Michael G. Miller

Early life and career Miller was born to an Italian mother and German father, both first generation immigrants.

New York State Assembly

Same sex marriage On December 2, 2009, Miller sided with the conservative minority, by voting against a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. Miller voted against a similar bill that became the Marriage Equality Act in 2011.

Controversy

Appointment In New York, candidates for special election are nominated by the party's county executive's selection. Miller's party nomination was met with a lawsuit filed by fellow Democrats. His nomination was seen by some as a back room deal. Al Baldeo, who claims he was promised the nomination by Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senators John Sampson and Malcolm Smith, argued that the selection process was undemocratic. This came 14 weeks after the state legislature publicly supported and approved a bill requiring them to disclose their outside income. The bill that was vetoed by Governor David Paterson.

Harassment Investigation and Sanctions

Miller became the subject of a 2019 internal investigation by the Assembly Ethics Committee stemming from a harassment complaint filed by a female staffer. The committee found evidence of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct, though the review did not "support a finding that Miller engaged in harassment and/or discrimination." The investigation came to light in June 2020 when it was revealed that the committee's investigator uncovered multiple instances in which Miller discussed the case with outside parties in breach of confidentiality and with what the committee determined as having the "effect of intimidating potential witnesses." In August 2020, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that he would formally sanction Miller for these actions, following the committee's recommendation.

Election results September 2009 special election, NYS Assembly, 38th AD

November 2010 general election, NYS Assembly, 38th AD