Historic Democratic majority brings new challenges in Albany – Spectrum News NY1

Historic Democratic majority brings new challenges in Albany  Spectrum News NY1

Democrats flipped at least nine legislative districts, securing veto-proof supermajorities in both the state Senate and Assembly. New York Democrats are entering the next legislative session with the largest majority in state history, bringing new political power — and some logistical challenges — to Albany. “We’re gonna need a bigger conference room,” said Evan Stavisky, a political consultant whose firm, the Parkside Group, worked with Senate Democrats during the election. Stavisky said managing the expanded ranks will require more than finding space for everyone. The caucus includes lawmakers with a wide range of ideological, demographic and geographic backgrounds. Democrats flipped at least nine legislative districts across the state, winning 45 seats in the state Senate, compared with 13 for Republicans.

In the Assembly, Democrats are projected to hold 111 seats, giving the party veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins told NY1 from the SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico that the larger majority would not change the chamber's relationship with Gov. Kathy Hochul. While a veto-proof majority gives Democrats more leverage, Stewart-Cousins said working together remains the goal. The Democratic Socialists of America also expanded their presence in the Legislature, growing their ranks to 14 lawmakers. In New York City, four of the flipped districts were in southern Brooklyn, where voters ousted Republican lawmakers in Russian- and