Meet New York's incoming State Senators
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — In the wake of the 2024 General Election, New Yorkers voted some new faces into the State Senate. According to the Associated Press, Senate Districts 6, 17, 46, and 63 will have new sitting representatives.
State Senate District 6: Siela Bynoe (Democrat)
A breast cancer survivor and first-generation American, Siela Bynoe comes from the Nassau County Legislature. A former school board member on Long Island, she has backed affordable housing measures, police reform, and better access to mental health resources. Her campaign said that she led local efforts to secure COVID testing and vaccinations in vulnerable areas and advocated for groundwater protection. She's said that her priorities include reproductive rights, environmental health, and transparency. She defeated Republican Thomas Montefinise.
State Senate District 17: Stephan Chan (Republican)
Steve Chan, a former Marine and NYPD sergeant, pledged to fight crime and tackle Albany's corruption. A longtime Brooklyn resident, Chan advocated for unbiased education, lower taxes, and family values. The first Asian American Republican State Senator, he supported community-centered policies that prioritize families and fiscal responsibility. Chan immigrated from Hong Kong at 11 and remains committed to building a safer, more accountable community. He defeated incumbent Democratic Sen. Iwen Chu.
State Senate District 46: Patricia Fahy (Democrat)
Longtime Capital District Assemblymember Pat Fahy won the seat left empty by outgoing Democratic Sen. Neil Breslin. Known for supporting job growth, quality education, and environmental protections, Fahy vowed in her victory speech to address public safety and affordable housing. She defeated Republican Ted Danz by about 15,000 votes, according to the Associated Press tally.
State Senate District 63: April McCants-Baskin (Democrat)
Lifelong Buffalonian April McCants-Baskin focuses on housing, health and public safety, and the economy. Elected to the Erie County Legislature in 2017, she was the first freshman Chairperson. She fought for carceral reform and police body cameras while spearheading the Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise Modernization Act and establishing funding for urban initiatives. She graduated from SUNY Empire State College, has two kids, and defeated Republican John Moretti for the seat left vacant when Democratic Rep. Tim Kennedy departed Albany for Washington.
State Senate District 50
The Associated Press has not yet called the race between Christopher Ryan and Nick Paro for the Senate District north of Syracuse. Either would be a fresh face in the legislature. With 98% of votes counted, the Associated Press gives the edge to Ryan, leading by roughly 500 votes.