Andrea Stewart-Cousins has been elected to serve as New York state Senate majority leader, making her the first woman to lead either chamber. Her selection also marks the first time in New York history that both state chambers will be led by African American members. DNC Chair Tom Perez, DNC Vice Chair and New York state Assembly member Michael Blake, and DNC Vice Chair and former New York state Assembly member Grace Meng released the following joint statement:

“Andrea Stewart-Cousins is a trailblazer. Not only is she the first woman to lead either house in the New York state legislature, her selection also means that for the first time, African American officials will lead both of New York’s legislative chambers. Representation matters. When the people we entrust with political power reflect the great diversity of the people they represent, we are stronger as a nation. African American organizers – and Black women in particular – were instrumental in electing the most diverse slate of Democratic candidates up and down the ballot across the country this year. We look forward to Andrea’s leadership and everything she’ll accomplish as Senate majority leader to build a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”