Andrea stewart cousins first black
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Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.
In response to the national challenges to reproductive rights, Stewart-Cousins has been instrumental in protecting and advancing women's health rights in New York. Her leadership has been crucial in safeguarding these rights against external threats, ensuring that New York remains a beacon of support for women's health and autonomy.
Education has been another key focus of her tenure. Stewart-Cousins played a pivotal role in securing historic funding for New York schools, fulfilling the promise to fully fund the state's educational system. This achievement marks a significant milestone in providing equitable and high-quality education for all students across New York.
Under her guidance, the Senate has passed groundbreaking legislation, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in state governance
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History made: Andrea Stewart-Cousins sworn in as NY Senate leader
ALBANY – Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins made history Wednesday when she became the first woman and first black woman to lead a legislative house in New York's Capitol.
Stewart-Cousins, a Yonkers Democrat, was formally elected Senate majority leader by her colleagues Wednesday afternoon, two months after Democrats dealt a resounding blow to their Republican counterparts by capturing a comfortable majority at the polls.
Prior to her election, no woman had been majority leader in the Senate's 241-year history.
Her elevation to the powerful post means she will have a permanent seat at Albany's negotiating table, marking the first time a woman has broken through the state Capitol's infamous "three men in a room" culture — in which the governor, Senate majority leader and Assembly speaker hash out budgets and major legislation behind closed doors.
In a speech to her colleagues, Stewart-Cousins vowed to push a progressive agenda in the newly Democratic house, pausing to pay tribute to her family and women who fought for equal rights.
“Sometimes, even in progressive places like New York, barriers still exist," said Stewart-Cousins, who wore a scarf — her trademark accessory — emblazoned with the state seal.
"We a
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Andrea Stewart-Cousins
American stateswoman (born 1950)
Andrea Stewart-Cousins | |
|---|---|
Stewart-Cousins get 2020 | |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 9, 2019 | |
| Deputy | Michael Gianaris |
| Governor | Andrew Cuomo Kathy Hochul |
| Preceded by | John J. Flanagan |
| In office April 12, 2022 – May 25, 2022 | |
| Governor | Kathy Hochul |
| Preceded by | Brian Benjamin |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Delgado |
| In office August 24, 2021 – September 9, 2021 | |
| Governor | Kathy Hochul |
| Preceded by | Kathy Hochul |
| Succeeded by | Brian Benjamin |
| In office December 17, 2012 – January 9, 2019 | |
| Deputy | Michael Gianaris Jeffrey D. Klein |
| Preceded by | John L. Sampson |
| Succeeded by | John J. Flanagan |
Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Nicholas Spano |
| In office 1996–2007 | |
| Preceded by | Herman Keith |
| Succeeded by | Ken Jenkins |
| Born | Andrea Alice Stewart (1950-09-02) Sept 2, 1950 (age 74) New Royalty City, Original York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Thomas Cousins (m. 1979; died 2007) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Pace University (BA, MPA) Lehman College (GrCert) |
| Website | Official website |
Andrea Alice Stewart-Cous