2018 New York United States Senate roster
In 2018, New York was represented in the United States Senate by two Democrats: Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Schumer, a senior member from Brooklyn, served as Senate Minority Leader during the year and had held his seat since 1999. Gillibrand, junior senator from Albany, was first elected in a 2009 special election and was running for reelection in 2018. This reference summarizes their roles, background, and how citizens could follow their work during the 115th Congress (2017–2019).
Names and basic identifiers
New York’s class-based Senate structure assigns seats six years apart, with one class contested every two years. In 2018, seat class distinctions meant both incumbents stood for reelection amid national midterms. Below are the official names, roles, and 2018 status for each senator.
| Senator | Position in 2018 | Tenure start | Next election (cycle) | Party affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Schumer | Senior U.S. Senator, Senate Minority Leader | January 3, 1999 | 2018 (class III) | Democratic |
| Kirsten Gillibrand | Junior U.S. Senator | January 26, 2009 | 2018 (class I) | Democratic |
Election and term context in 2018
The 2018 election occurred during the 115th Congress, which ran from January 2017 to January 2019. Both New York seats were on the ballot: class III (Schumer) and class I (Gillibrand). New York’s primary deadlines and general election in November shaped their paths to renomination or potential turnover. Understanding class distinctions helps explain why only one seat is contested every two years in a given state.
Class III seat (Chuck Schumer)
Class III senators were elected in 2012 and faced reelection in 2018. Schumer secured his position as Minority Leader while advancing his long tenure in New York. His reelection highlighted New York’s electorate trends and national dynamics around leadership in the minority party.
Class I seat (Kirsten Gillibrand)
Class I senators were elected in 2016 and contested in 2018. Gillibrand, first appointed in 2009 and elected in 2010, sought a full term in 2018 and was reelected comfortably. Her campaign focused on healthcare, workplace equity, and accountability in public office.
Contact and public outreach in 2018
Citizens could reach their senators via district offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and New York City, as well as through Washington, D.C. offices. Constituent services, town halls, and public events were common channels for residents to discuss federal matters. Digital correspondence through official websites supplemented in-person engagement across the state.
Partisan balance and delegation context
New York’s delegation in the 115th Congress was heavily Democratic in both chambers. The state’s House delegation, judiciary considerations, and policy priorities often aligned with Schumer and Gillibrand. Their collective influence affected budget negotiations, nominations, and legislative strategy for the state’s interests.
Historical note and continuity
Since 1999, New York has been represented by Schumer in the senior seat and, since 2009, by Gillibrand in the junior seat. This continuity reflects long-tenured incumbency and institutional knowledge on committees ranging from Appropriations to Judiciary. Their records remain useful references for understanding budget advocacy, infrastructure funding, and civil rights positions over two decades.
Key facts at a glance
- Party alignment: Both senators were members of the Democratic Party in 2018.
- Leadership roles: Chuck Schumer served as Senate Minority Leader; Kirsten Gillibrand was a junior member of the majority conference.
- Election timing: Both seats were contested in the 2018 general election, held concurrently with midterms nationwide.
- Tenure length: Schumer had served approximately 19 years by January 2019; Gillibrand had served approximately 9 years.
- Geographic reach: District and state offices spanned New York’s major metropolitan and rural regions.
Verification and source approach
Details reflect official congressional records, Senate leadership listings from the 115th Congress, and New York State Board of Elections timelines. Information is drawn from nonpartisan legislative archives and institutional resources to ensure neutrality and accuracy over time.