two assemblymen to vote against the Digital Fair Repair Act, alongside assemblyman David DiPietro.

His legislative output is notably lower compared to peers in neighboring districts. As of March 2020, Friend had sponsored 47 bills during his tenure, compared to neighboring Assemblyman Phil Palmesano who had sponsored 137 bills in the same timeframe.