The 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100

7. Michelle Hinchey, Liz Krueger, Shelley Mayer, Jessica Ramos & Julia Salazar

Michelle Hinchey, Liz Krueger, Shelley Mayer, Jessica Ramos & Julia Salazar / Katrina Hajagos; Office of Senator Liz Krueger; New York State Senate Photography; Courtney Harvier; Michael Drake

After two decades in office, state Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger is now one of New York’s most powerful woman politicians. Krueger’s Equal Rights Amendment, which enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution, was approved by voters this year. The budget wonk also blasted Gov. Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing pause as “reckless,” saying the funds were sorely needed for mass transit. Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer was a driving force behind restoring education funding in this year’s state budget. Mayer argued that Hochul’s proposed overhaul of the state aid formula would cost suburban school districts. State Senate Labor Committee Chair Jessica Ramos, who has championed worker protections in Albany, has entered the crowded primary field against Mayor Eric Adams – and would be the city’s first woman mayor if she wins. State Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee Chair Julia Salazar has had a standout year. She advanced legislation through the Senate to support survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, eliminated the intoxication defense and saw a version of her “good cause” eviction legislation included in the state budget. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Michelle Hinchey has also had a whirlwind year, passing 53 bills in the Senate, with 29 passing in both chambers. One notable legislative win was a short-term rental registry bill. Hochul also signed Hinchey’s bill to make menstrual products free on SUNY and CUNY campuses.