Silver Names Canestrari New Assembly Majority Leader

Speaker Sheldon Silver today tapped Assemblyman Ron Canestrari of Cohoes to serve as Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly.

"Ron Canestrari is a proven leader and a remarkable legislator. He is well respected by his colleagues and known throughout the Capitol and his neighboring Assembly district as a committed and honorable public servant," said Silver. "I am grateful for his years of advocacy and leadership as chair of the Assembly's Higher Education Committee and am confident that he will serve this institution with distinction, skill and efficiency."

Canestrari has represented the 106th Assembly District for nearly two decades. Prior to his election to the Assembly in 1988, he served as Mayor of the city of Cohoes for 13 years and was an attorney for the federal government in Washington D.C. He is a graduate of Fordham College and Fordham University Law School.

"These are exciting and hopeful times for the Assembly Majority," said Silver. "We expect to accomplish many great things during this legislative session and with Ron Canestrari at the helm we are poised to get to work for the people of the state of New York."

"I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve the Speaker and my colleagues as Majority Leader," said Canestrari. "As we prepare to take on the great challenges before us, I look forward to working with the entire membership of the Assembly in a cooperative and bipartisan way."

The Assembly Majority Leader is often seen as the face of the Assembly and the responsibilities include managing day-to-day floor operations and leading policy discussions within the Democratic Conference.