Andrea Stewart-Cousins moved to Westchester in the 1980s, settling with her late husband and three children in Southwest Yonkers. She has lived there ever since.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins - The First Woman Majority Leader of the NYS Senate - About Andrea

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Pace University, teaching credentials from Lehman College, and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University. She has also received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from Pace University in 2024 and Sarah Lawrence College in 2026.

About Andrea Stewart-Cousins | NYSenate.gov

Andrea Stewart-Cousins moved to Westchester in the 1980s. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Pace University, teaching credentials from Lehman College, and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University. She lives in Southwest Yonkers and has three children.

In her early career, Andrea Stewart-Cousins worked as a journalist, a public-school teacher and for 13 years as a customer service and sales & marketing professional for New York Telephone/ AT&T. She entered government in 1992 when she was appointed by former Yonkers Mayor Terry Zaleski as the city’s Director of Community Affairs, the first African American woman to hold that position.

Andrea previously worked as Yonkers's director of community affairs. Earlier in her career, she worked as a journalist, a public-school teacher, and in customer service, sales, and marketing for New York Telephone/AT&T.

## About Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Democrat, Working Families Democrat, Working Families

District 35

Image: Andrea Stewart-Cousins - About image

### Committees

* Rules Chair
* Legislative Women's Caucus Member

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District.

Senator Stewart-Cousins first ran for the State Senate in 2004. She lost that election by just 18 votes. Two years later, she ran again and won by over 1,800 votes. She has served in the State Senate since then.

In 1996, Andrea Stewart-Cousins was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators where she served for a decade. While there, she created Westchester’s groundbreaking human rights laws and passed restrictions against smoking in the work place and tough safe storage requirements for gun owners.

Andrea currently serves as the state senator for New York's 35th District. She first ran for the State Senate in 2004 but lost, then won election in 2006 and has served in the State Senate since. She was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 1996, where she served for a decade.

2026 New York General Election

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Leading the fight to raise the minimum wage in New York State to $15/hr

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Cutting middle class income taxes to the lowest levels in over sixty years.

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Creating thousands of jobs in Westchester through the Regional Economic Development Councils.

Advocated for raising New York's minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Cut middle-class income taxes to their lowest levels in more than 60 years.

Created thousands of Westchester jobs through Regional Economic Development Councils.

- Advocated for raising New York's minimum wage to $15 per hour.
- Cut middle-class income taxes to their lowest levels in more than 60 years.
- Created thousands of Westchester jobs through Regional Economic Development Councils.

Economy

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Combating climate change by supporting the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Supports New York's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to address climate change.

- Supports New York's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to address climate change.

Energy & the Environment

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Ensuring access to quality affordable health care for all New Yorkers

In response to the national challenges to reproductive rights, Stewart-Cousins has been instrumental in protecting and advancing women's health rights in New York. Her leadership has been crucial in safeguarding these rights against external threats, ensuring that New York remains a beacon of support for women's health and autonomy.

Under her guidance, the Senate has passed groundbreaking legislation, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in state governance. One of her notable achievements includes leading the charge to enshrine abortion rights and other protective provisions into the New York State Constitution through the enactment of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Advocated for access to quality, affordable health care for all New Yorkers.

Protected and advanced women's health rights in New York amid national challenges to reproductive rights.

Led efforts to enshrine abortion rights and other protections in the New York State Constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

- Advocated for access to quality, affordable health care for all New Yorkers.
- Protected and advanced women's health rights in New York amid national challenges to reproductive rights.
- Led efforts to enshrine abortion rights and other protections in the New York State Constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

Healthcare

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Strengthening democracy by passing progressive voting laws and calling for campaign finance reform

Passed voting laws and called for campaign-finance reform.

- Passed voting laws and called for campaign-finance reform.

Voting & Elections

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 and fighting for other reforms in the criminal justice system

On the first day of the new legislative session in Albany, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for the first time expressed her support of the New York for All Act, legislation that would codify and expand sanctuary protections for immigrants statewide. In her opening remarks, Stewart-Cousins said she was committed to “advancing the goals” of the legislation. And even though Gov. Kathy Hochul still does not support the bill, Stewart-Cousins indicated Tuesday she wants to get it passed as soon as possible.

Sooner rather later: Stewart-Cousins ready to pass immigrant protections

Raised the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 and pursued other criminal-justice reforms.

Said she is committed to advancing the New York for All Act, which would expand statewide sanctuary protections for immigrants.

- Raised the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 and pursued other criminal-justice reforms.
- Said she is committed to advancing the New York for All Act, which would expand statewide sanctuary protections for immigrants.

Public Safety

Education has been another key focus of her tenure. Stewart-Cousins played a pivotal role in securing historic funding for New York schools, fulfilling the promise to fully fund the state's educational system. This achievement marks a significant milestone in providing equitable and high-quality education for all students across New York.

Secured funding intended to fully fund New York's educational system.

- Secured funding intended to fully fund New York's educational system.

Education

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Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Provided votes for the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, described by her campaign as establishing strict gun-control laws.

- Protected and advanced women's health rights in New York amid national challenges to reproductive rights.
- Led efforts to enshrine abortion rights and other protections in the New York State Constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Pace University, teaching credentials from Lehman College, and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University. She has also received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from Pace University in 2024 and Sarah Lawrence College in 2026. She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, a Public Administration Honor Society. Her diverse professional background includes roles in customer service, journalism, and education.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a resident of Yonkers, was married to the late Thomas Cousins and is a proud mother and grandmother.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.

Born and raised in New York, Andrea Stewart-Cousins' journey in public service began well before her election to the State Senate in 2006. Representing Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant and the city of Yonkers she has been a consistent advocate for the underserved and working families. Her previous roles include serving as a Westchester County Legislator, where she was Majority Whip and Vice-Chair, and as the first African American Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins was born and raised in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pace University, teaching credentials from Lehman College, and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University.

Born and raised in New York, Andrea Stewart-Cousins' journey in public service began well before her election to the State Senate in 2006. Representing Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant and the city of Yonkers she has been a consistent advocate for the underserved and working families. Her previous roles include serving as a Westchester County Legislator, where she was Majority Whip and Vice-Chair, and as the first African American Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers.

Her diverse professional background includes roles in customer service, journalism, and education.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins previously served as director of community affairs for the City of Yonkers.

Andrea currently serves as the New York State senator for the 35th District. She was elected to the State Senate in 2006.

## Passed legislation to restrict rent hikes, increase access to home loans, and keep struggling seniors in their homes

Re-Elect Andrea Stewart-Cousins New York State Senate – Leading New York – and Delivering for Westchester

## Secured historic middle-class tax cuts, capped property tax increases and raised the minimum wage

As a state senator, she passed legislation restricting rent hikes, expanding access to home loans, and helping struggling seniors remain in their homes.

As a state senator, she secured tax cuts for the middle class and capped property-tax increases.

As a state senator, she raised the minimum wage.

- As a state senator, she passed legislation restricting rent hikes, expanding access to home loans, and helping struggling seniors remain in their homes.
- As a state senator, she secured tax cuts for the middle class and capped property-tax increases.
- As a state senator, she raised the minimum wage.

Calls for greater utility-bill transparency and accountability and legislative action to ensure fair rates.

## Lowered prescription drug costs and expanded insurance coverage

As a state senator, she lowered prescription-drug costs and expanded insurance coverage.

- As a state senator, she lowered prescription-drug costs and expanded insurance coverage.
- Led efforts to enshrine abortion rights and other protections in the New York State Constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

As of September 9, 2026, Andrea Stewart-Cousins’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to ensure the Raise the Age law is funded as intended.

## Delivered free school meals, universal Pre-K, and historic $350 million for the supplemental child tax credit

Education has been another key focus of her tenure. Stewart-Cousins played a pivotal role in securing historic funding for New York schools, fulfilling the promise to fully fund the state's educational system.

As a state senator, she delivered free school meals and universal prekindergarten.

As a state senator, she delivered $350 million for the supplemental child tax credit.

Helped secure the funding needed to fully fund New York's educational system.

- As a state senator, she delivered free school meals and universal prekindergarten.
- As a state senator, she delivered $350 million for the supplemental child tax credit.
- Helped secure the funding needed to fully fund New York's educational system.

Stewart-Cousins was born on July 2, 1969, in the Bronx, New York City. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a degree in sociology and later earned a master's degree in public administration from Pace University.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins | Ballotpedia

Andrea Stewart-Cousins earned a degree in sociology from the College of New Rochelle and a master's degree in public administration from Pace University.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins - Ballotpedia

“Climate change is real and must be addressed to protect future generations,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “This package continues the Senate Majority’s ongoing commitment to New York State being a national and world leader in the fight against climate change. These bills will help protect our natural resources, reduce our environmental footprint, and promote renewable energy. I commend the bill sponsors for championing a cleaner and greener New York.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Focused on Climate Action | NYSenate.gov

Said climate change must be addressed and praised legislation intended to protect natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and promote renewable energy.

- Said climate change must be addressed and praised legislation intended to protect natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and promote renewable energy.

Born and raised in New York, Andrea Stewart-Cousins' journey in public service began well before her election to the State Senate in 2006.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Pace University, teaching credentials from Lehman College, and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a resident of Yonkers, was married to the late Thomas Cousins and is a proud mother and grandmother.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins was born and raised in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University, as well as teaching credentials from Lehman College. She lives in Yonkers and was married to the late Thomas Cousins; she is a mother and grandmother.

Her previous roles include serving as a Westchester County Legislator, where she was Majority Whip and Vice-Chair, and as the first African American Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers.

She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, a Public Administration Honor Society. Her diverse professional background includes roles in customer service, journalism, and education.

Andrea previously served as Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers. She has also worked in customer service, journalism, and education.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District.

Andrea currently serves as the state senator for New York's 35th District and as President Pro Tempore of the New York State Senate. She was elected to the State Senate in 2006.

Senator Stewart-Cousins is fighting every day to lower the cost of living in Westchester, improve our quality of life, and to move New York in the right direction.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins Gets Results

## Passed legislation to restrict rent hikes, increase access to home loans, and keep struggling seniors in their homes

Re-Elect Andrea Stewart-Cousins | New York State Senate

Andrea Stewart-Cousins Gets Results

## Secured historic middle-class tax cuts, capped property tax increases and raised the minimum wage

Passed legislation to restrict rent hikes, expand home-loan access, and help seniors remain in their homes.

Secured middle-class tax cuts, capped property-tax increases, and raised the minimum wage.

- Passed legislation to restrict rent hikes, expand home-loan access, and help seniors remain in their homes.
- Secured middle-class tax cuts, capped property-tax increases, and raised the minimum wage.

Supports utility protections against extreme-weather shutoffs, recovery of legal fees from ratepayers, and service disruptions during Public Service Commission investigations.

“Whether it’s addressing the cost of prescription drugs and groceries, fighting to lower utility costs, or safeguarding against abusive practices that take advantage of hardworking New Yorkers, I will continue fighting for policies that make life more affordable, fair, and prosperous for all. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support for this package.”

The package directly addresses financial burdens that impact families every day by:
* Cracking down on prescription drug price manipulation, requiring drug manufacturers to report anti-competitive “pay-for-delay” agreements, which cost American consumers $3.5 billion per year by keeping lower-cost generic drugs off the market for months.

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Champions Legislative Package to Cut Costs and Enhance Price Transparency for Westchester Families | NYSenate.gov

Andrea Stewart-Cousins Gets Results

## Lowered prescription drug costs and expanded insurance coverage

Said she will continue pursuing policies that address prescription-drug costs.

Says she lowered prescription-drug costs and expanded insurance coverage.

- Said she will continue pursuing policies that address prescription-drug costs.
- Says she lowered prescription-drug costs and expanded insurance coverage.

Wants to fund the Raise the Age law as intended.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins Gets Results

## Delivered free school meals, universal Pre-K, and historic $350 million for the supplemental child tax credit

Delivered free school meals and universal prekindergarten.

- Delivered free school meals and universal prekindergarten.

Plans to introduce Senate Democratic legislation to lower utility costs.

Led the effort to enshrine abortion rights and other protections in the New York State Constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

- Led the effort to enshrine abortion rights and other protections in the New York State Constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

Wants to pass the New York for All Act to codify and expand statewide sanctuary protections for immigrants.

Helped secure historic funding to fully fund New York's educational system.

Born and raised in New York, Andrea Stewart-Cousins' journey in public service began well before her election to the State Senate in 2006. Representing Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant and the city of Yonkers she has been a consistent advocate for the underserved and working families.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a resident of Yonkers, was married to the late Thomas Cousins and is a proud mother and grandmother. Her legacy continues to be defined by her unwavering dedication to public service and her transformative impact on New York State legislation.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins was born and raised in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Pace University, teaching credentials from Lehman College, and a Master of Public Administration from Pace University. She is a Yonkers resident, was married to the late Thomas Cousins, and is a mother and grandmother.

Born and raised in New York, Andrea Stewart-Cousins' journey in public service began well before her election to the State Senate in 2006. Representing Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant and the city of Yonkers she has been a consistent advocate for the underserved and working families. Her previous roles include serving as a Westchester County Legislator, where she was Majority Whip and Vice-Chair, and as the first African American Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers.

Andrea previously served as director of community affairs for the City of Yonkers and worked in customer service, journalism, and education.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins holds the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.

Andrea currently serves as president pro tempore of the New York State Senate and as state senator for the 35th District. She was elected to the State Senate in 2006. She previously served as a Westchester County Legislator.

Opposes changing or delaying mandates under New York's climate law.

Prioritizes protecting the climate while making energy more affordable.

Under her guidance, the Senate has passed groundbreaking legislation, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in state governance. One of her notable achievements includes leading the charge to enshrine abortion rights and other protective provisions into the New York State Constitution through the enactment of the Equal Rights Amendment. The amendment builds on the Senate Democratic Conference’s commitment to further strengthening New York’s Shield Laws, ensuring the state remains a national leader in protecting reproductive freedom.

Led efforts to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

- Led efforts to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution through the Equal Rights Amendment.

Secured historic funding to fully fund New York's educational system.

She graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a degree in sociology and later earned a master's degree in public administration from Pace University.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a degree in sociology and later earned a master's degree in public administration from Pace University.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins is a New York State Senator representing the 35th District, which includes parts of Westchester County. She has served in the Senate since 2007 and is the first woman to lead the New York State Senate as Majority Leader.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins | NYSenate.gov

Senate Resolution No. 1
BY: Senator GIANARIS
PROVIDING for the election of Andrea
Stewart-Cousins as Temporary President of the Senate
for the years 2025-2026
RESOLVED, That Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins be, and she hereby
is, elected Temporary President of the Senate for the years 2025-2026.

Senate Resolution No. 1 (2025)

Andrea currently serves as a New York state senator representing the 35th District and has served in the Senate since 2007. She was elected Temporary President of the Senate for 2025–2026.

Calls for action “sooner rather than later” to protect New Yorkers, including continued Senate discussion of New York for All.

The 2026 campaign website lists claimed legislative accomplishments, including: “Secured historic middle-class tax cuts, capped property tax increases and raised the minimum wage.” The site identifies itself as paid for by Friends of Andrea Stewart-Cousins and lists Election Day as November 3rd, 2026.

As a state senator, secured middle-class tax cuts.

As a state senator, capped property tax increases.

As a state senator, delivered a $350 million supplemental child tax credit.

As a state senator, raised the minimum wage.

- As a state senator, raised the minimum wage.

Calls for legislation that would increase utility-bill transparency and accountability and ensure fair rates.

The 2026 campaign website lists claimed legislative accomplishments, including: “Lowered prescription drug costs and expanded insurance coverage.” The page identifies itself as paid for by Friends of Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

As a state senator, lowered prescription drug costs.

As a state senator, expanded insurance coverage.

- As a state senator, lowered prescription drug costs.
- As a state senator, expanded insurance coverage.

Wants the Raise the Age law funded as intended.

Calls for passage of New York for All to protect immigrant New Yorkers.

The 2026 campaign website lists claimed legislative accomplishments, including: “Delivered free school meals, universal Pre-K, and historic $350 million for the supplemental child tax credit.” The page identifies itself as paid for by Friends of Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

As a state senator, delivered free school meals.

As a state senator, delivered universal pre-K.

- As a state senator, delivered universal pre-K.

Andrea serves as the New York State Senator representing the 35th District, which includes parts of Westchester County, and has served in the Senate since 2007.

Our District Andrea Stewart-Cousins - The New York State Senate

Committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to quality healthcare.

Wants to pass the New York for All Act, which would codify and expand statewide sanctuary protections for immigrants, as soon as possible.

Committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to quality education.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Some of the Senator’s legislative accomplishments include:
• Passing the toughest gun control laws in the nation by providing the critical votes for the NY SAFE Act

Anthony J. Merante

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