In the recent New York state elections, both the Senate and Assembly experienced some notable changes, setting the stage for shifts in legislative dynamics when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
Senate overview
The New York state Senate Democrats successfully retained their majority, but they lost one seat, impacting their previous veto-proof status. The most significant upset occurred in Senate District 17 in Brooklyn, where incumbent Democrat Iwen Chu was defeated by Republican Steve Chan. This shift highlights growing competition in districts that have traditionally leaned Democratic.
Another key change is in Senate leadership for the insurance industry. Outgoing Sen. Neil Breslin, D-46, the former Senate Insurance Committee Chair, did not seek reelection. His seat was won by Democrat Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, who secured the open seat with a solid victory. Breslin’s departure leaves the role of Senate Insurance Committee Chair open, with a successor to be appointed in January.
Other new members joining the Senate’s Majority Conference include the following:
Nassau (District 6): Siela Bynoe, replaces Sen. Kevin Thomas, who opted not to seek reelection.
Syracuse (District 50): Chris Ryan, succeeds Sen. John Mannion, who is now representing the 22nd Congressional District.
Buffalo (District 63): April McCants-Baskin, takes over for former Sen. Tim Kennedy, now a congressman representing the 26th Congressional District.
Assembly changes
The Assembly elections resulted in a likely expansion of the Democrats’ veto-proof majority, with at least one additional seat expected to bolster their numbers. As in previous election cycles, generally incumbents held onto their seats across the state.
A notable development in the state Assembly is the retirement of several senior members, which created an opportunity for new leadership within the conference. This wave of retirements is expected to bring significant changes to leadership roles, committee chair positions and overall committee composition.
Looking ahead
With these changes, New York state’s legislative landscape will see fresh faces and new perspectives influencing policy decisions.
As the Legislature prepares to reconvene, we can anticipate shifts in committee priorities, and perhaps a reconfiguration of party strategies—particularly around issues requiring a supermajority for veto overrides.
The appointment of a new Senate Insurance Committee chair and the shifting of leadership roles in the Assembly will be watched closely by PIANY.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.
