Senator Chuck Schumer Supports the First Woman Representing UES and RI in NYS Assembly

NEW YORK, NY- US Senator Charles E. Schumer announced his strong endorsement of the Democratic nominee, Rebecca Seawright for New York State Assembly in the 76th AD, which includes the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.  Ms. Seawright is the winner of the September 9th primary where she won 46% of the vote in a four-way race.  The general election is Tuesday, November 4th.  If Ms. Seawright wins the general election, she will be the first woman ever to represent this assembly district.

 Senator Schumer praised Ms. Seawright's excellent qualifications and her proven commitment to education, affordable housing, and human rights.  "Rebecca is the right choice to represent the residents of the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.  She will be a persistent and effective advocate for the needs of the community and the kind of reformer we need in Albany," said Senator Schumer.

Ms. Seawright thanked Senator Schumer and said, "I am enormously grateful for his support and will strive to emulate the high standard of advocacy for which he is so well respected."

During the primary campaign, numerous highly regarded prominent social activists and local leaders endorsed Ms. Seawright. Edie Windsor, the marriage equality activist and Sarah Weddington, the attorney who successfully argued Roe v. Wade were early supporters. Notably, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Tish James, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Senators Liz Krueger and José Serrano and City Council Members Daniel Garodnick and Benjamin Kallos endorsed early.

Rebecca Seawright is an attorney, community activist and proven advocate for women.  Currently, Rebecca serves as Chair of the Board of Visitors of the CUNY School of Law, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Feminist Press, and a member of Community Board 8. 

Ms. Seawright and her husband, Jay Hershenson, have lived on the UES for more than twenty years. They are the proud parents of Bradley, who is a sophomore at SUNYA and Haley, who attends a public high school.