Andrea Stewart-Cousins Unanimously Re-elected as Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader

(ALBANY, NY) -- December 7, 2022 -- Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was unanimously re-elected by her Democratic Conference colleagues as Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader. Senator Stewart-Cousins has served as Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference since December 2012, and was the first woman and African-American woman to be elected as a Conference Leader in New York State history. Under her leadership, for the first time in New York State history, Democrats have won three consecutive majorities and remain on the path to winning a second Super Majority. 

“I am honored and humbled to be re-elected by my Democratic colleagues to continue my service as Majority Leader of the New York State Senate,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Since holding the majority, we have enacted historic legislation that helps and expands New Yorkers’ rights and builds a stronger and fairer state for all residents. The voters made their voices heard on election day by once again electing a strong democratic majority, and we expect a Super Majority pending the final results of one race. I am thrilled that our majority continues to represent the diversity of the entire state and for the first time ever we have an incoming class of all women. I am extremely proud of our Senate Majority’s legislative blueprint for the rest of the nation to follow.” 

Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins has kept her Leadership team together and reappointed Senator Michael Gianaris as Deputy Majority Leader and Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee.

“I am honored to continue in my role as Senate Deputy Leader and Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins,” Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris said. “Even after the unprecedented accomplishments of our historic majority, there remains much work ahead to protect New Yorkers’ rights against erosions coming from the federal and state court systems. From protecting voting reforms, to improving our criminal justice system and getting guns off the streets, to keeping our state a stronghold for working people, and fighting for a greener New York, I am proud of the work we’ve done with the largest majority in history and look forward to continuing our efforts in the new year.” 

Majority Leader Stewart Cousins also reappointed Senator Jose M. Serrano as Chair of the Majority Conference. 

“I’m honored to continue serving as Chair of the Majority Conference under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins,” Chair of the Majority Conference, Senator Jose M. Serrano said. “Since winning the majority in 2018 we have continued fighting for equality and have passed historic legislation that continues improving the lives of all New Yorkers. I am excited about our work ahead as we find ways to best meet the needs of New Yorkers, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish in this upcoming session.”