New York Senate
Source: nysenate.gov
Government Structure
The government structure of New York is a model of the democratic system, built on the foundation of the separation of powers. It consists of three main branches: the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislative. The latter is the focus of our discussion, known for its effectiveness in shaping the future of this dynamic state.
State Legislature Overview
The New York State Legislature is a bicameral body made up of two houses: the State Senate and the State Assembly. These two chambers work in tandem to create, debate, and pass laws that guide the functioning of the state. A key feature of this legislative system is the balance of power, ensuring that no single entity has unchecked control over the legislative process.
State Senate
The New York State Senate is the upper house of the legislature. Senators represent a variety of districts across the state, ensuring a broad spectrum of interests and perspectives are considered in the law-making process. The Senate plays a crucial role in shaping policies and exerting legislative authority.
State House of Representatives
The State House of Representatives, also known as the State Assembly, is the lower house of the New York Legislature. The Assembly provides a platform for the voices of constituents at the local level. Assembly members are tasked with representing the views and needs of their constituents, contributing to the diversity of legislation.
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is a cornerstone of the democratic process in New York. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the legislative process, whether through voting, attending legislative sessions, or voicing their opinions on proposed laws. This involvement ensures that the legislature is truly representative of the people it serves.
Importance of Legislative Sessions
Legislative sessions are where the crucial work of the New York State Legislature takes place. During these sessions, bills are introduced, debated, and voted on. These sessions are the heartbeat of the legislative process, driving the creation of new laws and the amendment of existing ones.
Accessing Legislative Sessions
As part of the commitment to transparency, the New York State Legislature provides several avenues for the public to access legislative sessions. These include live broadcasts and archived videos of sessions, as well as detailed transcripts and legislative documents. This open access allows citizens to stay informed about the work of their representatives.
How to Participate
Participation in the legislative process is not limited to elected officials. Citizens can engage in a variety of ways, including contacting their local representatives, submitting public comments on proposed legislation, or even testifying at public hearings. These actions help shape the democratic process and influence the laws that are passed.
Statewide Impact
The decisions made by the New York State Legislature have a significant impact across the state. From education and healthcare to economic development and environmental policy, the laws passed by this body shape every aspect of life in New York.
Key Policy Areas
The New York State Legislature focuses on a range of policy areas. Key among these are education, healthcare, housing, and the environment. By addressing these critical areas, the legislature works to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
Conclusion
The New York State Legislature plays a vital role in shaping the future of the state. Through its bicameral structure, it ensures a balanced representation of interests, fostering a democratic process that is open to public participation. By engaging in this process, every New Yorker has the opportunity to contribute to the direction of their state.
New York State Senate
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Upcoming New York State Senate Races
View All →IncumbentTony Palumbo Republican
General election
- Anthony Palumbo Republican
incumbent senator
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
candidate for New York State Senate in 2022
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentMario Mattera Republican/conservative
General election
- Jonathan D Estreich Democrat
- Mario Mattera Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentDean Murray Republican/conservative
General election
- Antonio Vargas Democrat
Ayala
- Dean Murray Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Ayala
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentMonica Martinez Democratic/working families
General election
- Monica Martinez Democrat
incumbent senator
- Brianne Wakefield Republican
activist
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
activist
IncumbentSteve Rhoads Republican/conservative
General election
- Andrew Piddoubny Democrat
law clerk
- Steven Rhoads Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
law clerk
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentSiela Bynoe Democratic
General election
- Siela Bynoe Democrat
incumbent senator
- Matthew Capp Republican
Hempstead press secretary
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
Hempstead press secretary
IncumbentJack Martins Republican/conservative
General election
- Rory Lancman Democrat
former New York City councilmember from the 24th district (2014–2020)
- Jake Blumencranz Republican
assemblymember
Democratic primary
former New York City councilmember from the 24th district (2014–2020)
Republican primary
assemblymember
IncumbentAlexis Weik Republican/conservative
General election
- Josh Taveras Democrat
//elections.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/05/accessible-june-23-2026-primary-certification-amended-5.13.26_0.pdf|website=New York State Board of Elections|title=Certification for the June 23, 2026 Primary Election|date=13 May 2026|access-date=16 May 2026}}
- Jarett Gandolfo Republican
New York state assemblyman from the 7th district (2021-present)
Democratic primary
//elections.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/05/accessible-june-23-2026-primary-certification-amended-5.13.26_0.pdf|website=New York State Board of Elections|title=Certification for the June 23, 2026 Primary Election|date=13 May 2026|access-date=16 May 2026}}
Republican primary
New York state assemblyman from the 7th district (2021-present)
IncumbentPatricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick Republican/conservative
General election
- Lisa Vider Democrat
healthcare administrator
- Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
healthcare administrator
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentJames Sanders DemocraticNominee · UnopposedJames Sanders Jr Democrat
General election
- James Sanders Jr Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentToby Stavisky Democratic
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
community leader
attorney
regional director of Young Invincibles
incumbent senator
IncumbentMike Gianaris Democratic/working families
General election
- Han Khon To Republican
nominee for this district in 2024
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
activist and organizer
Queens County Democratic Party committee member
state assemblymember from the 30th district (2023–present)
Republican primary
nominee for this district in 2024
IncumbentJessica Ramos Democratic/working families
General election
- John Healy Republican
budget analyst
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
former member of the New York City Council and New York State Senate
state assemblymember from the 34th district
incumbent senator
Republican primary
budget analyst
IncumbentLeroy Comrie Democratic
General election
- Leroy Comrie Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentJoe Addabbo Democratic
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
community advocate
incumbent senator
IncumbentJohn Liu Democratic
General election
- John Liu Democrat
incumbent senator
- Philip Wang Republican
chiropractor
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
chiropractor
IncumbentSteve Chan Republican/conservative
General election
- Larry He Democrat
chief of staff to William Colton
- Steve Chan Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
chief of staff to William Colton
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentJulia Salazar Democratic/working families
General election
- Julia Salazar Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentRoxanne Persaud Democratic
General election
- Roxanne Persaud Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentZellnor Myrie Democratic
General election
- Zellnor Myrie Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentKevin Parker Democratic/working families
General election
- Kevin Parker Democrat
incumbent senator
- Ronald Seifert Republican
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
IncumbentSam Sutton Democratic
General election
- Sam Sutton Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
businessman and community activist
candidate for this district in 2025 and for New York State Assembly in 2014 New York State Assembly election
IncumbentJessica Scarcella-Spanton Democratic
General election
- Ruslan Shamal Republican
radio presenter and candidate for New York City Council in 2023
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
former EMS
Republican primary
radio presenter and candidate for New York City Council in 2023
IncumbentAndrew Lanza Republican/conservative/independence/reform
General election
- Alexis Rodriguez Democrat
teacher
- Andrew Lanza Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
teacher
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentJabari Brisport Democratic/working families
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
community activist
IncumbentAndrew Gounardes Democratic
General election
- Andrew Gounardes Democrat
incumbent senator
- Tom Stanten Republican
veteran
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
veteran
IncumbentBrian Kavanagh Democratic
General election
- Jason Murillo Republican
//www.otdowntown.com/news/can-a-republican-loudmouth-win-a-downtown-nys-senate-seat-XG5668088|title= Can a Republican “Loudmouth” Win a Downtown NYS Senate Seat?|last=Kelly|first=Keith|date=16 March 2026|access-date=23 May 2026|website=Our Town}}
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
state assemblymember from the 65th district (2022–present)
former state assemblymember from the 65th district (2017–2022)
Republican primary
//www.otdowntown.com/news/can-a-republican-loudmouth-win-a-downtown-nys-senate-seat-XG5668088|title= Can a Republican “Loudmouth” Win a Downtown NYS Senate Seat?|last=Kelly|first=Keith|date=16 March 2026|access-date=23 May 2026|website=Our Town}}
IncumbentLiz Krueger Democratic/working families
General election
- Liz Krueger Democrat
incumbent senator
- Alina Bonsell Republican
candidate for New York City Council in 2025
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
candidate for New York City Council in 2025
IncumbentJose Serrano Democratic/working families
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
//www.vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/candidates/2026/PDF_5_7_2026%204_01_50%20PM_PrimaryContestList.pdf|title=Primary Contest List|website=NYC Board of Elections}}
IncumbentCordell Cleare Democratic
General election
- Cordell Cleare Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentRobert Jackson Democratic/working families
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
candidate for this seat in 2022
incumbent senator
IncumbentLuis Sepúlveda Democratic
General election
- Luis Sepúlveda Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentGustavo Rivera Democratic/working families
General election
- Gustavo Rivera Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentNathalia Fernández DemocraticNominee · UnopposedNathalia Fernandez Democrat
General election
- Nathalia Fernandez Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentAndrea Stewart-Cousins Democratic/working families
General election
incumbent senator
- Anthony Merante Republican
former Yonkers city councilman
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
former Yonkers city councilman
IncumbentJamaal Bailey Democratic/working families
General election
- Jamaal Bailey Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentShelley Mayer Democratic/working families
General election
- Shelley Mayer Democrat
incumbent senator
- Thomas Fix Republican
Jr.
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
Jr.
IncumbentBill Weber Republican/conservative
IncumbentRob Rolison Republican
General election
- Robert Rolison Republican
incumbent senator
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
Poughkeepsie common council member
social worker
Dutchess County legislator
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentPete Harckham Democratic/working families
General election
- Peter Harckham Democrat
incumbent senator
- Sergio Esposito Republican
deputy supervisor of Yorktown
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
deputy supervisor of Yorktown
IncumbentMichelle Hinchey Democratic/working families
General election
- Michelle Hinchey Democrat
incumbent senator
- Patrick Sheehan Republican
candidate for this district in 2024 and for state assembly in 2024
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
candidate for this district in 2024 and for state assembly in 2024
IncumbentJames Skoufis Democratic
General election
- James Skoufis Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
trustee of Tuxedo Park
//www.orangecountygov.com/DocumentCenter/View/37027/CandidateStandardReport---STATE-SENATE-042426-SM?bidId=|title=State Senate Petition Filers 4.24.2026|website=Orange County Government|date=April 24, 2026|access-date=17 May 2026}}
IncumbentJake Ashby Republican/conservative
General election
- Devin Lander Democrat
New York State historian
- Jake Ashby Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
New York State historian
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentJim Tedisco Republican/conservative
General election
- Jim Tedisco Republican
incumbent senator
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
candidate for this district in 2020
//www.wamc.org/news/2026-02-03/sarah-rogerson-joins-patrick-nelson-as-democratic-candidate-for-44th-state-senate-district-seat|website=WAMC Northeast Public Radio|title=Rogerson joins Democratic race in 44th State Senate District|last=Shellow-Lavine|first=Aaron|date=3 February 2026|access-date=16 Ma
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentDan Stec Republican/conservative/independence
General election
- Melissa Seale Democrat
small business owner
- Dan Stec Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
small business owner
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentPat Fahy Democratic
General election
- Patricia Fahy Democrat
incumbent senator
- Martha McHugh Republican
former New York State assistant commissioner of health
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
former New York State assistant commissioner of health
IncumbentErik Bottcher Democratic
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
IncumbentRachel May Democratic/working families
General election
- Rachel May Democrat
incumbent senator
- Richard McCarron Republican
Onondaga County legislator
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
Onondaga County legislator
IncumbentMark Walczyk Republican/conservative
General election
- Cassie Robbins Democrat
Forbus, grant writer
- Mark Walczyk Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Forbus, grant writer
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentChris Ryan Democratic
General election
- Chris Ryan Democrat
incumbent senator
- James Corl Republican
state senate office worker
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
state senate office worker
IncumbentPeter Oberacker Republican/conservative
General election
- Michele Frazier Democrat
former Oneonta, New York city councilwoman, candidate for this district in 2024
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
former Oneonta, New York city councilwoman, candidate for this district in 2024
Republican primary
state assemblyman from the 102nd district (2018–present)
Bernardo, Sullivan County legislator
IncumbentLea Webb Democratic/working families
General election
- Lea Webb Democrat
incumbent senator
- Michael Bolles Republican
//www.wxhc.com/retired-firefighter-and-army-veteran-mike-bolles-announces-2026-bid-for-52nd-state-senate-district-setting-up-challenge-to-sen-lea-webb/|title=Retired Firefighter and Army Veteran Mike Bolles Announces 2026 Bid for 52nd State Senate District, Setting Up Challenge to Sen. Lea Webb|date
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
//www.wxhc.com/retired-firefighter-and-army-veteran-mike-bolles-announces-2026-bid-for-52nd-state-senate-district-setting-up-challenge-to-sen-lea-webb/|title=Retired Firefighter and Army Veteran Mike Bolles Announces 2026 Bid for 52nd State Senate District, Setting Up Challenge to Sen. Lea Webb|date
IncumbentJoe Griffo Republican/conservative
General election
- Mandi Drake Democrat
//www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584328636781|title=Mandi Drake for New York State Senate|website=Facebook|access-date=19 December 2025}}
- Joseph Griffo Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
//www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584328636781|title=Mandi Drake for New York State Senate|website=Facebook|access-date=19 December 2025}}
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentPam Helming Republican/conservative/independence
General election
- Pamela Helming Republican
incumbent senator
- Democrat Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
Canandaigua, New York city councilman (2024–present)
communty leader
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentSamra Brouk Democratic/working families
General election
- Samra Brouk Democrat
incumbent senator
- Chris Brown Republican
software engineer
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
software engineer
IncumbentJeremy Cooney Democratic/working families
General election
- Jeremy Cooney Democrat
incumbent senator
- Orlando Rivera Republican
candidate for New York State Assembly in 2024
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
candidate for New York State Assembly in 2024
IncumbentGeorge Borrello Republican/conservative
General election
- Victoria Guite Democrat
Williams
- George Borrello Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
Williams
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentTom O'Mara Republican/conservative
General election
- Jim Bobreski Democrat
engineer
- Tom O'Mara Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
engineer
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentKristen Gonzalez Democratic/working families
General election
- Kristen Gonzalez Democrat
incumbent senator
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentPatrick Gallivan Republican/conservative
General election
- Jacqueline Balikowski Democrat
//www.elections.erie.gov/pdfs/04.10.26%20Petitions%20Log%20100pm.pdf|title=04.10 Petitions Log|website=Erie County Board of Elections|date=10 April 2026|access-date=17 May 2026}}
- Patrick Gallivan Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
//www.elections.erie.gov/pdfs/04.10.26%20Petitions%20Log%20100pm.pdf|title=04.10 Petitions Log|website=Erie County Board of Elections|date=10 April 2026|access-date=17 May 2026}}
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentJeremy Zellner Democratic
General election
- Democrat Nominee TBD
- Republican Nominee TBD
Democratic primary
incumbent State Senator
state assemblymember from the 149th district (2021–present)
Republican primary
attorney
businessman
IncumbentRob Ortt Republican/conservative/independence
General election
- Thomas Arida Democrat
consultant
- Rob Ortt Republican
incumbent senator
Democratic primary
consultant
Republican primary
incumbent senator
IncumbentApril Baskin Democratic
General election
- April Baskin Democrat
incumbent senator
- Geoffrey Szymanski Republican
former mayor of Lackawanna
Democratic primary
incumbent senator
Republican primary
former mayor of Lackawanna
No races match those filters.
View MoreSenate Bills
View All →- S 10085May 30, 2026Extends the twenty-five year presumptive eligibility period for certain retirement benefits for injuries or illnesses related to World Trade Center rescue, recovery and clean-up operationsPRINT NUMBER 10085A
- S 6394May 30, 2026Relates to the regulation of energy consumption by data centersPRINT NUMBER 6394B
- S 4903May 29, 2026Directs the creation of a document giving certain notice to parents and guardians of school age students who are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition or a certain medical conditionREFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
- S 7928May 29, 2026Limits the suspension or revocation of an individual's driver's license when participating in a treatment court programREFERRED TO CODES
- S 9788May 29, 2026Relates to arbitration proceedingsORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.259
- S 7689May 29, 2026Relates to voting of overseas military voters and special federal votersREFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
- S 9772May 29, 2026Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance codeREFERRED TO JUDICIARY
- S 10023May 29, 2026Relates to base proportions in assessing units in Nassau and Suffolk countiesRETURNED TO SENATE
- S 9822May 29, 2026Repeals section 2307 of the public health law relating to persons knowing themselves to be infected with venereal diseaseREFERRED TO CODES
- S 9839May 29, 2026Facilitates the marketing of any issue of serial bonds or notes of the city of Buffalo issued on or before a certain dateDELIVERED TO SENATE
- S 5045May 29, 2026Relates to copayment and coinsurance charged for physical and occupational therapy servicesSUBSTITUTED BY A6484A
- S 6870May 29, 2026Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital fundingREFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
