Shelley Mayer

Shelley Mayer is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 37th Senate District. A member of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party, Mayer has been in office since her election in a special election in 2018. She has since been re-elected multiple times, demonstrating her continued support within her district. Mayer's legislative focus includes education policy, particularly in areas related to public school funding and resources for students with disabilities.

Early life and career

Shelley Mayer was born on March 6, 1952, in Yonkers, New York, where she spent her formative years. She pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975. Following her undergraduate studies, Mayer continued her education at the University at Buffalo Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1979.

Before entering public office, Mayer built a substantial career in law and public service. She served as an Assistant Attorney General in the office of New York Attorney General Bob Abrams from 1982 to 1994, where she gained valuable experience in legal matters and public policy. After her tenure as an Assistant Attorney General, Mayer took on the role of Chief Counsel to the New York State Senate Conference in Albany from 2007 until early 2011. This position allowed her to deepen her understanding of legislative processes and the intricacies of state governance.

Mayer's professional journey continued as she became the Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Continuum Health Partners in New York City, a role she held for over seven years. In this capacity, she focused on health care and labor law rights, further enhancing her expertise in these critical areas. Additionally, she worked as Senior Counsel at the National State Attorney General Program at Columbia University, where she continued to advocate for health care and labor rights.

In 2006, Mayer made her first attempt to enter public office by running for the New York State Assembly. Although she was unsuccessful in that bid, losing to incumbent Republican Mike Spano, she remained committed to public service. Spano later switched parties and successfully ran for Mayor of Yonkers in 2011 as a Democrat. Mayer's persistence paid off when she was elected to the New York State Assembly on March 20, 2012, in a special election to succeed Spano. She was re-elected to the Assembly three times, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in New York politics.

Legislative service

Mayer transitioned to the New York State Senate after winning a special election on April 24, 2018, to represent the 37th Senate District. This district encompasses parts of Westchester County, an area known for its diverse communities and political landscape. Mayer's election came after the vacancy left by George Latimer, who became the Westchester County Executive. In her initial election to the Senate, Mayer received significant support from a wide array of political groups, including progressives, labor unions, and women's advocacy organizations. She was re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024, demonstrating her sustained popularity and effectiveness as a legislator.

Following her election to the Senate, Mayer was unopposed for a full term later in 2018, despite the competitive nature of the district. This unopposed status reflected her strong standing within the community and her party. With the Democratic Party regaining the majority in the Senate, Mayer was appointed Chair of the Committee on Education. In this leadership role, she has been instrumental in shaping education policy in New York.

Policy focus and district

As Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Education, Mayer has prioritized issues related to public school funding and resources, particularly for schools serving students with disabilities. Her commitment to education reform is evident in her previous work as Chair of the Assembly Education Subcommittee on Students with Special Needs from 2013 to 2017. During that time, she advocated for increased state funding for Special Act schools and other institutions dedicated to serving students with disabilities. Mayer has also been involved in legislative reforms aimed at improving the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) system, which evaluates teacher performance. Her contributions to this area of education policy have included efforts to reduce the emphasis on standardized test scores in teacher evaluations, reflecting a broader commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students.

Mayer's legislative work is informed by her deep roots in the Yonkers community, where she resides with her husband, Lee Smith. Together, they have three adult children and five grandchildren. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

In summary, Shelley Mayer's career in public service has been marked by a commitment to education and advocacy for those with special needs. Her legislative achievements and continued service in the New York State Senate reflect her dedication to improving the lives of her constituents in the 37th District and beyond. Through her roles in both the Assembly and the Senate, Mayer has established herself as a significant figure in New York politics, focusing on policies that aim to enhance the educational landscape and support the needs of diverse communities.