Senator Siela A. Bynoe Takes Office After Swearing-in Ceremonies in District and Albany

(Westbury, NY) -- Senator Siela Bynoe began her historic first term this week with a widely attended swearing-in ceremony on January 5th at Westbury High School, her alma mater. New York Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins administered the oath of office in front of an audience of more than 800 supporters, including a bipartisan group of lawmakers who worked with Senator Bynoe during her decade as a Nassau County Legislator. Speakers included Attorney General Letitia James, Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, New York Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and United States Senator Chuck Schumer. The audience included local elected officials from both parties, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Assembly Members whose districts overlap with Senate District Six, Edward Ra, Judy Griffin, and Chuck Lavine. 

On January 8th, Senator Bynoe was sworn in with other members of the New York State Senate at the State Capitol in Albany and officially began her first legislative session representing the people of the Sixth Senate District. 

Senator Bynoe has an extensive career in public service. She was Executive Director of the Huntington Housing Authority, Commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority, and served two terms on the Westbury School Board before winning a special election to the Nassau County Legislature in 2014. She went on to serve for five terms. 

In the 247-year history of the New York State Senate, Long Island has never sent a Black Senator to Albany. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said Bynoe was “shattering a glass ceiling” as she introduced her to applause in the Senate Chamber. The Sixth District is home to a population where 63% of residents are people of color. 

“Siela is no stranger to public service. For over a decade, she has served as a Nassau County Legislator, championing her community and working on crucial issues like affordable housing, public health, and education. It is her passion and commitment that earned her the history making distinction as the first Black Senator from Long Island. I have no doubt that her leadership will amplify her district's needs and strengthen the work we do collectively for all New Yorkers.” –Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins 

“My faith, my family, and the generous support of my community is what led me to a life in public service over the past 25 years and it’s my honor to now be of service to District Six and greater Nassau County. Together, we will strengthen our public schools, protect our environment, create affordable housing, and continue to invest in a brighter future,” stated Senator Bynoe.