New Year, New Roles! A Breakdown of Leadership in Albany
Lawmakers in Albany recently entered the state capitol for the new legislative term following an election that brought some new faces to the chambers.
In the Senate, there are five new members; in the Assembly, there are more than 20 new members. In each legislative term lawmakers are selected for important roles such as floor leaders, the House Speaker, and Majority and Minority Leaders.
Senate Majority Leader
Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester County)
Sen. Stewart-Cousins was voted in and re-elected as the Democratic majority leader in the State Senate. She is the longest-serving Democratic majority leader and the first African-American woman to hold this role.
“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. Today's vote is a powerful testament to the Senate Democratic Conference's unwavering and bold vision for a stronger, fairer New York," stated Stewart-Cousins in an official press release.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader
Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens)
Sen. Gianaris was also re-appointed to his role of Deputy Majority Leader for the Democratic conference. He first took on this position in 2019. He said he is honored to continue.
“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,” he stated in an official release.
Senate Minority Leader
Sen. Rob Ortt (R-Niagra County)
Sen. Ortt first took on this role in 2020. He was elected to the Senate in 2015. In his role as Minority leader, Ortt leads the Republican conference.
“As we approach the New Year and a new legislative session, we are energized and ready to confront the challenges created by Albany’s failed one-party rule. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make New York a more affordable, safer, and healthier state for hardworking families,” he stated in an official press release.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader
Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island)
Sen. Lanza was elected to the State Senate in 2006. He represents Staten Island and has served as the Minority Deputy leader for several years. In addition to helping lead the minority conference, he also leads floor operations for the Republican conference.
Assembly Speaker
Assembly Member Carl Heastie (D-Bronx)
Assembly Member Heastie has served in this role since 2015. He is the first African-American to serve as the majority leader of the 150 members of the New York State Assembly.
“The New York State Assembly is the most diverse legislative body in the country, leading the way in passing groundbreaking legislation that serves as a model for other states and indeed the entire country. I look forward to getting to work with my colleagues in 2025 as we strive to lift up all New Yorkers and help them climb the ladder of economic success and prosperity,” he said in an official statement.
Assembly Majority Leader
Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-Erie County)
Assembly Member Peoples-Stokes is also a historic leader of the Democratic Majority conference in the State Assembly. First elected in 2018, she is the first woman and first African-American to serve in this role.
Assembly Minority Leader
Assembly Member Will Barclay (R-Oswego County)
Assembly Member Barclay was first elected to the State Assembly in 2002. He took on the role of Minority Leader in 2020 after the state legislature flipped from a Republican majority to a Democratic Majority.
Assembly Minority Leader Pro Tempore
Assembly Member Mary Beth Walsh (R-Ballston)
Assembly Member Walsh was selected this year for Assembly Minority Leader Pro Tempore following the retirement of Assembly Member Andrew Goodell (R-Chautauqua). She will run the floor operations for the Republican conference by reviewing bills, preparing for debates, leading debates, and managing floor activity.
She told WMHT she is honored to be selected for this role after serving as the assistant floor leader for a few years.
“I’m very excited about it, I’m very enthused about the idea and hopefully I will do as good a job as Andy did,” she said.
Speaker Pro Tempore
Assembly Member Pam Hunter (D-Syracuse)
Assembly Member Hunter was selected as the Speaker Pro Tempore for the Assembly replacing Assembly Member Jeff Aubry who retired last year. Hunter was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2015.
In an email statement to WMHT, Hunter said she was honored to be appointed to this role.
“I deeply appreciate his confidence in me and look forward to serving in this new capacity while continuing to proudly represent the 128th Assembly District. My commitment to advocating for the needs of our community remains unwavering, and I’m excited for the work ahead,” Hunter wrote.
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