Rachel May (48)

Senator Rachel May is a Democrat and Working Families Party member representing New York's 48th Senate District, which includes the City of Syracuse, parts of Onondaga County, and Cayuga County. A Syracuse resident with a background in higher education and progressive activism, she unexpectedly entered politics in 2018 to challenge seven-term incumbent David Valesky, a member of the Independent Democratic Conference that caucused with Republicans; she became one of six successful challengers and the only winner outside New York City. Notable achievements include chairing the Committee on Aging during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she co-led hearings on nursing home outbreaks and helped pass major reforms; she currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, and has been honored as a 2025 Women of Distinction and New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame honoree. She previously represented District 53 before redistricting to District 48 .

Education and Political Experience

• Spent her career in higher education before entering politics, with no prior planned runs for office.
• Elected in 2018 by defeating an IDC incumbent, demonstrating viability of progressive politics upstate.
• As Aging Committee Chair, led COVID-19 nursing home investigations and reforms.
• Supported farmworker rights legislation, including collective bargaining and overtime, through cross-district collaboration.
• DLCC Spotlight candidate in prior elections; active in Democratic Steering Committee .