Latino Democrats Gain Power In New York Senate

Latino Democrats in the New York state Senate are gaining power, according to a recent report, even as the Democrats recently lost control of that house. According to The New York Daily News:

“Latino Sens. Martin Malave Dilan, Adriano Espaillat and Jose Peralta have scored new titles on Senate committees, courtesy of Democratic leader John Sampson. Bronx state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. got to roll out the announcement on Sunday — a move which gives the controversial lawmaker bragging rights without really giving him additional clout.

• Dilan, of Brooklyn, is becoming assistant minority leader for Senate policy and administration.
• Espaillat, of Manhattan, will chair the Minority Business Development Committee and serve as ranking member on Housing.
• Peralta, of Queens, will be minority whip.”

This apparently has caused some tensions among Latinos, blacks and whites in the Senate, it will be interesting to see what effects this Latino leadership has in New York, given that the state recently lost two U.S. House seats. Seems like the Latino leadership is stepping in right when the state is about to undergo an enormous political transformation.