Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Andrea Stewart-Cousins was born and raised in New York to parents that encouraged a life grounded in faith, education and service. Since the beginning of her career in government, Senator Stewart- Cousins has espoused the values of empathy, empowerment and civic engagement. These values, along with her strong belief in advocating for the underserved and championing the needs of working families, have distinguished her as a trailblazer in local and State government.
Senator Stewart-Cousins was first elected to the State Senate in 2006 and currently represents Greenburgh, part of White Plains, part of New Rochelle, part of Yonkers and Scarsdale. In December of 2012, she was elected by her colleagues to serve as Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference, becoming the first female leader of a legislative conference in New York State history. In January 2019, she made history again when she was elected Majority Leader.
Senator Stewart-Cousins is a strong advocate for human rights; quality education; accessible and affordable health care; and making government more efficient, transparent and accountable to all citizens. Her belief that creating change locally affects changes on the State level has driven her legislative and policy agenda at home and in Albany.
Senator Stewart-Cousins earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Pace University and her teaching credentials in Business Education from Lehman College while raising her children as an adult. In 2008, she earned her Masters of Public Administration from Pace University, and is a proud member of Pi Alpha Alpha - a Public Administration Honor Society. Prior to entering public service, she spent twenty years in the private sector, working in customer service, sales and marketing for New York Telephone/AT&T for thirteen years and later worked as a reporter and teacher.
Senator Stewart-Cousins resides in Yonkers, was married to the late Thomas Cousins and has three children and four grandchildren.