New York state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins has been reelected as majority leader of the New York state Legislature’s upper chamber, the conference announced Wednesday.
The first Black woman to hold the majority leader post, she is one of three people who control the agenda in Albany and negotiate the state budget along with the governor and Assembly speaker. She has led the Senate Democratic caucus since 2012 and majority leader since 2019.
“I am deeply honored and privileged to be unanimously re-elected as Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore by my Democratic Senate colleagues from across New York State,” Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. “Today's vote is a powerful testament to the Senate Democratic Conference's unwavering and bold vision for a stronger, fairer New York.”
Stewart-Cousins’ leadership team will also carry over into 2025. Queens Democratic state Sen. Mike Gianaris will continue as deputy majority leader and and Jose Serrano will remain chairman of the majority conference.
“After all the accomplishments of our historic majority we will continue into the new year steadfast in our commitment to deliver for New Yorkers and against any infringement on their rights. From protecting voting reforms and fighting for our environment, to improving tenant protections and addressing the affordability crisis, we will ensure New York remains a stronghold for working people.”
Stewart-Cousins, who herself represents parts of Westchester County in the 35th Senate District, will come into the new session with the third largest Democratic conference in the state’s history, but ever so slightly smaller than the last, as Democrats lost their supermajority status in this year’s elections. They still maintain a strong majority in the chamber.
The new Legislature will convene in Albany in January.
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