Albany, NY – History was made today when New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) announced that he is appointing Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (D-Buffalo) to the role of Assembly Majority Leader.

With this appointment, Peoples-Stokes became the first woman and person of color to serve as Assembly Majority Leader in New York State. She joins another history-maker in Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester) who, at the start of the 2019 legislative session, will become the first woman and woman of color to serve as Senate Majority Leader in New York State.

“For almost two decades, I have had the pleasure of working with Crystal Peoples-Stokes in the New York State Assembly. Her steadfast and serious dedication to working with her colleagues on behalf of her constituents has always been strong. And as a result, she has established herself as a leader in New York State government,” said outgoing Caucus Chair Assemblyman N. Nick Perry (D-Brooklyn). “It is clear, once again, that Speaker Heastie has exercised the sound judgment he has become known for by selecting Crystal to serve as Assembly Majority Leader. I look forward to working with her in the 2019 session and beyond to advance the issues that New Yorkers care most about.”

Incoming Caucus Chair, Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright (D-Brooklyn), stated that “Crystal’s reputation as a strong leader proceeds her. From the moment I joined the New York State Assembly, I benefited from the opportunity to work with the Assemblywoman on matters that concern residents from Buffalo to Brooklyn. Undoubtedly, this woman brings a unique set of skills to the table and will serve all New Yorkers. We are a big, beautiful and diverse state; and by selecting Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes as Assembly Majority Leader, Speaker Heastie has strengthened the voice of a true leader who serves the best interests of us all.”

At the start of the 2019 legislative session, Members of the Caucus will hold the top positions in both houses of the legislature, as well as several other leadership positions and committee chairs in the Assembly and Senate.