Right now, if you're asking about the senator of New York, you're actually looking for two very different, very influential people. New York is represented by Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Honestly, it’s kinda rare to find a state where both senators are this recognizable on the national stage. Schumer is the senior senator and, as of early 2026, continues to lead the Democrats in the Senate as the Minority Leader. Gillibrand is the junior senator, having just secured another term in the 2024 elections.
They’ve both been in office for a minute. Schumer has held his seat since 1999, and Gillibrand stepped in back in 2009 to fill the massive shoes of Hillary Clinton. Basically, they've seen New York through everything from 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy to the chaotic shifts of the mid-2020s.
Why Chuck Schumer Still Matters in 2026
Chuck Schumer isn't just "a" senator; he’s a Brooklyn institution. He was born and raised there, the son of an exterminator, and he still lives there today. You’ve probably seen him on the news with those glasses perched on the end of his nose, but back home, he’s known for one specific thing: visiting all 62 counties of New York every single year.
He calls it his "62-county tour." It sounds like a lot of driving. Because it is.
A Career of High Stakes
Schumer’s resume is long. Like, really long. Before the Senate, he spent eighteen years in the House. He’s the guy behind the Brady Bill, which was huge for gun control back in the day, and he authored the Violence Against Women Act.
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Recently, things have been a bit bumpy for him. In early 2025, there was this whole ordeal where he briefly opposed a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, then reversed course because he was worried a shutdown would let the administration "destroy vital government services" even faster. It caused a rift with some of the more progressive members of the party, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. People were calling for him to step down, but he basically said, "No thanks, I'm staying."
What He’s Doing for NY Right Now
- The Chips Act: He’s been obsessed with bringing tech back to Upstate NY. He recently celebrated Micron’s $100 billion investment in Syracuse.
- Environment: He’s currently pushing the Trump administration to reverse a pause on offshore wind projects.
- Local Funding: Just this month, in January 2026, he’s been demanding the restoration of millions in school funding for Wayne County.
Kirsten Gillibrand: More Than Just the Junior Senator
Kirsten Gillibrand is New York’s junior senator, but she’s hardly a newcomer. She grew up in Albany in a family that was basically the definition of "politically active." Her grandmother, Polly Noonan, was a legendary organizer in the city's Democratic machine.
Gillibrand started out in the House representing a more conservative, "Blue Dog" district in Upstate New York. When she was appointed to the Senate in 2009 to replace Hillary Clinton, she shifted left on a lot of issues, which honestly rubbed some people the wrong way at the time. But she’s won every election since then, including a pretty comfortable victory in November 2024 against Mike Sapraicone.
Her Big Wins and Current Focus
She’s made a name for herself by tackling stuff that other politicians used to ignore.
- Military Justice: She spent years fighting to change how the military handles sexual assault cases. She actually won that fight, moving those cases out of the chain of command.
- 9/11 Health: She was a lead sponsor of the bill that finally gave permanent health care to the first responders who got sick at Ground Zero.
- Stock Trading: She’s the author of the STOCK Act, which tries to stop members of Congress from doing insider trading.
As of January 2026, she’s the Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee. If you’re worried about Social Security or the price of prescription drugs, she’s the person in the room for New York.
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The Difference Between State and Federal Senators
A common mistake? Getting confused between the people in D.C. and the people in Albany.
The U.S. Senators (Schumer and Gillibrand) represent New York in Washington. They vote on federal laws, confirm Supreme Court justices, and deal with foreign policy.
The New York State Senators (like Tom O’Mara or Rob Ortt) stay in Albany. They deal with things like the state budget, local election laws, and the "Save New York" agenda that’s been making headlines this month. For example, the State Senate just passed a bill to move New York’s presidential primary to "Super Tuesday." That’s an Albany thing, not a D.C. thing.
How to Actually Reach Your Senator
If you have a problem—like a lost passport, a veteran's benefits issue, or you just want to yell about a bill—you can actually contact them. They have offices all over the state, not just in Washington.
Schumer’s Main NY Office:
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- Location: 780 Third Avenue, New York, NY
- Phone: (212) 486-4430
Gillibrand’s Main NY Office:
- Location: 780 Third Avenue (they’re neighbors!), New York, NY
- Phone: (212) 688-6262
Honestly, if you're dealing with a federal agency, their "constituent services" teams are usually pretty helpful. They can’t always fix everything, but they have "Senate" in their email signature, which usually makes bureaucrats move a little faster.
What Happens Next?
Schumer is up for re-election in 2028. Gillibrand just started a new term that goes until 2031. For now, the "senator of New York" remains this power-broker pair.
If you want to keep tabs on what they're doing, the best way is to check the Senate Floor Feed or follow their official press releases. They are both incredibly active on social media, but the real work usually shows up in the "Sponsorship" section of Congress.gov.
Take these steps if you want to be an active New Yorker:
- Find your specific district: While Schumer and Gillibrand represent the whole state, you also have a House Representative and a State Senator. Use the NY State Board of Elections "Find My Elected Official" tool to get the full list.
- Sign up for newsletters: Both senators send out weekly updates. It’s the easiest way to see where that "62-county tour" is heading next.
- Track the money: Check out the Federal Election Commission (FEC) website if you want to see who is funding their campaigns. It’s all public record.
New York’s influence in the Senate is massive right now because of these two. Whether you agree with their politics or not, they’re the ones holding the keys for the Empire State in the nation's capital.