Jeremy Cooney

Jeremy Cooney is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 56th district. A member of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party, he has been in office since January 1, 2021. Cooney's district encompasses a significant portion of the City of Rochester and includes the Towns of Brighton, Gates, Greece, and Henrietta, all located in Monroe County. His political career has been marked by a focus on transportation, economic development, and community engagement.

Early life and career

Jeremy Cooney was born on August 1, 1981, in Kolkata, India, where he was placed in an orphanage. He was later adopted by a single mother who was a professor at Monroe Community College in upstate New York. Cooney was raised in Rochester, where he attended local schools, ultimately graduating from the School of the Arts within the Rochester City School District. His educational journey continued at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in public policy, complemented by minors in economics and philosophy. During his time at Hobart and William Smith, he demonstrated leadership as the president of the Hobart Student Government.

Following his undergraduate studies, Cooney pursued a legal education at Albany Law School, where he graduated cum laude. At Albany Law, he served as one of the executive editors of the Albany Law Review, further honing his skills in legal analysis and writing. His early career included various roles that laid the groundwork for his future in politics. He worked as an aide to U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, gaining insight into federal legislative processes. He also served as a law clerk for New York Governor David Paterson and held a position with Empire State Development under Governor Andrew Cuomo. Additionally, Cooney was the first chief of staff for Lovely A. Warren, the Mayor of Rochester, where he gained valuable experience in local governance and community issues.

Legislative service

Cooney's political career in the New York State Senate began with his election to represent the 56th district. He first ran for this office in 2018 but was defeated by the long-serving incumbent, Joseph Robach. Undeterred, Cooney launched another campaign in 2020, during which he adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He closed his campaign office but continued to support his community by ensuring staff were available to deliver meals to seniors and by initiating a county-wide book donation program that provided access to literature for families during the shutdown. His efforts culminated in a successful primary election and a general election victory, where he won by a notable margin.

Cooney made history as the first Asian American elected to state office from upstate New York. He was re-elected in November 2022, defeating Republican challenger Jim VanBrederode, and subsequently secured a third term in 2024, again defeating VanBrederode. Throughout his tenure, Cooney has held various leadership positions within the Senate, including serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. He is also the first member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to hold this position in New York State's history.

Policy focus and district

In his role as a state senator, Cooney has focused on several key areas, particularly transportation and economic development. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, he has been instrumental in securing significant funding for various infrastructure projects. Notably, he obtained $18 million in the FY2025 state budget for the construction of a long-distance bus terminal at the Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester. This project aims to complete the intermodal transit hub that was initially envisioned when the Amtrak station opened in 2017. Cooney has also advocated for the development of higher-speed rail in New York State, proposing a corridor that would connect New York City to Toronto, enhancing economic opportunities for upstate regions.

In addition to transportation initiatives, Cooney has been active in promoting economic development through legislative measures. He sponsored the Green CHIPS Act, which provides state tax incentives to attract semiconductor and high-tech chip manufacturers to New York. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in August 2022. Cooney's efforts have contributed to securing federal funding for the NY SMART I-Corridor, which encompasses Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, and is expected to play a significant role in U.S. semiconductor production.

Cooney has also prioritized funding for local infrastructure improvements. He secured $59.6 million in the FY2026 budget for the modernization of the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, marking the largest state investment in the facility since its opening. Furthermore, he has directed funds toward capital improvements for local cultural institutions, including the Auditorium Theater and Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.

In addition to these initiatives, Cooney has established the "Reinvesting in Organizations that Care" (ROC) Grants program, which allocates state funding to support local nonprofit organizations. This program reflects his commitment to community engagement and support for organizations that serve the needs of residents in his district.

Overall, Jeremy Cooney's legislative service has been characterized by a focus on transportation, economic development, and community support, with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for constituents in the 56th district of New York. His background and experiences have shaped his approach to governance, making him a prominent figure in the New York State Senate.