State Senator Shelley Mayer Named Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee

State Senator Shelley Mayer has been appointed Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC), succeeding Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, who has led the organization for more than a decade.  This appointment will be effective August 7, 2026, which will also be Senator Gianaris's last day in the State Senate.  Senator Mayer has asked Gianaris to remain with the DSCC in a formal advisory role to ensure a smooth transition and continue supporting the committee's efforts in the future.

Senator Mayer was first elected to represent New York's 37th Senate District in a 2018 special election and has been handily re-elected three times.  Since 2019, she has served as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, where she has led efforts to secure full Foundation Aid for New York's public schools, expand access to pre-kindergarten and child care, strengthen public education, and support students, parents, and educators.  Throughout her career in public service, Mayer has also been a leading advocate for reproductive rights, affordable utilities, immigrant communities, and working families.

Mayer’s 2018 special election win was pivotal in the Senate Democrats' path to the Majority.  Shelley has a long record of supporting Democratic candidates across every tier of governance, with a particular focus on championing emerging leaders seeking local positions.  She also has a strong reputation as a “big tent” Democrat who believes we all must work together to stand up for progressive values while at the same time we lift up new voices.  The leadership transition comes as Senate Democrats look toward November to continue building on the progress they have made delivering for New Yorkers.

Under Gianaris' leadership, the DSCC has grown into the strongest and most successful campaign organization in New York State.  During his tenure, Senate Democrats won the majority in 2018 for the first time in nearly a decade, expanded it to a historic supermajority in 2020, successfully defended their majority through multiple election cycles, and built the campaign infrastructure that continues to position Senate Democrats for success.  “Over the years, the DSCC has created one of the strongest campaign operations in the country, helping elect and protect a Democratic majority that has delivered historic results for New Yorkers,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.  “While we will all miss Senator Gianaris as Chair, he has built the DSCC into an incredibly strong and durable organization, and I am thrilled to have Senator Shelley Mayer build on that success as she leads the committee into its next chapter.  Shelley is an exceptional leader, a proven fighter for the people, and someone who understands what it takes to win campaigns.  With such a strong framework already in place, I have every confidence that Shelley will continue moving the DSCC forward.”

"I am honored to serve as Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee at such an important moment for our conference and our state," said Senator Shelley Mayer.  "I am deeply grateful for Senator Gianaris’ leadership and the foundation he leaves behind, even as he will continue assisting us going forward.  I am also grateful to have been entrusted with this role, and the responsibility it carries to help elect the best and brightest leaders who will move our state forward.  I look forward to continuing that work– protecting every Democratic seat, competing aggressively across the state, and electing candidates who will fight for all New Yorkers."

"It has been a great privilege to serve as Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee," said Michael Gianaris.  "While I am stepping aside as Chair, I remain fully committed to helping our candidates succeed this November and look forward to supporting the DSCC on an ongoing basis.  Senator Mayer has the experience, the instincts, and the leadership to carry forward all that we have accomplished and lead this committee through another successful election cycle.  I am proud to hand the reins to Shelley, because electing strong Democrats and protecting our majority has always been the mission, and I know she can deliver.”

Announcements regarding other leadership roles in the Senate will be announced later in the year.