ALBANY – Newly elected State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D- Woodstock) was ceremonially sworn in as the representative for the 46th District on Saturday. Several elected officials participated in the virtual ceremony, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D, Yonkers) and Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.
Hinchey won the election after her opponent, vacating Senator George Amedore’s cousin, Republican Richard Amedure conceded. She is the daughter of former State Assemblyman and U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey, who served on the state and federal levels from 1975-2013. Michelle Hinchey is an Ulster County native.
Stewart-Cousins, who is the first female majority leader in the State Senate, said Hinchey’s election is a refreshing example of strong female leadership being recognized over the past year.
“We are all thrilled that we are looking at Washington and seeing powerful leadership in a first woman, first woman of color [as vice president] amazing; but, I also say that I like to look at you because all politics is local,” said Stewart Cousins.
Schumer, recounting his time in the Assembly with Maurice Hinchey, said Senator Hinchey is a reflection of the work of her father and is a better choice for the 46th District than the constituency of that district had previously.
“There is so many things that need to be done in this district. It’s a diverse and beautiful district, having rural, urban, suburban and they need good representation. Frankly, they didn’t get it the last few years in the Senate. Now, they will,” said Schumer. “When they see the Hinchey magic, when they see Hinchey spinning her amazing web of accomplishment to get so much done, it will not only be a proud day for you and your family, but it will be a proud day for the Hudson, for the district, for your senate district,” he said.
After taking the ceremonial oath, Hinchey spoke to the division and tragedy that has befallen the region as of late, but said during her campaign she found the district’s constituency is not as different from one another as may be perceived and witnessed ty within the district during the pandemic.
“That’s what our region is about, banding together when times are tough to help each other when we need it the most and that’s what we’ve done here in the 46th District,” said Hinchey. “That is why, as your State Senator, I am committed to prioritizing the issues important to all people of the 46th District,” she said.
Hinchey maintains those priority issues will be helping to revive the economy post-COVID, eliminating the broadband gap for underserved areas, making sure there are opportunities for young adults in the region and helping to prevent the exodus from the state.
