Ortt re-elected leader of Republicans in State Senate

ALBANY – Rob Ortt has been unanimously re-elected by his Republican colleagues in the State Senate as the conference leader.

Rob Ortt

Ortt, a North Tonawanda resident, has a district that includes Orleans, Niagara and part of western Monroe counties.

“I’m proud that my colleagues put their confidence and faith in me to lead the New York State Senate Republican Conference,” Ortt said. “I am prepared to work tirelessly to put forward an agenda that helps ensure all New York families across the state thrive. It is time to bring back affordability and say ‘NO’ to higher taxes. I, along with my Republican colleagues will make it a priority for our small businesses to succeed now more than ever and continue to promote economic development growth.”

The Senate Republicans saw their numbers shrink after the November election and Democrats now have a supermajority, 43-20. That gives them enough for a super-majority where they could override a governor’s veto.

The Democrats in the State Senate re-elected Andrea Stewart-Cousins as their leader on Dec. 7.

“During our first session as the Democratic Majority, we enacted historic legislation to protect and expand New Yorkers’ rights and build a stronger and fairer state for all residents,” Stewart-Cousins said. “The voters clearly supported our efforts and agenda as they elected the largest majority in Senate history and the first modern Democratic supermajority. We will use this mandate to help lead New York State forward as we address the ongoing pandemic and rebuild from this economic crisis.”