“I applaud Speaker Heastie for his decision to appoint Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes as majority leader of the New York State Assembly. Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes has been a trailblazer her entire career in public service and will be a strong voice for working families across the state.

“Women make up 51% of New York State’s population, yet only recently have our voices been raised in Albany. Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes will join Senate Majority Leader-elect Stewart Cousins, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, and Attorney General-elect Tish James as women who have risen to leadership in Albany, marking a historic time for New York State government.

“Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes has been a fierce advocate for the Western New York region for decades, and she has been a role model for women and communities of color. A true leader within our community, I have full confidence in her ability to lead the Assembly Majority, and she will ensure that the voices of Western New Yorkers – and every New Yorker – are heard.

“I send my sincere congratulations to Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to move Western New York forward.”