Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Elected Senate Democratic Leader

"I commend and congratulate State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins who tonight was elected as the Senate Democratic Conference Leader; our conference's first African American Women Leader.

"In her six years in office Senator Stewart-Cousins has been a sound legislator. Having championed legislation to consolidate local governments in her role as ranker of the Senate's Local Government committee, to working to stimulate the state's regional economies as a member of the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business committee, Senator Stewart-Cousins is an ideal choice to lead our diverse conference.

"I look forward to working with Democratic Leader Stewart-Cousins as the Senate Democrats enter a new legislative session. I believe her leadership will prove to be a driving force behind our conference over the next two years as we continue to advocate a progressive agenda that includes: common-sense gun laws; a fair tax system; and measures that will spur job growth and strengthen our middle-class across New York State."