Suffolk County Democratic Committee

Democrats also campaigned to block Republican President Donald Trump’s policies on taxes, immigration, social welfare programs, civil rights and environmental protection.

Most Republicans, however, tried to walk a fine line on Trump, who is deeply unpopular in New York. New York Republicans have said they would support some of his measures, such as those that spur the economy, while distancing themselves form Trump’s heated rhetoric.

Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, who was dispatched statewide to show Democrats how to win in Republican areas, called Stewart-Cousins “the soon-to-be majority leader.”

“I look forward to working together to protect suburban homeowners and finally pass good-government reforms that have been stalled for far too long,” Bellone said.

Democrats controlled the Senate only twice: In 1965 until Republicans won a special election months later; and in 2008, when Democrats won 32 seats in what was then a 62-seat chamber. Republicans scored a net gain of two seats in 2010, giving them a 32-seat majority plus a conservative Democrat who allied with them. GOP rule was further solidified in 2010 when four Democrats broke away from the Democratic majority to form the Independent Democratic Conference, which allied with the Republican majority and Democratic Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to get some progressive measures to the floor. It dissolved in April under pressure within the party.| read more ››