Speaker Carl Heastie Appoints
Assemblymember Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes Majority Leader
Speaker Carl Heastie today appointed Assemblymember Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (D-Buffalo) to serve as Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly.
"Serving alongside Crystal Peoples-Stokes, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how hard she works for the people of Buffalo and for families across our state," Speaker Heastie said. "Crystal is a trusted colleague who I have known for many years, and her experience and dedication to improving the lives of all New Yorkers is why I know she will make an ideal partner in leading the Assembly Majority. Crystal is widely respected by her colleagues and I am proud to appoint her as the next Majority Leader of the People's House."
"I am proud and honored that Speaker Heastie has asked me to serve as majority leader for the New York State Assembly," Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes said. "Throughout my career I have fought so that everyone - regardless of zip code, school district, race or background - has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. I look forward to using my new role as majority leader to continue fighting for New York's families."
The majority leader is responsible for the day-to-day operational duties of the Assembly chamber, including overseeing the floor during debates.
Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes has represented the 141st Assembly district since 2003. She previously chaired the Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations, as well as holding positions on the Ways and Means, Higher Education, Environmental Conservation and Rules committees. In 2017, she was elected chair of the bi-partisan, bi-cameral New York State Legislative Women's Caucus.
Throughout her tenure in the Assembly, Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes has been an advocate for social justice and representation in New York State. She has championed criminal justice reforms, particularly in the sealing of records for certain offenses and repairing the disproportionate harm drug policing does in communities of color. She has fought to improve economic equality for all New Yorkers since serving as the first chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Her Diversity in Medicine initiative has aided promising students of color gain entry to the medical field.
Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes is a graduate of Buffalo Public Schools and Buffalo State College. She is a former educator, administrator, community organizer and Erie County legislator.