Chris Friend

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend proudly represents New York’s 124th Assembly District, serving the families, businesses, and communities of the Southern Tier. First elected in 2010, Chris has built a reputation as a thoughtful, principled legislator who brings real-world experience and common sense to Albany. A lifelong Southern Tier resident, Chris grew up in Big Flats and graduated from Horseheads High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of New Hampshire and went on to receive his master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from SUNY Buffalo. Before entering public service, Chris worked as a research chemist and published extensively in his field. This experience sharpened his analytical skills and reinforced his commitment to evidence-based decision-making. During his academic career, he was named a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellow and has published more than 20 scientific papers and symposium contributions. Chris began his public service advocating for Big Flats town projects and engaging in comprehensive planning, later serving on the Big Flats Parks Commission before being elected to the Chemung County Legislature. There, he focused on fiscal responsibility, local control, and economic development. In the State Assembly, he has continued that work, serving on key committees and advocating for lower taxes, job creation, public safety, support for families, and a stronger upstate economy. He is known for standing up to one-size-fits-all mandates and for giving rural and small-town communities a strong voice in Albany. Above all, Chris Friend believes the government should work for the people, not the other way around. He is a strong advocate for accountability, transparency, and common-sense policies that respect taxpayers and protect future generations. Chris and his wife, Renée, are lifelong sweethearts and the proud parents of four children. They continue to make their home in Big Flats, where faith, family, and community values guide Chris’s service both in and out of public office.