For Immediate Release: November 15, 2016

Contact: Gary Ginsburg | ginsburg@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2415

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Unanimously Reelected Leader of

Senate Democratic Conference
Senator Michael Gianaris will Continue to Serve as Deputy Leader and DSCC Chair
(Albany, NY) Following a meeting of the Senate Democratic Conference, Senator Andrea
Stewart-Cousins has been reelected leader. Leader Stewart-Cousins nomination was advanced
by Senator Tim Kennedy and seconded by Senator Martin Malave Dilan. Democratic Leader
Andrea Stewart-Cousins also reappointed Senator Michael Gianaris as Deputy Leader and Chair
of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC).
Senator Stewart-Cousins was first elected Leader in 2012, becoming the first woman to lead a
legislative conference in New York State history.
I am honored to continue serving as the Leader of the Senate Democrats and thank my
colleagues for their continued support, Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
said. With Donald Trumps election, the need for a strong Senate Democratic Conference which
works to protect New Yorkers rights and values has never been more vital. That is why we need
all Democrats in the State Senate to work together and stand united.
Senate Democratic Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, Senate Democratic Deputy Leader
Michael Gianaris said, Andrea Stewart-Cousins is an exemplary Leader and I am proud to
continue serving as her Deputy and Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee. New
York has always been a forward-looking progressive state and our leadership has never been
more essential following the results of the national elections.
The reelection of Andrea Stewart-Cousins as Leader of the Senate Democrats was unanimous
and featured multiple members of the Senate Democrats speaking in favor of her continued
leadership. Following the nomination from Senator Tim Kennedy and the seconding by Senator
Martin Malave Dilan, other Democratic Senators spoke out in favor of Andrea Stewart-Cousins
and her ongoing leadership. These included Senators Joe Addabbo, Todd Kaminsky, and James
Sanders.
Since her election as Senate Democratic Leader in 2012, the Senate Democrats have been
instrumental in achieving major victories for New Yorkers including a higher minimum wage,
paid family leave, greater protections for women, increased aid for public schools, and
combating the heroin and opioid-abuse epidemic. The Senate Democrats, under Leader Stewart-

Cousins, remain committed to leading the fight to clean up Albany, grow the state economy,
reduce mandates and taxes, and ensure that all New Yorkers rights are protected.
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New York State Senate | DemocraticConferenceNews@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2415