New York State Senate#2008 elections and power struggle

{{main|Political party strength in New York (state)}}

The New York State Senate was dominated by the Republican Party for much of the 20th century. Between World War II and the turn of the 21st century, the Democratic Party only controlled the upper house for one year.{{cite web|url=https://northbrooklynnews.com/2019/02/01/states-whirl-of-progress/|title=State's Whirl of Progress|date=February 1, 2019}} The Democrats took control of the Senate following the 1964 elections;{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/nyregion/05york.html|title=Democrats Are Poised to Control Albany|first1=Nicholas|last1=Confessore|first2=Danny|last2=Hakim|work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 2008|via=NYTimes.com}} however, the Republicans quickly regained a Senate majority in special elections later that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/new-york-state-senate-election-1.23015114|title=Big LI wins help Democrats take control of NY Senate|website=Newsday}} By 2018, the State Senate was the last Republican-controlled body in New York's government.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-win-new-york-senate-races-1524624024|title=Democrats Win New York Senate Races|work=Wall Street Journal|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=October 23, 2018}}

In the 2018 elections, Democrats gained eight Senate seats, taking control of the chamber from the Republicans.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/07/nyregion/democrat-ny-senate.html|title=Democrats Take Control of New York Senate for First Time in Decade|work=The New York Times|last=Wang|first=Vivian|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=December 19, 2018}} In the 2020 elections, Democrats won a total of 43 seats, while Republicans won 20;{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/2020ElectionResults.html|title=2020 Election Results|website=www.elections.ny.gov|access-date=December 10, 2020}} the election results gave Senate Democrats a veto-proof two-thirds supermajority.{{Cite web|url=https://politi.co/3981T99|title=Stewart-Cousins claims supermajority for Democrats in state Senate|first=Bill|last=Mahoney|website=Politico PRO|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020}} As of January 2025, the Democratic Party holds 41 seats in the Senate and the Republican Party holds 22 seats.

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|2007:{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2006/12/27/eliots-gop-surprise-could-rattle-senate/|title=ELIOT'S GOP SURPRISE COULD RATTLE SENATE|first=Fredric U.|last=Dicker|date=December 27, 2006}}

|2008:{{cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Bruno-will-retire-end-32-year-career-583669.php|title=Bruno will retire, end 32-year career|first=IRENE JAY LIU Capitol|last=bureau|date=July 16, 2008|website=Times Union}}

|2009:{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/gop-coup-albany-senators-hiram-monserrate-pedro-espada-jr-vote-fellow-democrats-article-1.373762|title=GOP coup in Albany: Senators Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr. vote against fellow Democrats|first1=Kenneth |last1=Lovett |first2=Glenn|last2=Blain|website=nydailynews.com|date=June 9, 2009 }}

|2010:{{cite web|url=https://patch.com/new-york/newcity/state-sen-thomas-morahan-dies-at-age-79|title=State Sen. Thomas Morahan dies at Age 78|date=July 12, 2010|website=New City, NY Patch}}

|2011:{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/31/nyregion/31senate.html|title=Issues of Race in New York Senate|first=Thomas|last=Kaplan|work=The New York Times |date=January 30, 2011|via=NYTimes.com}}{{cite web|url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/four-state-senators-bolt-democratic-conference/|title=4 Democrats in State Senate Break With Leaders|first1=Thomas|last1=Kaplan|first2=Nicholas|last2=Confessore|date=January 5, 2011}}

|2012:{{cite web|url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2012/06/01/finally-14-vote-win-for-storobin/|title=FINALLY! 14-vote win for Storobin|date=June 1, 2012|website=Brooklyn Eagle}}

|2013:{{cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/It-s-Tkaczyk-by-just-18-votes-4205383.php|title=It's Tkaczyk by just 18 votes|first=Jimmy|last=Vielkind|date=January 18, 2013|website=Times Union}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/nyregion/malcolm-smith-defects-joining-dissenting-democrats.html|title=Dissident Democrats and G.O.P. to Jointly Run N.Y. Senate|first1=Thomas|last1=Kaplan|first2=Danny|last2=Hakim|work=The New York Times |date=December 4, 2012|via=NYTimes.com}}

|2014:{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/nyregion/john-sampson-once-a-state-senate-powerhouse-sentenced-to-prison.html|title=John Sampson, Once a State Senate Powerhouse, Sentenced to Prison|first=Alan|last=Feuer|work=The New York Times |date=January 18, 2017|via=NYTimes.com}}{{cite web|url=https://observer.com/2017/01/queens-state-senator-becomes-latest-democrat-to-join-breakaway-gop-aligned-faction/|title=Queens State Senator Becomes Latest Democrat to Join Breakaway GOP-Aligned Faction|website=The New York Observer |date=January 25, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Avella-s-defection-strengthens-Senate-coalition-5271494.php|title=Avella's defection strengthens Senate coalition|first=Casey|last=Seiler|date=February 27, 2014|website=Times Union}}{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2014/03/cuomos-special-election-option-011939|title=Cuomo's special-election option|first=Jimmy|last=Vielkind|website=Politico PRO|date=March 28, 2014 }}

|2015:{{cite web|url=https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/new-york/2014/11/05/gop-wins-ny-senate-puts-womens-equality-act-flux/18566915/|title=GOP wins N.Y. Senate, puts Women's Equality Act in flux|website=The Poughkeepsie Journal}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/05/nyregion/with-early-results-republicans-hover-close-to-control-of-new-york-senate.html|title=In Rebuke to Democrats, Voters Return Control of New York Senate to G.O.P.|first=Jesse|last=McKinley|work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 2014|via=NYTimes.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/defeated-mark-grisanti-ny-senate-gop-lawmakers-backed-gay-marriage-blog-entry-1.2000279|title=And then there were none: Defeated Mark Grisanti last of NY Senate GOP lawmakers who backed legal gay marriage|first=Ken|last=Lovett|website=nydailynews.com}}

|2016:{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/25/nyregion/state-senator-john-sampson-is-guilty-on-federal-charges.html|title=John Sampson, New York State Senator, Is Guilty on Some Federal Charges|first=Stephanie|last=Clifford|work=The New York Times |date=July 24, 2015|via=NYTimes.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/mount-vernon/2016/09/04/mount-vernon-senate-seat/89765152/|title=5 Democrats vie for Mount Vernon-Bronx senate seat|website=lohud.com}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/new-york-state-senate-district-9|title=New York 9th District State Senate Results: Todd Kaminsky Wins|work=The New York Times |date=August 1, 2017|via=NYTimes.com}}

|2017:{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/sen-carl-marcellino-wins-senate-race-after-paper-ballot-count-1.12774741|title=Ballot count gives win to Sen. Carl Marcellino|website=Newsday|date=December 18, 2016 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/12/brooks-to-be-certified-winner-in-sd-8-108139|title=Democrat Brooks to be certified winner in SD-8|first=Nick|last=Niedzwiadek|website=Politico PRO|date=December 15, 2016 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/09/nyregion/new-york-independent-democratic-conference-republicans.html|title=For Group of Breakaway Democrats in New York, It Pays to Be No. 2|first=Jesse|last=McKinley|work=The New York Times |date=May 9, 2017|via=NYTimes.com}}

|2018:{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/nyregion/new-york-state-senate-democrats.html|title=Democrats in New York State Senate Reconcile After Years of Infighting|first=Shane|last=Goldmacher|work=The New York Times |date=April 4, 2018|via=NYTimes.com}}

|2019:

|2020:{{Cite web|last=Khurshid|first=Samar|date=November 5, 2020|title=The State of Play in the State Senate as the 2020 Election Moves to Counting Absentee Ballots|url=https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/9882-state-of-play-new-york-state-senate-2020-election-count-absentee-ballots|website=Gotham Gazette}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/chris-jacobs-to-be-sworn-in-tuesday/article_df9b0a7b-2142-55d8-baa3-1a2b74bb271a.html|title=Chris Jacobs to be sworn in Tuesday|website=Lockport Union-Sun & Journal|date=July 21, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://auburnpub.com/blogs/eye_on_ny/antonacci-resigns-from-ny-senate-to-become-state-supreme-court-judge/article_e53b8aa1-5cac-5515-b9f3-7a8b4f9f66ef.html|title=Antonacci resigns from NY Senate to become state Supreme Court judge|first=Robert |last=Harding|website=Auburn Citizen|date=December 31, 2019 }}{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2020/03/25/john-flanagan-shocks-ny-state-senate-with-retirement-announcement/|title=John Flanagan shocks NY state Senate with retirement announcement|website=New York Post|date=March 25, 2020}}

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File:Senate Chamber at New York State Capitol, Albany.jpg

{{For|more information|2008 New York State legislative elections}}

{{For|more information|2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis}}

Democrats won 32 of 62 seats in New York's upper chamber in the 2008 general election on November 4, capturing the Senate majority for the first time in more than four decades.{{cite web|url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/2008ElectionResults.html |title=2008 Election Results, New York State Board of Elections |website=Elections.NY.gov}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/nyregion/05york.html|title=Democrats Are Poised to Control Albany|first1=Nicholas|last1=Confessore|first2=Danny|last2=Hakim|work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 2008|via=NYTimes.com}}

However, a power struggle emerged before the new term began. Four Democratic senators — Rubén Díaz Sr. (Bronx), Carl Kruger (Brooklyn), Pedro Espada Jr. (Bronx), and Hiram Monserrate (Queens) — immediately refused to caucus with their party.New York Times. "[http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/democrats-poised-to-take-state-senate/ Democrats Take State Senate]." [https://nytimes.com]. November 5, 2008. The self-named "Gang of Four" refused to back Malcolm Smith (Queens) as the chamber's majority leader and sought concessions.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/nyregion/07four.html|last=Peters|first=Jeremy|title=Democrats Likely to Keep Control of State Senate|work=The New York Times|date=November 6, 2008}} Monserrate soon rejoined the caucus after reaching an agreement with Smith that reportedly included the chairmanship of the Consumer Affairs Committee.Benjamin, Elizabeth. [http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/11/monserrate-makes-a-democratic.html Monserrate Makes A Democratic Deal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616084336/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/11/monserrate-makes-a-democratic.html |date=June 16, 2012 }} The Daily Politics. The Daily News November 8, 2008 The remaining "Gang of Three" reached an initial compromise in early December that collapsed within a week,Lanza, Michael. [http://www.queenstribune.com/news/1229029057.html Smith Balks After ‘Gang of Three’ Talks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222090316/http://www.queenstribune.com/news/1229029057.html |date=December 22, 2008 }} The Queens Tribune December 11, 2008. but was ultimately resolved{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/nyregion/07albany.html|title=Democrats Reach Pact to Lead New York State Senate|first=Danny|last=Hakim|work=The New York Times |date=February 8, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2018|via=NYTimes.com}} with Smith becoming majority leader.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/nyregion/08albany.html|title=Democrats Take Control of New York State Senate|first=Jeremy W.|last=Peters|work=The New York Times |date=February 8, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2018|via=NYTimes.com}}

At the beginning of the 2009–2010 legislative session, there were 32 Democrats and 30 Republicans in the Senate. On June 8, 2009, then-Senators Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr.—both Democrats—voted with the 30 Republican members to install Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) as the new majority leader of the Senate, replacing Democratic Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/08/AR2009060803144.html "GOP, 2 Dems flip power balance in NY Senate"], The Washington Post, June 8, 2009{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808194 |title=Two Democrats join Republicans to topple Smith as Senate leader |work=Albany Times Union |date=June 8, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611052208/http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808194 |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |url-status=dead }} The Associated Press described the vote as a "parliamentary coup". The move came after Republican whip Tom Libous introduced a surprise resolution to vacate the chair and replace Smith as temporary president and majority leader. In an effort to stop the vote, Democratic whip Jeff Klein (Bronx) unilaterally moved to recess, and Smith had the lights and Internet cut off; however, they were unable to prevent the vote from being held. In accordance with a prearranged deal, Espada was elected temporary president and acting lieutenant governor while Skelos was elected majority leader.{{cite web |url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808194 |title=Two Democrats join Republicans to topple Smith as Senate leader|work=Albany Times Union |date=June 8, 2009 |access-date=June 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611052208/http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808194 |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

Following the "coup", Senate Democrats voted for John Sampson (D-Brooklyn) to replace Smith as Democratic Leader. On June 14, Monserrate declared that he would once again caucus with the Democrats. This development meant that the Senate was evenly split, 31–31, between the Republican Conference and the Democratic Conference. Due to a vacancy in the office of the Lieutenant Governor, there was no way to break the deadlock.Lovett, Kenneth (June 15, 2009) [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/15/2009-06-15_state_sen_standoff_means_even_bigger_mess.html State Senate standoff means even bigger mess with Sen. Hiram Monserrate's change of heart.] New York Daily News Retrieved June 15, 2009

Between June 8 and the end of the "coup" on July 9, the Senate did not conduct any official business.{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2009/07/06/daily41.html|title=Dems regain control of Senate, Espada named majority leader |work=Albany Business Review|date=July 9, 2009}} According to The New York Times, Espada's power play "threw the Senate into turmoil and hobbled the state government, making the body a national laughingstock as the feuding factions shouted and gaveled over each other in simultaneous legislative sessions."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/nyregion/10albany.html|title=Albany Impasse Ends as Defector Rejoins Caucus|work=The New York Times|last=Hakim|first=Danny|date=July 9, 2009|access-date=November 12, 2018}} The "coup" also led to litigation.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressrepublican.com/news/local_news/ny-judge-tosses-senate-case-back-to-lawmakers/article_4279e768-d94b-5a02-a752-6923b5116cd4.html|title=NY judge tosses Senate case back to lawmakers|first=VALERIE|last=BAUMAN|website=Press-Republican|date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=January 10, 2019}}

On July 9, 2009, the "coup" ended. Espada rejoined the Senate Democratic Conference after reaching a deal in which he would be named Senate Majority Leader, Sampson would remain Senate Democratic Leader, and Smith would be Temporary President of the Senate during a "transition period" after which Sampson would ascend to the Temporary Presidency.[http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/deadlock-ending-deal-near.html Deadlock-Ending Deal Near? Espada To Return To The Democrats] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712084709/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/deadlock-ending-deal-near.html |date=July 12, 2009 }}. New York Daily News Retrieved July 9, 2009 On February 9, 2010, the Senate voted to expel Monserrate from the Senate following a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.{{cite web|url=http://longisland.news12.com/story/34763425/ny-senate-votes-to-expel-hiram-monserrate|title=NY Senate votes to expel Hiram Monserrate|website=longisland.news12.com|access-date=January 10, 2019}} Espada was defeated in a September 2010 primary election{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/nyregion/15legis.html|title=In N.Y. Legislature Races, Espada and Monserrate Lose|first=Sam|last=Dolnick|work=The New York Times |date=September 15, 2010|access-date=January 10, 2019|via=NYTimes.com}} in which the Democratic Party backed his challenger, Gustavo Rivera.

Republicans retook the Senate majority in the 2010 elections,{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-take-control-of-new-york-state-senate-for-first-time-since-2010-1541592631|title=Democrats Take Control of New York State Senate for First Time Since 2010|first=Jimmy|last=Vielkind|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=November 7, 2018}} winning 32 seats to the Democrats' 30 on Election Day.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/appeals-court-backs-martins-state-senate-win-1.2555446|title=Court backs Martins win, GOP takes NY Senate|website=Newsday|date=December 20, 2010 }}{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2010 |title=NYS Board of Elections Senate Election Returns November 2, 2010 |url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2010/general/2010NYSenateRecertified09122012.pdf |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=Elections.NY.Gov}} One Republican Senate incumbent (Sen. Frank Padavan of Queens) was defeated,{{cite web |url=http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/128538/padavan-concedes-to-avella-in-contested-queens-race/ |title=Padavan Concedes To Avella In Contested Queens Race |publisher=NY1.com |access-date=January 7, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} while Democratic candidate David Carlucci was elected to an open seat in Senate District 38{{cite web|url=http://www.lohud.com/article/20101103/NEWS03/11030373/State-Senate-Carluccci-defeats-Vanderhoef-for-Morahan-s-seat |access-date=December 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106073421/http://www.lohud.com/article/20101103/NEWS03/11030373/State-Senate-Carluccci-defeats-Vanderhoef-for-Morahan-s-seat |archive-date=November 6, 2010|title=State Senate: Carluccci defeats Vanderhoef for Morahan's seat }} that had been vacated due to the death of Republican Senator Thomas Morahan on July 12, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://westchester.news12.com/story/34893384/state-sen-thomas-morahan-dies-of-cancer|title=State Sen. Thomas Morahan dies of cancer|website=westchester.news12.com|date=July 13, 2010}} Four Democratic incumbents lost their seats to Republicans in the 2010 elections: Sen. Brian Foley was defeated by Lee Zeldin,{{cite web |last=Bolger |first=Timothy |url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/11/03/li-state-senate-races-zeldin-ousts-foley-johnson-martins-race-a-close-call/ |title=LI State Senate Races: Zeldin Ousts Foley, Johnson-Martins a Close Call |publisher=Long Island Press |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929122446/http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/11/03/li-state-senate-races-zeldin-ousts-foley-johnson-martins-race-a-close-call/ |url-status=dead }} Sen. Antoine Thompson was defeated by Mark Grisanti,{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/AP37175703f0684855b74303335b2d8acb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206102136/http://online.wsj.com/article/AP37175703f0684855b74303335b2d8acb.html |archive-date=December 6, 2010|title=Democratic NY Sen. Thompson concedes in recount }} Sen. Darrel Aubertine was defeated by Patty Ritchie,{{cite web|author=David Lassman / The Post-Standard |url=http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/williams_giving_up_republican.html |title=Williams giving up Republican chair in Oswego County |publisher=syracuse.com |date=November 18, 2010 |access-date=January 7, 2012}} and Craig M. Johnson was defeated by Jack Martins.{{cite web|author=Judy Rattner |url=http://www.liherald.com/stories/Skelos-to-lead-GOP-in-Senate,29142?content_source=&category_id=5&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id= |title=Skelos to lead GOP in Senate |publisher=LIHerald.com |date=December 2, 2010 |access-date=January 7, 2012}}

Just before the new legislative session convened in January 2011, four Senate Democrats—led by former Democratic whip Jeff Klein—broke away from the Senate Democratic Conference to form an Independent Democratic Conference (IDC). Klein said that he and his three colleagues--Diane Savino, David Carlucci and David Valesky--could no longer support the leadership of Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson.{{cite news|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/four-state-senators-bolt-democratic-conference|title=4 Democrats in State Senate Break With Leaders|author1=Thomas Kaplan|author2=Nicholas Confessore|work=The New York Times|date=January 4, 2011}}

In March 2011, "Gang of Four" member Senator Carl Kruger surrendered to bribery charges. He later pleaded guilty to those charges in December 2011.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/nyregion/carl-kruger-sentenced-to-seven-years-in-corruption-case.html|title=Carl Kruger Sentenced to Seven Years in Corruption Case|last=Weiser|first=Benjamin|date=2012-04-26|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-05-11|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} On March 20, 2012, Republican David Storobin defeated Democrat Lew Fidler in a special election to fill Kruger's vacated seat; results of the special election took weeks to finalize.{{cite web|url=https://observer.com/2012/04/court-drama-heats-up-in-fidler-storobin-race/|title=Court Drama Heats Up in Fidler-Storobin Race|work=Observer.com|date=April 27, 2012}}

On June 24, 2011, same-sex marriage legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 33–29. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed it into law at 11:55 P.M.New York Times: [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/gay-marriage-approved-by-new-york-senate.html Nicholas Confessore and Michael Barbaro, "New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law," June 24, 2011], accessed June 25, 2011

On March 15, 2012, Gov. Cuomo signed redistricting legislation{{cite news|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/blogs/vote-up/2012/03/15/cuomo-signs-legislative-lines-and-touts-deal-as-a-very-real-reform-package/2183367/ |title=Cuomo Signs Legislative Lines And Touts Deal As "A Very Real Reform Package" |website=democratandchronicle.com |last=Spector |first=Joseph|date=March 15, 2012}} that added a 63rd State Senate district.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-york-redistricting-cuomo-legislature-proposal-deal/1974021/ |title=Cuomo to Sign NY Legislature's Redistricting Plan |website=nbcnewyork.com|last=Gormley |first=Michael |date=March 14, 2012}} Months prior to the passage of the redistricting legislation, the New York Daily News reported that according to Republican sources, adding a 63rd seat "to the current 62-member body would...make political coups like the one that shut down the chamber two years ago more difficult". The Daily News added: "Insiders note that adding a 63rd seat in the state Senate would avoid any legislative chaos by ensuring one party would be in the majority – as opposed to now, with an even number of seats".{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/09/19/state-senate-republicans-mull-adding-extra-seat-to-62-member-body/ |title=State Senate Republicans mull adding extra seat to 62 member body|website=nydailynews.com|date=September 19, 2011}} Following a lawsuit, the New York Court of Appeals upheld the enacted redistricting plan on May 3, 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.syracuse.com/news/2012/05/nys_top_court_upholds_state_se.html|title=NY's top court upholds state Senate redistricting by GOP |website=syracuse.com|date=May 3, 2012}}

In the November 6, 2012 elections, Democrats won a total of 33 seats for a three-seat majority. Democrats gained seats in Senate Districts 17 (where Democrat Simcha Felder defeated Republican incumbent David Storobin), 41, and 55 (where Ted O'Brien defeated Sean Hanna to win the seat vacated by the retiring Republican Sen. Jim Alesi), and won the election in the newly created Senate District 46 (discussed below).{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2012/General/SD_07292013.pdf|title=New York State Senate Election Results, 2012|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-date=September 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911154958/https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2012/General/SD_07292013.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2012/results/states/new-york/legislature.html|title=2012 Election Results - New York State Legislature|work=The New York Times |access-date=January 10, 2019|via=NYTimes.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2012/12/14/dem-win-still-a-loss/|title=Dem win still a loss|work=New York Post|date=December 14, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wamc.org/post/dicarlo-plays-spoiler-ny-41st-senate-race|title=DiCarlo plays spoiler in NY 41st Senate Race|first=Hank|last=Gross|website=www.wamc.org|date=November 7, 2012}}

The election in Senate District 46—a new district that was created through the redistricting process in 2012—was noteworthy because the candidate who was sworn in as the victor was later found, following a recount, to have lost the election. Republican George Amedore was sworn in to the State Senate following the election. However, a recount revealed that Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk had defeated Amedore by 18 votes; therefore, Amedore vacated the seat, becoming the shortest-tenured senator in modern New York history.United Press International [http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/01/18/Dem-squeaks-into-NY-Senate-by-19-votes/UPI-47091358537938/?spt=hs&or=tn/ (UPI), " Dem. squeaks into N.Y. Senate by 18 votes,"] January 18, 2013, Retrieved January 18, 2013 Amedore would eventually win a rematch with Tkaczyk in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyfreeman.com/article/DF/20141105/NEWS/141109845|author=Ariel Zangla|title=46th NY Senate District: George Amedore ousts Cecilia Tkaczyk|publisher = DailyFreeman.com|date=November 5, 2014|access-date=January 8, 2018}}

Of the four Republican state senators who voted for the Marriage Equality Act in 2011 (Sens. Roy McDonald, James Alesi, Mark Grisanti, and Stephen Saland),{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/nyregion/gop-state-senator-who-backed-same-sex-marriage-is-apparently-defeated.html|title=G.O.P. State Senator Who Backed Same-Sex Marriage Is Apparently Defeated|first=Thomas|last=Kaplan|work=The New York Times |date=24 September 2012|via=NYTimes.com}}) only Grisanti was re-elected in 2012.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/nyregion/saland-concedes-defeat-in-state-senate-race.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0 | work=The New York Times | first=Thomas | last=Kaplan | title=In Final Tally, Vote for Gay Marriage Costs 3 Republicans | date=2012-12-13}}[http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20121107/NEWS10/311070063/GOP-senators-who-backed-same-sex-marriage-pay-political-price]{{dead link|date=January 2020}} The Conservative Party of New York withdrew support for any candidate who had voted for the bill.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/us/politics/03gay.html|title=Same-Sex Marriage Victory in New York Spurs Opponents to Work Elsewhere|first1=Erik|last1=Eckholm|first2=Katharine Q.|last2=Seelye|work=The New York Times |date=2 July 2011|via=NYTimes.com}} Sen. Alesi opted to retire instead of facing a potential primary challenge;{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2012/05/10/james-alesi-gay-marriage-supporting-republican-senator-not-running-for-re-election/|title=James Alesi, Gay Marriage Supporting Republican Senator, Not Running For Re-Election|website=www.villagevoice.com|date=May 10, 2012}} Sen. McDonald lost a Republican primary to Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione;{{cite web|url=https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/20567/20120928/sen-roy-mcdonald-to-leave-race-after-losing-gop-primary|title=Sen. Roy McDonald to leave race after losing GOP Primary|first=Karen|last=DeWitt|website=NCPR}} and Sen. Saland won his Republican primary, but lost the general election to Democrat Terry Gipson after Saland's Republican primary challenger, Neil Di Carlo, remained on the ballot on the Conservative line and acted as a spoiler.

On December 4, 2012, it was announced that Senate Republicans had reached a power-sharing deal with the four-member Independent Democratic Conference (IDC). Under their power-sharing arrangement, the IDC and the Senate Republicans to "jointly decide what bills [would] reach the Senate floor each day of the session", would "dole out committee assignments", would "have the power to make appointments to state and local boards", and would "share negotiations over the state budget".{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/skelos-praises-his-senate-deal-with-dems-1.4297296|title=Skelos praises his Senate deal with Dems|work=Newsday|last=Roy|first=Yancey|date=December 5, 2012|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Sens. Klein and Skelos also agreed that the title of Senate President would shift back and forth between the two of them every two weeks. Together, the Senate Republicans and the IDC held enough seats to form a governing majority; that majority was augmented when freshman Sen. Simcha Felder of Brooklyn, a Democrat, joined the Senate Republican Conference.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/nyregion/newly-elected-state-senator-simcha-felder-defects-to-gop.html|title=Newly Elected State Senator, Simcha Felder, Defects to G.O.P|first=Thomas|last=Kaplan|work=The New York Times |date=November 13, 2012|access-date=February 8, 2018|via=NYTimes.com}} Also, former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith joined the IDC in December 2012.Kaplan, Thomas [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/nyregion/malcolm-smith-defects-joining-dissenting-democrats.html?ref=nyregion Coalition Is to Control State Senate as Dissident Democrats Join With the G.O.P.], The New York Times, December 4, 2012.

On December 17, 2012, Senate Democrats elected Andrea Stewart-Cousins as Senate Democratic Leader.{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2012/12/moving-on-from-sampson-state-senate-democrats-elect-andrea-stewart-cousins-000000 |title=Moving on from Sampson, State Senate Democrats elect Andrea Stewart-Cousins |publisher=Politico.com |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://observer.com/2012/12/democratic-senators-embrace-andrea-stewart-cousins-as-their-new-leader/|title=Democratic Senators Embrace Andrea Stewart-Cousins as Their New Leader|date=December 18, 2012|work=Observer}} Stewart-Cousins became the first woman in history to lead a conference in the New York State Legislature.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/07/nyregion/democrats-ny-albany-cuomo-senate.html|title=Democrats Finally Control the Power in Albany. What Will They Do With It?|work=The New York Times|last1=McKinley|first1=Jesse|last2=Goldmacher|first2=Shane|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=November 12, 2018}}

Malcolm Smith was expelled from the IDC in April 2013 due to a scandal in which he attempted to bribe the Republican Party chairs in New York City for a Wilson Pakula to run in the upcoming New York City mayoral election.Lovett, Kenneth (April 15, 2013). [http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2013/04/nys-senate-independent-democratic-conference-to-busted-malcolm-smith-stay-away NYS Senate Independent Democratic Conference To Busted Malcolm Smith: Stay Away]. New York Daily News. Retrieved April 16, 2013.

Former Senate Minority Leader John L. Sampson was expelled from the Senate Democratic Conference on May 6, 2013, following his arrest on embezzlement charges.{{cite web|url=https://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2013/05/stewart-cousins-allegations-against-sampson-disturbing/|title=Stewart-Cousins Boots Sampson From Conference|website=www.nystateofpolitics.com|date=May 6, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/FBI-Senator-embezzled-lied-4491330.php|title=FBI: Senator embezzled, lied|first=Jimmy|last=Vielkind|date=May 6, 2013|website=Times Union}} Sampson later forfeited his Senate seat after being convicted of making false statements to federal agents in relation to the initial embezzlement case.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/nyregion/john-sampson-once-a-state-senate-powerhouse-sentenced-to-prison.html|title=John Sampson, Once a State Senate Powerhouse, Sentenced to Prison|date=2017-01-18|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-05-11|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

In February 2014, Tony Avella joined the IDC.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Avella-s-defection-strengthens-Senate-coalition-5271494.php|title=Avella's defection strengthens Senate coalition|publisher=Albany Times-Union|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2018}}

In June 2014, the IDC announced that it would end its political alliance with the Republicans and create a new one with the Senate Democratic Conference, citing a need "to fight for the core Democratic policies that are left undone."{{cite web|last1=Bain|first1=Glenn|title=Senate's Independent Democratic Conference announces end to alliance with Republicans – UPDATED|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/senate-independent-democratic-conference-announces-alliance-republicans-blog-entry-1.1844227|work=New York Daily News|access-date=February 11, 2015}} In the 2014 elections, Senate Republicans retook an outright majority in the Senate.{{cite web|url=http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/new-york/2014/11/05/gop-wins-ny-senate-puts-womens-equality-act-flux/18566915/|title=GOP wins N.Y. Senate, puts Women's Equality Act in flux|publisher=Poughkeepsie Journal|access-date=February 8, 2018}} The election results meant that Klein lost his position as co-leader, with Skelos taking over as the Senate Majority Leader and Temporary President of the Senate and regaining sole control over which bills would reach the Senate floor.{{cite web|url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/jeff-kleins-wild-ride.html|title=Jeff Klein's wild ride|date=March 21, 2016|access-date=October 22, 2018}} After the election, the IDC reversed course and continued its alliance with the Republicans in the 2015 legislative session{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/11/8556260/klein-diminished-still-desired-sides-power|title=Klein, diminished but still desired, sides with power|work=Capital New York|access-date=February 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424051405/http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/11/8556260/klein-diminished-still-desired-sides-power|archive-date=April 24, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2015/01/gop_takes_full_control_of_ny_senate_but_retains_coalition_with_valesky_idc.html|title=GOP takes full control of NY Senate, but retains 'coalition' with Valesky, IDC|work=The Post-Standard|date=January 7, 2015|location=Syracuse, New York|access-date=February 8, 2017}} despite their conference's diminished role.

On May 4, 2015, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara announced the arrest of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (along with his son, Adam Skelos) and the arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/05/nyregion/dean-skelos-new-york-senate-leader-and-son-are-arrested-on-corruption-charges.html|title=New York Senate Leader and Son Are Arrested on Corruption Charges|last=Craig|first=Susanne|date=May 4, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=January 2, 2017}} Within days, Skelos announced that he was stepping down as leader of the Republican Caucus and as Majority Leader. Senator John Flanagan, of Suffolk County, became the new Majority Leader, and the first Majority Leader from Suffolk County.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/nyregion/dean-skelos-leader-of-senate-to-vacate-post-in-albany.html|title=Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader, Vacates Post|last1=Kaplan|first1=Thomas|date=May 11, 2015|last2=Craig|first2=Susanne|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=January 2, 2017}} After Skelos was convicted in December 2015, his seat was declared vacant, with a special election to be held on the presidential primary of 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/12/nyregion/dean-skelos-adam-skelos-guilty-corruption-trial.html|title=Dean Skelos, Ex-New York Senate Leader, and His Son Are Convicted of Corruption|last1=Rashbaum|first1=William K.|date=December 11, 2015|last2=Craig|first2=Susanne|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=January 2, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/nyregion/special-election-is-set-to-fill-seats-left-vacant-in-albany.html|title=Special Election Is Set for April to Fill Seats Left Vacant in Albany|last=Rojas|first=Rick|date=January 30, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=January 2, 2017}} The special election was won by Democrat Todd Kaminsky, resulting in the Democratic Party having a numerical 32–31 advantage over the Republicans in the State Senate.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Todd-Kaminsky-New-York-Senate-Win-Chris-McGrath-377839641.html |title=Democrats Take Over NY Senate as Skelos' Successor Certified |publisher=NBC New York |date=May 2, 2016 |access-date=May 7, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle/kaminsky-sworn-in-replaces-convicted-skelos-1.11757690 |title=Kaminsky sworn-in, replaces convicted Skelos |publisher=Newsday |date=May 3, 2016 |access-date=May 7, 2016}} Despite this, both Senator Felder and the members of the IDC chose to remain in coalition with the Republican majority.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/04/20/kaminsky-clinches-win-to-take-skelos-seat/|title=Kaminsky clinches win to take Skelos' seat|first=Carl|last=Campanile|date=April 21, 2016}}

Late in 2016, Senator Jesse Hamilton announced his intention to join the IDC if re-elected.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/brooklyn-senator-joins-breakaway-democrats-article-1.2863277|title=Brooklyn senator joins breakaway Democrats|website=New York Daily News |access-date=February 8, 2018}} The IDC aided Hamilton in his first election in 2014, which had resulted in speculation he would eventually join the conference.{{Cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/11/jesse-hamilton-promises-to-join-senates-idc-107172|title=Jesse Hamilton promises to join Senate's IDC|newspaper=Politico PRO|access-date=January 2, 2017}}

In the 2016 elections, Senate Republicans lost one seat on Long Island and gained an upstate seat in Buffalo. On Long Island, freshman Sen. Michael Venditto was defeated in a close race by Democrat John Brooks.{{Cite news |url=http://longisland.news12.com/news/republic-state-sen-venditto-concedes-race-to-democratic-challenger-1.12768082 |title=Republic state Sen. Venditto concedes race to Democratic challenger |publisher=News 12 Long Island |access-date=January 2, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103094629/http://longisland.news12.com/news/republic-state-sen-venditto-concedes-race-to-democratic-challenger-1.12768082 |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} In Buffalo, the open seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Mark Panepinto (who did not seek re-election) was won by Republican Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs. Sen. Simcha Felder announced that he would continue to caucus with the GOP; Felder's move ensured that the Republicans would retain control of the Senate by a margin of 32–31.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/nyregion/simcha-felder-rogue-democratic-senator-will-remain-loyal-to-gop.html |title=Simcha Felder, Rogue Democratic Senator, Will Remain Loyal to G.O.P.|last=Yee |first=Vivian |date=November 21, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |page=A25 |issn=0362-4331|access-date=January 2, 2017}} Newly elected Democratic Sen. Marisol Alcantara also announced that she would join the IDC, after Klein assisted her campaign.{{cite web | title = Alcantara's primary win a major victory for Senate IDC – NY Daily News | website = New York Daily News | date = September 14, 2016 | url = http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/alcantara-primary-win-major-victory-senate-idc-article-1.2792739 | access-date = 2017-01-03 }}{{cite web | title = Alcantara wins race to replace Espaillat, bolsters IDC | website = Politico | date = September 14, 2016 | url = http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/09/alcantara-wins-race-to-replace-fellow-latino-espaillat-105438 | access-date = 2017-01-03}}

Liberal groups in New York State, including the Working Families Party, called on Gov. Cuomo to intervene and pressure Sen. Felder, the IDC, and the Senate Democratic Conference to unite. On January 2, 2017, Senate Majority Leader Flanagan and Senate IDC Leader Klein announced the continuation of their coalition.{{Cite news |first=Kenneth |last=Lovett |date=January 2, 2017 |title=LOVETT: Breakaway Senate Dems will side with GOP |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/lovett-breakaway-senate-dems-side-gop-article-1.2931114 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=March 16, 2017}}

In late January 2017, Senator Jose Peralta announced that he was joining the IDC, expanding the IDC to 8 members, the Republican-IDC-Felder coalition to 40 members, and reducing the Democratic conference to 23 members.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/sen-jose-peralta-blasts-failed-state-democratic-leadership-article-1.2959787|title=Sen. Jose Peralta blasts 'failed' state Democratic leadership|website=New York Daily News |date=January 30, 2017 |access-date=February 8, 2018}}

On April 4, 2018, the IDC announced that it would dissolve, that its members would rejoin the Senate Democratic Conference, that Stewart-Cousins would continue as Senate Democratic Leader, and that Sen. Klein would become the Deputy Democratic Conference Leader.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/nyregion/new-york-state-senate-democrats.html|title=Democrats in New York State Senate Reconcile After Years of Infighting|last=Goldmacher|first=Shane|date=April 4, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 4, 2018}} The announcement followed a meeting called by Governor Andrew Cuomo at which Cuomo requested that the IDC reunite with the Senate Democratic Conference. On April 16, the IDC was dissolved.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/16/nyregion/idc-albany-cuomo-klein-democrats.html|title=As Session Resumes, a Democratic Truce in Albany Seems Uneasy|last=Wang|first=Vivian|date=April 16, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 16, 2018}} After the IDC dissolved, the Senate Democratic Conference contained 29 Members, the Senate Republican Conference contained 32 Members (including Sen. Felder), and there were two vacant Senate seats.{{cite web|url=http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2018/04/idc-agrees-to-dissolve/|title=IDC agrees to dissolve|date=April 4, 2018|work=State of Politics}}

After two April 24, 2018 special elections were won by Democrats, the Democrats gained a 32–31 numerical Senate majority; however, Felder continued to caucus with the Republicans, allowing them to maintain a 32–31 majority.{{cite news|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2018/04/24/simcha-felder-stick-senate-republicans-denying-democratic-control/546916002/ | title=Simcha Felder to stick with Senate Republicans, denying potential Democratic control |last1=Campbell |first1=John | last2=Spector | first2=Joseph | work=Rochester Democrat & Chronicle | date=April 24, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018}}

In 2018, five Republican senators announced that they would not seek re-election in the fall.{{cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/2018/05/03/fifth-gop-state-senator-in-a-week-announces-retirement-plans/|title=Fifth GOP state senator in a week announces retirement plans|first=Tom|last=Precious|date=May 3, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2019}}

In the September 13, 2018 Democratic primary elections, all eight Democratic senators who had been members of the IDC at the time of its dissolution faced challengers.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-states-breakaway-democrats-face-primary-challengers-1536597546|title=New York State's Breakaway Democrats Face Primary Challengers|first=Melanie Grayce|last=West|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=September 10, 2018|via=www.wsj.com}} Six of the challengers prevailed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/13/nyregion/state-senate-election-results-idc-klein.html|title=Democratic Insurgents Topple 6 New York Senate Incumbents (Published 2018)|first=Vivian|last=Wang|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 14, 2018}} Another Democratic incumbent, Martin Malave Dilan, was also defeated by a primary challenger (Julia Salazar, a self-described democratic socialist).{{Cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/9/13/17857912/julia-salazar-new-york-primary-state-senate-democratic-socialists|title=Julia Salazar overcomes controversy to notch another victory for democratic socialists|work=Vox|access-date=2018-09-14}}

{{further|2018 New York state elections|2020 New York State Senate election|2022 New York State Senate election}}

On November 6, 2018, the Democratic Party gained eight seats and won control of the State Senate. Democratic challengers defeated incumbent Republican Sens. Carl Marcellino, Kemp Hannon, Martin Golden, Terrence Murphy, and Elaine Phillips and won races in three districts (Districts 3, 39, and 42, respectively) in which Republican incumbents had not sought re-election. The mainstream Democrats won 39 seats, a decisive majority.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-new-york-elections.html|title=New York Election Results|date=November 6, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2019|work=The New York Times|url-access=limited}} In total, enrolled Democrats won 40 of the chamber's 63 seats, including all but one seat in New York City and six of the nine seats on Long Island, the latter of which has been under GOP control for decades. Felder offered to rejoin the Democratic Conference, but was turned down in December 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Wayward-Democratic-state-senator-not-welcomed-13500381.php|title=Wayward state senator not welcomed by Democrats fold|first=David|last=Lombardo|date=December 31, 2018|website=Times Union|access-date=January 10, 2019}} Senate Republicans won 23 seats in the 2018 elections. Stewart-Cousins was formally elected Majority Leader and Temporary President on January 9, becoming the first woman to hold the post.{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/09/in-the-state-senate-a-woman-takes-charge/|title=After 242 years, a woman is in charge of the State Senate|work=Buffalo News|last=Precious|first=Tom|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018}}

In July 2019, Simcha Felder was accepted into the Senate Democratic Conference; this action gave the Conference a total of 40 members.{{Cite web|last=Williams|first=Zach|date=July 1, 2019|title=Turncoat turns back: Simcha Felder joins Democratic state Senate majority|url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/simcha-felder-joins-democratic-state-senate-majority|website=City & State New York|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701235800/https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/simcha-felder-joins-democratic-state-senate-majority|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2019/07/felder-joins-senate-dem-fold/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701174628/https://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2019/07/felder-joins-senate-dem-fold/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2019|title=Felder Joins Senate Dem Fold|first=Nick|last=Reisman|work=NYstateofpolitics.com|date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2019}}

During the 2019-2020 session, Republican Bob Antonacci resigned his seat to become a trial court judge, and eight other members of the Senate Republican Conference announced that they would not seek re-election in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/republicans-leaving-state-senate.html |title=Republicans flee the state Senate |publisher=City & State New York|last=Williams |first=Zach |date=2020-01-03 |access-date=2020-02-05}} In anticipation of Leader Flanagan's resignation on June 28, Sen. Rob Ortt was named the leader of the Senate Republican Conference.{{cite news |last1=Reisman |first1=Nick |title=Robert Ortt Elected Senate Minority Leader |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2020/06/19/robert-ortt-likely-to-be-elected-senate-minority-leader- |access-date=July 3, 2020 |work=Spectrum News |date=June 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703162419/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2020/06/19/robert-ortt-likely-to-be-elected-senate-minority-leader- |archive-date=July 3, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Reisman |first1=Nick |title=Senate Minority Leader Flanagan To Resign June 28|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2020/06/16/senate-minority-leader-flanagan-to-resign-june-28 |access-date=July 3, 2020 |work=Spectrum News |date=June 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630110158/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2020/06/16/senate-minority-leader-flanagan-to-resign-june-28 |archive-date=June 30, 2020|url-status=live}} On July 20, 2020, Sen. Chris Jacobs stepped down after being elected to the United States House of Representatives.

In the 2020 elections, Senate Democrats won a total of 43 seats, while Republicans won 20.

Sen. Tim Kennedy ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/30/politics/new-york-special-election/index.html|title=Democrats will win New York special election, CNN projects, temporarily narrowing House GOP's slim majority |website=cnn.com|last=Krieg|first=Gregory|date=April 30, 2024}} and prevailed; he left the Senate and became a member of Congress.{{cite news|url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2024/05/10/rep--tim-kennedy-wraps-up-first-week-in-congress|title=1-on-1 with Rep. Tim Kennedy, as he wraps up his first week in Congress|website=ny1.com|last=Frey|first=Kevin |date=May 10, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/government-politics/tim-kennedy-albany-lobbyists/article_72897a3e-3309-11ef-8460-bf81c6b43e1d.html|title=Agency says now-Rep. Tim Kennedy was most targeted senator by lobbyists in Albany|website=buffalonews.com|last=Gavin|first=Robert|date=June 26, 2024}}

As of October 2024, the Democratic Party holds 41 seats in the Senate. The Republicans hold 21 seats, and one seat is vacant.

{{Further|2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis}}

The Lieutenant Governor of New York is the ex officio President of the Senate.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} The Lieutenant Governor has a casting vote in the event of a tie; however, there is debate over the meaning of the term "casting vote".{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/06/01/senate-stalemate-reignites-debate-over-lieutenant-governors-power-445413 |title=Senate stalemate reignites debate over lieutenant governor's power|website=Politico|last=Mahoney|first=Bill|date=June 1, 2018}} With few exceptions, the Senate is presided over by the Temporary President, a post which is normally also held by the Majority Leader.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

The Senate has one additional officer outside those who are elected by the people. The Secretary of the Senate is a post that is chosen by a majority vote of the senators, and does not have voting power (the Secretary is allowed, though officially discouraged, from discussing and negotiating legislative matters). The Secretary of the Senate is responsible for administering the Senate's office space, overseeing the handling of bills and the oversight of the sergeants-at-arms and the stenographer. Alejandra Paulino was appointed to the position in December 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-pol-stewart-cousins-senate-majority-20181216-story.html|title=Heading into NYS Senate majority, Stewart-Cousins puts diverse team together|first=Kenneth|last=Lovett|website=nydailynews.com|date=December 17, 2018 }}

|Elma

|-

! 61

|{{sortname|Sean|Ryan|Sean Ryan (American politician)}}|| {{Party shading/Democratic }} | Democratic

|Buffalo

|-

! 62

|{{sortname|Rob|Ortt}} || {{Party shading/Republican}} | Republican ||2014|| Monroe, Niagara, Orleans

|North Tonawanda

|-

! 63

|April McCants-Baskin|| {{Party shading/Democratic }} | Democratic

|2024

|Erie

|Buffalo

|}

* First elected in a special election.

• New York State Assembly
• New York State Capitol
• New York Provincial Congress
• List of New York state senators (past and present)
• List of New York State Legislature members expelled or censured

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• [http://www.nysenate.gov/ New York State Senate]

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Senate

Category:State upper houses in the United States

Category:Independent Democratic Conference