Majority Leader of the New York State Senate
Encyclopedia
The Majority Leader of the New York State Senate is elected by the majority of the members of the New York State Senate
. The position usually coincides with the title of Temporary President of the State Senate, who presides over the session of the State Senate if the Lieutenant Governor of New York
(who is ex officio President of the State Senate) is absent. The Temporary President of the State Senate becomes Acting Lieutenant Governor for the remainder of the unexpired term in case of a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. In case of a vacancy in the offices of both the governor and lieutenant governor at the same time, the Temporary President of the State Senate becomes Acting Governor. If the double vacancy occurs until three months before the mid-term state elections, a special election for Governor of New York
and Lieutenant Governor is held. If the double vacancy occurs later, the Temporary President of the State Senate acts as governor until the end of the unexpired term. The Temporary President of the State Senate retains both his majority leadership and his seat in the State Senate while acting as lieutenant governor or governor.
There was a lengthy dispute over the leadership of the Senate during June and July 2009. On June 8, 2009, Democrats
Hiram Monserrate
and Pedro Espada, Jr., joined the 30 Republican members of the State Senate to attempt to issue a motion to replace current Majority Leader Malcolm Smith
with Minority Leader Dean Skelos
. Following the precedent of 1913, the temporary presidency and the majority leadership would have been separated again under this scenario. Since the office of Lieutenant Governor fell vacant after Lt. Gov. David Paterson
succeeded to the governorship upon Gov. Eliot Spitzer
's resignation, the majority leaders (Bruno, Skelos and Smith) have acted as lieutenant governors. The motions put forward on June 8 also sought to select Pedro Espada as Temporary President of the State Senate, which would have installed him as acting lieutenant governor. The Democrats have disputed the legitimacy of the motions put forward on June 8. The New York State Senate has been providing a running update of the legal proceedings since June 11, 2009. The dispute ended July 9, 2009, when Senator Espada announced he would return to the Democratic caucus and take on the position of majority leader, while it was also announced that former majority leader Malcolm Smith had assumed the title of president pro tempore, and John Sampson would serve as Democratic conference leader with the understanding he would assume the presidency at an undetermined future date. Following the 2010 election and the Republican victory in the Senate, Senator Dean Skelos
from Long Island serves as both Temporary President and Majority Leader.
Before this time, a President pro tempore was elected only in case of vacancy (the President pro tem acting as Lieutenant Governor for the remainder of the term), or if the Lieutenant Governor was absent. In practice, this new arrangement transferred much power from the Lieutenant Governor to the President pro tempore, whose political position became comparable to that of the Speaker of the New York State Assembly
.
After the impeachment of Governor William Sulzer
in October 1913, Lt. Gov. Martin H. Glynn
became Governor, and President pro tempore Robert F. Wagner
became Acting Lieutenant Governor. At the time Wagner - as Acting Lieutenant Governor - was considered to be President of the Senate and it was deemed necessary to elect another member as President pro tempore/Majority Leader, and John F. Murtaugh
was chosen.
The precedent of 1913-14 caused some confusion after the death of Lt. Gov. Thomas W. Wallace
in 1943. It was unclear if the Majority Leader had to give up his post upon becoming Acting Lieutenant Governor, and if such an Acting Lieutenant Governor became President of the Senate for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Traditionally, the positions of Acting Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor were considered to be tied to the post of Majority Leader. This means that if the Majority Leader resigns, or is ousted from office, or if the majority changes and a new Majority Leader is chosen, the offices of Acting Lieutenant Governor or Acting Governor were transferred at the same time to the new Majority Leader.
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
. The position usually coincides with the title of Temporary President of the State Senate, who presides over the session of the State Senate if the Lieutenant Governor of New York
Lieutenant Governor of New York
The Lieutenant Governor of New York is a constitutional office in the executive branch of the government of New York State. It is the second highest ranking official in state government. The lieutenant governor is elected on a ticket with the governor for a four year term...
(who is ex officio President of the State Senate) is absent. The Temporary President of the State Senate becomes Acting Lieutenant Governor for the remainder of the unexpired term in case of a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. In case of a vacancy in the offices of both the governor and lieutenant governor at the same time, the Temporary President of the State Senate becomes Acting Governor. If the double vacancy occurs until three months before the mid-term state elections, a special election for Governor of New York
Governor of New York
The Governor of the State of New York is the chief executive of the State of New York. The governor is the head of the executive branch of New York's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military and naval forces. The officeholder is afforded the courtesy title of His/Her...
and Lieutenant Governor is held. If the double vacancy occurs later, the Temporary President of the State Senate acts as governor until the end of the unexpired term. The Temporary President of the State Senate retains both his majority leadership and his seat in the State Senate while acting as lieutenant governor or governor.
There was a lengthy dispute over the leadership of the Senate during June and July 2009. On June 8, 2009, Democrats
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
Hiram Monserrate
Hiram Monserrate
Hiram Monserrate is a former member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 13th District which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Woodside...
and Pedro Espada, Jr., joined the 30 Republican members of the State Senate to attempt to issue a motion to replace current Majority Leader Malcolm Smith
Malcolm Smith (US politician)
Malcolm A. Smith is an American politician. He is a Democratic member of the New York State Senate, elected in the 14th district which is located in Southeast Queens and includes Hollis, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Rosedale and the entirety of the Rockaway Peninsula...
with Minority Leader Dean Skelos
Dean Skelos
Dean G. Skelos is an American politician and the Republican Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Skelos represents District 9 in the State Senate, which comprises the southwest region of Nassau County. He is the second Long Islander to hold the position of Majority...
. Following the precedent of 1913, the temporary presidency and the majority leadership would have been separated again under this scenario. Since the office of Lieutenant Governor fell vacant after Lt. Gov. David Paterson
David Paterson
David Alexander Paterson is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New York, from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure he was the first governor of New York of African American heritage and also the second legally blind governor of any U.S. state after Bob C. Riley, who was Acting...
succeeded to the governorship upon Gov. Eliot Spitzer
Eliot Spitzer
Eliot Laurence Spitzer is an American lawyer, former Democratic Party politician, and political commentator. He was the co-host of In the Arena, a talk-show and punditry forum broadcast on CNN until CNN cancelled his show in July of 2011...
's resignation, the majority leaders (Bruno, Skelos and Smith) have acted as lieutenant governors. The motions put forward on June 8 also sought to select Pedro Espada as Temporary President of the State Senate, which would have installed him as acting lieutenant governor. The Democrats have disputed the legitimacy of the motions put forward on June 8. The New York State Senate has been providing a running update of the legal proceedings since June 11, 2009. The dispute ended July 9, 2009, when Senator Espada announced he would return to the Democratic caucus and take on the position of majority leader, while it was also announced that former majority leader Malcolm Smith had assumed the title of president pro tempore, and John Sampson would serve as Democratic conference leader with the understanding he would assume the presidency at an undetermined future date. Following the 2010 election and the Republican victory in the Senate, Senator Dean Skelos
Dean Skelos
Dean G. Skelos is an American politician and the Republican Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Skelos represents District 9 in the State Senate, which comprises the southwest region of Nassau County. He is the second Long Islander to hold the position of Majority...
from Long Island serves as both Temporary President and Majority Leader.
History
The position of President pro tempore of the New York State Senate was created as a standing office by a constitutional amendment in 1873. The President pro tempore was elected for the duration of the biennial senatorial term which comprised two sessions, the first in an even-numbered year, the other in the following odd-numbered year.Before this time, a President pro tempore was elected only in case of vacancy (the President pro tem acting as Lieutenant Governor for the remainder of the term), or if the Lieutenant Governor was absent. In practice, this new arrangement transferred much power from the Lieutenant Governor to the President pro tempore, whose political position became comparable to that of the Speaker of the New York State Assembly
Speaker of the New York State Assembly
The Speaker of the New York State Assembly is the highest official in the New York State Assembly, customarily elected from the ranks of the majority party....
.
After the impeachment of Governor William Sulzer
William Sulzer
William Sulzer was an American lawyer and politician, nicknamed Plain Bill Sulzer. He was the 39th Governor of New York and a long-serving congressman from the same state. He was the first and so far only New York Governor to be impeached...
in October 1913, Lt. Gov. Martin H. Glynn
Martin H. Glynn
Martin Henry Glynn was an American politician. He was the 40th Governor of New York from 1913 to 1914, the first Irish American Roman Catholic head of government of what was then the most populated state of the US....
became Governor, and President pro tempore Robert F. Wagner
Robert F. Wagner
Robert Ferdinand Wagner I was an American politician. He was a Democratic U.S. Senator from New York from 1927 to 1949.-Origin and early life:...
became Acting Lieutenant Governor. At the time Wagner - as Acting Lieutenant Governor - was considered to be President of the Senate and it was deemed necessary to elect another member as President pro tempore/Majority Leader, and John F. Murtaugh
John F. Murtaugh
John Francis Murtaugh was an American lawyer and politician from New York.-Life:...
was chosen.
The precedent of 1913-14 caused some confusion after the death of Lt. Gov. Thomas W. Wallace
Thomas W. Wallace
Thomas W. Wallace was an American lawyer and Republican politician. Running on the ticket with Governor Thomas E. Dewey, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of New York in November 1942, but died less than seven months into his only term.-Life:Wallace was corporation counsel of Schenectady, New York...
in 1943. It was unclear if the Majority Leader had to give up his post upon becoming Acting Lieutenant Governor, and if such an Acting Lieutenant Governor became President of the Senate for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Traditionally, the positions of Acting Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor were considered to be tied to the post of Majority Leader. This means that if the Majority Leader resigns, or is ousted from office, or if the majority changes and a new Majority Leader is chosen, the offices of Acting Lieutenant Governor or Acting Governor were transferred at the same time to the new Majority Leader.
Presidents pro tempore 1874 - 1938
| President pro tem | Party | Took office | Left office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William H. Robertson William H. Robertson William Henry Robertson was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was a United States Representative from 1867 to 1869, and President pro tempore of the New York State Senate.-Life:He was the son of Henry Robertson... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
1874 | July 23, 1881 | vacated his seat during his fourth term when appointed Collector of the Port of New York Collector of the Port of New York The Collector of Customs at the Port of New York, most often referred to as Collector of the Port of New York, sometimes also as Collector of Customs for the Port of New York or Collector of Customs for the District of New York, was a federal officer who was in charge of the collection of import... |
| Dennis McCarthy Dennis McCarthy (congressman) Dennis McCarthy was an American manufacturer and politician from New York.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
July 23, 1881 | December 31, 1881 | elected for the remainder of the term |
| vacant | January 3, 1882 | December 31, 1883 | John C. Jacobs John C. Jacobs John C. Jacobs was an American politician from New York.-Life:... was the candidate of the Democratic majority but, due to the split of the Democrats, no President pro tem was chosen by a senate with 14 regular Democrats, 3 Tammany men and 15 Republicans |
|
| Dennis McCarthy Dennis McCarthy (congressman) Dennis McCarthy was an American manufacturer and politician from New York.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
1884 | December 31, 1885 | Acting Lieutenant Governor 1885 |
| Edmund L. Pitts Edmund L. Pitts Edmund Levi Pitts was an American lawyer and politician.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 4, 1886 | December 31, 1887 | |
| Jacob Sloat Fassett Jacob Sloat Fassett -External links:* at www.infoplease.com Bio at InfoPlease* at politicalgraveyard.com Political Graveyard... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1888 | August 1, 1891 | vacated his seat during his second term when appointed Collector of the Port of New York Collector of the Port of New York The Collector of Customs at the Port of New York, most often referred to as Collector of the Port of New York, sometimes also as Collector of Customs for the Port of New York or Collector of Customs for the District of New York, was a federal officer who was in charge of the collection of import... |
| Jacob A. Cantor Jacob A. Cantor Jacob Aaron Cantor was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was a United States Representative from 1913 to 1915.-Life:... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
January 1892 | December 31, 1893 | Minority Leader 1888-1891 and 1894–1898 |
| Charles T. Saxton Charles T. Saxton Charles Terry Saxton was an American lawyer and politician from New York.-Biography:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1894 | December 31, 1894 | vacated his seat when taking office as Lieutenant Governor of New York Lieutenant Governor of New York The Lieutenant Governor of New York is a constitutional office in the executive branch of the government of New York State. It is the second highest ranking official in state government. The lieutenant governor is elected on a ticket with the governor for a four year term... |
| Edmund O'Connor Edmund O'Connor Edmund O'Connor was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate in 1895.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1895 | December 31, 1895 | elected for the remainder of the term |
| Timothy E. Ellsworth Timothy E. Ellsworth Timothy Edwards Ellsworth was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate from 1896 to 1902.-Biography:He graduated from University of Rochester in 1857... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1896 | December 31, 1902 | three terms (1896-98, 1899–1900, 1901–02) |
| John Raines John Raines John Raines was an American lawyer and politician from New York.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1903 | December 16, 1909 | Acting Lieutenant Governor 1906; died in office during his fourth term |
| Jotham P. Allds Jotham P. Allds Jotham Powers Allds was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate for a short time in 1910.-Life:He was the son of Jotham G. Allds and Lucy Charlotte Allds. He graduated A.B... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 5, 1910 | February 23, 1910 | elected for the remainder of the term; resigned during bribery investigation, later found guilty by Senate vote |
| George H. Cobb George H. Cobb George Henry Cobb was an American politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate and Acting Lieutenant Governor of New York in 1910.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
March 11, 1910 | December 31, 1910 | elected for the remainder of the term; Acting Lieutenant Governor 1910 |
| Robert F. Wagner Robert F. Wagner Robert Ferdinand Wagner I was an American politician. He was a Democratic U.S. Senator from New York from 1927 to 1949.-Origin and early life:... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
January 1911 | January 6, 1914 | two terms; Acting Lieutenant Governor 1913-1914; Minority Leader 1915-1918 |
| John F. Murtaugh John F. Murtaugh John Francis Murtaugh was an American lawyer and politician from New York.-Life:... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
January 6, 1914 | December 31, 1914 | chosen Majority Leader while Acting Lt. Gov. Wagner continued as Temporary President/Acting Lieutenant Governor |
| Elon R. Brown Elon R. Brown Elon Rouse Brown was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate from 1915 to 1918.-Life:He was the son of Elon Galusha Brown and Lucretia Brown. He graduated from Brown University in 1876... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1915 | December 31, 1918 | two terms |
| J. Henry Walters J. Henry Walters John Henry Walters was an American lawyer and politician. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate from 1919 to 1920.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1919 | December 31, 1920 | |
| Clayton R. Lusk Clayton R. Lusk Clayton Riley Lusk was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He is now mostly remembered as Chairman of the "Lusk Committee", and was Acting Lieutenant Governor of New York in 1922.... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1921 | December 31, 1922 | Acting Lieutenant Governor 1922; Minority Leader 1923-1924 |
| Jimmy Walker Jimmy Walker James John Walker, often known as Jimmy Walker and colloquially as Beau James , was the mayor of New York City from 1926 to 1932... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
January 1923 | December 31, 1924 | Minority Leader 1919-1922 and 1925 |
| John Knight John Knight (judge) John Knight was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate from 1925 to 1931, and was later a United States federal judge.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1925 | March 30, 1931 | vacated his seat during his fourth term when appointed U.S. Judge for the Western District of NY United States District Court for the Western District of New York The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is the Federal district court whose jurisdiction comprises only a part of New York.... |
| George R. Fearon George R. Fearon George Randolph Fearon was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate from 1931 to 1932.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
April 9, 1931 | December 31, 1932 | elected for the remainder of the term |
| John J. Dunnigan John J. Dunnigan John J. Dunnigan was an American architect, builder and politician from New York. He was President pro tempore of the New York State Senate from 1933 to 1938.-Life:... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
January 4, 1933 | December 31, 1938 | three terms; Minority Leader 1931-1932 and 1939–1944 |
Majority Leaders since 1939
| Majority Leader | Party | Took office | Left office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perley A. Pitcher Perley A. Pitcher Perley A. Pitcher was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was Majority Leader of the New York State Senate in 1939.-Life:... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 3, 1939 | February 20, 1939 | Minority Leader 1937-1938; died in office |
| Joe R. Hanley Joe R. Hanley Joseph Rhodes Hanley was an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1943 to 1950.-Life:He served in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
February 27, 1939 | December 31, 1943 | elected for the remainder of the term, then re-elected twice; Acting Lieutenant Governor 1942 and 1943; vacated his seat when taking office as Lieutenant Governor of New York Lieutenant Governor of New York The Lieutenant Governor of New York is a constitutional office in the executive branch of the government of New York State. It is the second highest ranking official in state government. The lieutenant governor is elected on a ticket with the governor for a four year term... |
| Benjamin F. Feinberg Benjamin F. Feinberg Benjamin Franklin Feinberg was an American lawyer and politician from New York... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 4, 1944 | March 30, 1949 | elected for the remainder of the term, then re-elected three times; vacated his seat when appointed Chairman of the Public Service Commission |
| Arthur H. Wicks Arthur H. Wicks Arthur H. Wicks was an American politician.-Life:He owned a steam laundry in Kingston, New York. He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1927 to 1956 from the 29th District 1927 - 1944, and from the 34th District 1945 - 1956. Between 1949 and 1953 he was the Majority Leader of the New... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
March 30, 1949 | November 19, 1953 | elected for the remainder of the term, then re-elected twice, then resigned; Acting Lieutenant Governor 1953 |
| Walter J. Mahoney Walter J. Mahoney Walter J. Mahoney was an American lawyer and politician.-Life:He graduated from Canisius College in 1930, and received a law degree from the University of Buffalo and was admitted to practice in 1934... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 6, 1954 | December 31, 1964 | elected for the remainder of the term, then re-elected five times; Acting Lieutenant Governor 1954 |
| Joseph Zaretzki Joseph Zaretzki Joseph Zaretzki was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was Majority Leader of the New York State Senate in 1965, the only Democrat in this position since the adoption of the New York State Constitution of 1938 until Malcolm Smith attained the position in 2009.-Life:He served in... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
February 3, 1965 | December 31, 1965 | elected after a month of deadlock; Minority Leader 1957-1964 and 1966–1974 |
| Earl W. Brydges | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January, 1966 | December 31, 1972 | four terms (1966, 1967–68, 1969–70, 1971–72); Minority Leader 1965 |
| Warren M. Anderson Warren M. Anderson Warren Mattice Anderson was Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. He was a resident of Binghamton, New York.... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January, 1973 | December 31, 1988 | eight terms; longest-serving Majority Leader (16 years); Acting Lieutenant Governor 1973-1974 and 1985–1986 |
| Ralph J. Marino Ralph J. Marino Ralph John Marino was majority leader of the New York State Senate from 1989 until 1994. He was ousted during the Thanksgiving holiday in 1994 by allies of then Governor-elect George Pataki and replaced by Joseph Bruno.... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January, 1989 | November 25, 1994 | ousted by his party shortly before the end of his third term |
| Joseph L. Bruno | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
November 25, 1994 | June 24, 2008 | elected for the remainder of the term, then re-elected seven times, then resigned; Acting Lieutenant Governor 2008. |
| Dean Skelos Dean Skelos Dean G. Skelos is an American politician and the Republican Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Skelos represents District 9 in the State Senate, which comprises the southwest region of Nassau County. He is the second Long Islander to hold the position of Majority... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
June 24, 2008 | December 31, 2008 | elected for the remainder of the term; Acting Lieutenant Governor 2008. |
| Malcolm Smith Malcolm Smith (US politician) Malcolm A. Smith is an American politician. He is a Democratic member of the New York State Senate, elected in the 14th district which is located in Southeast Queens and includes Hollis, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Rosedale and the entirety of the Rockaway Peninsula... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
January 7, 2009 | June 8, 2009 | Acting Lieutenant Governor Jan. 7 - June 8, 2009; Minority Leader 2007-2008 and June 8-15, 2009 |
| Dean Skelos Dean Skelos Dean G. Skelos is an American politician and the Republican Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Skelos represents District 9 in the State Senate, which comprises the southwest region of Nassau County. He is the second Long Islander to hold the position of Majority... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
June 8, 2009 | June 15, 2009 | Skelos was chosen Majority Leader, and Pedro Espada Jr. Temporary President/Acting Lieutenant Governor. |
| Dean Skelos Dean Skelos Dean G. Skelos is an American politician and the Republican Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Skelos represents District 9 in the State Senate, which comprises the southwest region of Nassau County. He is the second Long Islander to hold the position of Majority... /Malcolm Smith |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
June 15, 2009 | July 9, 2009 | Pedro Espada Jr. continued as Temporary President/Acting Lieutenant Governor, but after the return of Hiram Monserrate Hiram Monserrate Hiram Monserrate is a former member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 13th District which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst and Woodside... to the Democratic caucus, the Senate was tied, and both leaders claimed to be the Majority Leader during the 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis The 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis was a political dispute in New York that began on June 8, 2009. The State Senate was controlled by Democrats with a 32-30 majority, when a bipartisan coalition of all 30 Republicans and two Democrats, Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr., voted to... . |
| Pedro Espada Jr. | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
July 9, 2009 | December 14, 2010 | Malcolm Smith Malcolm Smith (US politician) Malcolm A. Smith is an American politician. He is a Democratic member of the New York State Senate, elected in the 14th district which is located in Southeast Queens and includes Hollis, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Rosedale and the entirety of the Rockaway Peninsula... was Temporary President since July 9, 2009, and John L. Sampson John L. Sampson John L. Sampson represents District 19 in the New York State Senate, which comprises Crown Heights, East Flatbush, as well as portions of Brownsville, Canarsie and Spring Creek Towers.... was Chairman of the Democratic Conference. As sitting Majority Leader, Espada was indicted on six federal counts of embezzlement and theft on Dec. 14, 2010 and was stripped of his leadership position. |
| vacant | December 14, 2010 | December 31, 2010 | While the office of Majority Leader remained vacant, Malcolm Smith Malcolm Smith (US politician) Malcolm A. Smith is an American politician. He is a Democratic member of the New York State Senate, elected in the 14th district which is located in Southeast Queens and includes Hollis, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Rosedale and the entirety of the Rockaway Peninsula... continued as Temporary President, and John L. Sampson John L. Sampson John L. Sampson represents District 19 in the New York State Senate, which comprises Crown Heights, East Flatbush, as well as portions of Brownsville, Canarsie and Spring Creek Towers.... as Chairman of the Democratic Conference. |
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| Dean Skelos Dean Skelos Dean G. Skelos is an American politician and the Republican Temporary President and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Skelos represents District 9 in the State Senate, which comprises the southwest region of Nassau County. He is the second Long Islander to hold the position of Majority... |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
January 1, 2011 | present |