State Sen. Pamela Helming, a Republican from the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, has been chosen to lead the campaign efforts of Republicans running this year for State Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats.
Helming is the second woman, ever, to hold the position, which was previously held by former State Sen. Cathy Young in 2018 before she left office.
“There’s a clear choice between the Senate Democrats’ radical vision of bail reform or victims’ rights, of defunding the police or public safety, and of raising taxes or creating an environment where small businesses can thrive,” Helming said.
Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, R-Niagara, said their goal from now through November is to convince voters that having Democrats in control of both the Legislature and governor’s office disenfranchises individuals who don’t agree with their priorities.
“There’s no one better to deliver the message about the destructive policies of One Party Rule than Senator Helming,” Ortt said. “Together, we will fundraise and forge ahead to November to flip the Senate red. We must restore balance and common sense to the Legislature.”
The pick is the first of several expected by Ortt in the coming months as he settles into his new role. He was chosen in June to lead the Senate Republican Conference after former Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan announced his retirement.
Helming replaces state Sen. Fred Akshar, R-Broome, as head of the SRCC. Ortt hasn’t yet announced his choice for deputy minority leader, a position currently held by state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Oneida.