James L. Seward

James L. Seward

Republican Party

Prior offices

New York State Senate District 51

Successor: Peter Oberacker

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Education

Bachelor's

Hartwick College

Personal

Religion

United Methodist

James L. Seward (Republican Party) was a member of the New York State Senate, representing District 51. He assumed office in 1987. He left office on January 1, 2021.

Seward (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the New York State Senate to represent District 51. He won in the general election on November 6, 2018.

He served as vice chairman of the Republican Conference. From 2007 to 2008, he served as Senate majority whip.

On January 20, 2020, Seward announced he would not seek re-election in 2020.

Seward previously served as chairman of the Otsego County Republican Committee. He was a delegate at the Republican National Convention in 1976, 1980, and 1988. He was also an alternate delegate in 1996.

Biography

Seward earned his B.A. in political science from Hartwick College. He went on to attend the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at the State University of New York, Albany. His professional experience includes working on the legislative staff for Senators Charles D. Cook and L. S. "Steve" Riford and for Assemblymen Donald Mitchell and Peter Dokuchitz. He served as town justice for the Town of Milford in 1975.

Committee assignments

2019-2020

Seward was assigned to the following committees:

• Finance Committee, Vice chair
• Senate Education Committee
• Senate Insurance Committee
• Senate Higher Education Committee
• Senate Rules Committee

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Seward served on the following committees:

2013-2014

In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Seward served on the following committees:

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Seward served on these committees:

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Seward served on these committees:

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2020

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2020

James L. Seward did not file to run for re-election.

2018

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2018

Seward also ran in the 2018 election as a Conservative Party, Independence Party, and Reform Party candidate.

General election

General election for New York State Senate District 51

Incumbent James L. Seward defeated Joyce St. George in the general election for New York State Senate District 51 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		James L. Seward (R)	63.5	67,101
		Joyce St. George (D)	36.5	38,610
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	31

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 105,742 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New York State Senate District 51

Joyce St. George advanced from the Democratic primary for New York State Senate District 51 on September 13, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Joyce St. George

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for New York State Senate District 51

Incumbent James L. Seward advanced from the Republican primary for New York State Senate District 51 on September 13, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		James L. Seward

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2016

State Senate

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the New York State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on September 13, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The filing deadline for major party candidates was July 14, 2016. The filing deadline for independent candidates was August 23, 2016.

Incumbent James L. Seward defeated Jermaine Bagnall-Graham in the New York State Senate District 51 general election.

New York State Senate, District 51 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	James L. Seward Incumbent	72.77%	84,527
	Democratic	Jermaine Bagnall-Graham	27.23%	31,626
Total Votes				116,153
Source: New York Board of Elections

Jermaine Bagnall-Graham ran unopposed in the New York State Senate District 51 Democratic primary.

New York State Senate, District 51 Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Democratic	Jermaine Bagnall-Graham  (unopposed)

Bagnall-Graham also ran on the Women's Equality Party ticket.
Incumbent James L. Seward ran unopposed in the New York State Senate District 51 Republican primary.

New York State Senate, District 51 Republican Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Republican	James L. Seward Incumbent (unopposed)

Seward also ran on the Conservative, Independence, and Reform Party tickets.

U.S. House

See also: New York's 19th Congressional District election, 2016

In January 2015, Seward began discussing the possibility of running for U.S. Congress in 2016. With incumbent Chris Gibson (R) not seeking re-election, Seward would run for the open U.S. House seat in New York's 19th Congressional District. About the possibility, Seward stated, "I've had a great working relationship with Congressman Gibson. I've seen a lot of the good that he can do as a member of congress so I am currently taking a look at it. I'm considering it." Seward ultimately did not seek election.

2014

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the New York State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on September 9, 2014. The general election took place November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 10, 2014. Incumbent James L. Seward was unopposed in the Republican primary. Seward also ran on the Conservative Party and Independence Party of New York State tickets. Seward was unchallenged in the general election.

2012

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2012

Seward ran in the 2012 election for New York State Senate District 51. He defeated James W. Blake in the Republican primary on September 13, 2012; he also ran on the Conservative Party and Independence Party of New York State tickets. Seward defeated Howard D. Leib (D) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.

New York State Senate, District 51, General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	James L. Seward Incumbent	68.6%	76,428
	Democratic	Howard D. Leib	31.4%	34,966
Total Votes				111,394

New York State Senate, District 51 Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
James Seward Incumbent	80.6%	8,500
James Blake	19.4%	2,044
Total Votes		10,544

2010

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2010

Seward was unopposed in the September 14 Republican primary. He was unopposed in the November 2 general election.

New York State Senate, General Election Results, District 51 (2010)
Candidates		Votes
James Seward (R)		66,956

2008

See also: New York State Senate elections, 2008

On November 4, 2008, James L. Seward won the election for New York State Senate, District 51 with 73,814 votes.

New York State Senate, District 51 (2008)
Candidates		Votes
James L. Seward (R)		73,814
Don Barber (D)		42,440

Noteworthy events

Tested positive for coronavirus

See also: Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Coronavirus pandemic
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On March 30, 2020, it was announced that James Seward tested positive for COVID-19. COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The first confirmed case of the disease in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. For more on responses to the coronavirus outbreak, click here.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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James L. Seward campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2018	New York State Senate District 51	Won general	$559,851	N/A**
2016	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$537,808	N/A**
2014	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$539,626	N/A**
2012	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$582,171	N/A**
2010	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$263,013	N/A**
2008	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$623,554	N/A**
2006	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$426,881	N/A**
2004	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$360,160	N/A**
2002	New York State Senate, District 51	Won	$236,189	N/A**
2000	New York State Senate, District 50	Won	$173,133	N/A**
1998	New York State Senate, District 50	Won	$44,066	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in New York

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

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Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of New York scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2020

In 2020, the New York State Legislature was in session from January 8 to December 31.

• Conservative Party of New York State: Assembly and Senate

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

• Environmental Advocates Action

Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

• National Federation of Independent Business

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

• The American Conservative Union

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].
In 2019, the New York State Legislature was in session from January 9 through January 8, 2020. EPL/Environmental Advocates Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. New York League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2018

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show].

In 2018, the 202nd New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 3 through June 20. Business Council of New York State, Inc. Assembly and Senate ratings Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. Conservative Party of New York State Assembly and Senate ratings Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2018 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. New York League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Unshackle Upstate Legislators are scored on their legislative and budget votes as well as sponsorships of bills during the session.

2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].

In 2017, the 202nd New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 4 through December 31. A recess began June 21, and there was a special session June 28-29. Conservative Party of New York State Assembly and Senate ratings Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2017 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. New York League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2016

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show].

In 2016, the 201st New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 6 through June 18. Business Council of New York State, Inc.: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2016 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. National Federation of Independent Business in New York: 2016 voting record Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Unshackle Upstate Legislators are scored on their legislative and budget votes as well as sponsorships of bills during the session.

2015

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show].

In 2015, the 201st New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 7 through June 25. Business Council of New York State, Inc.: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. Conservative Party of New York State: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2015 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Unshackle Upstate Legislators are scored on their legislative and budget votes as well as sponsorships of bills during the session.

2014

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show].

In 2014, the 200th New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 8 to June 19, 2014. Business Council of New York State, Inc.: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. Conservative Party of New York State: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2014 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. National Federation of Independent Business in New York: 2013-2014 Voting Record Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.

2013

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show].

In 2013, the 200th New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 9 to December 31. Business Council of New York State, Inc.: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. Conservative Party of New York State: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2013 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. National Federation of Independent Business in New York: 2013-2014 Voting Record Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.

2012

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].

In 2012, the 199th New York State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 4 to June 22, 2012. Business Council of New York State, Inc.: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. Conservative Party of New York State: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2012 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. New Yorkers for Better Libraries: 2012 Voter's Guide Legislators are scored on their voting records concerning library funding. Unshackle Upstate: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored on their legislative and budget votes as well as sponsorships of bills during the session.

2011

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show].

In 2011, the 199th New York State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 5 to June 20, 2011. Business Council of New York State, Inc.: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on legislation concerning businesses, jobs, and the economy. Conservative Party of New York State: Assembly and Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. EPL/Environmental Advocates: 2011 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. New Yorkers for Better Libraries: 2011 Voter's Guide Legislators are scored on their voting records concerning library funding. Unshackle Upstate: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored on their legislative and budget votes as well as sponsorships of bills during the session.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.

Seward and his wife, Cindy, have two children.

See also

• New York State Senate
• Senate Committees
• New York State Legislature
• New York state legislative districts

External links

Suggest a link

• Search Google News for this topic
• Official campaign website
• Profile from Open States
• Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
• Biography from Project Vote Smart
• James Seward on Facebook
• Campaign contributions via OpenSecrets

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	New York State Senate District 51 1987-2021	Succeeded by Peter Oberacker (R)

[show]

Current members of the New York State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Minority Leader:Robert Ortt

Senators

District 1

Anthony Palumbo (R)

District 2

Mario Mattera (R)

District 3

Dean Murray (R)

District 4

Monica Martinez (D)

District 5

Steven Rhoads (R)

District 6

Siela Bynoe (D)

District 7

Jack Martins (R)

District 8

Alexis Weik (R)

District 9

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R)

District 10

James Sanders (D)

District 11

Toby Stavisky (D)

District 12

Michael Gianaris (D)

District 13

Jessica Ramos (D)

District 14

Leroy Comrie (D)

District 15

Joseph Addabbo (D)

District 16

John Liu (D)

District 17

Steve Chan (R)

District 18

Julia Salazar (D)

District 19

Roxanne Persaud (D)

District 20

Zellnor Myrie (D)

District 21

Kevin Parker (D)

District 22

Sam Sutton (D)

District 23

Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D)

District 24

Andrew Lanza (R)

District 25

Jabari Brisport (D)

District 26

Andrew Gounardes (D)

District 27

Brian Kavanagh (D)

District 28

Liz Krueger (D)

District 29

Jose Serrano (D)

District 30

Cordell Cleare (D)

District 31

Robert Jackson (D)

District 32

Luis Sepúlveda (D)

District 33

J. Rivera (D)

District 34

Nathalia Fernandez (D)

District 35

Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D)

District 36

Jamaal Bailey (D)

District 37

Shelley Mayer (D)

District 38

William Weber (R)

District 39

Robert Rolison (R)

District 40

Peter Harckham (D)

District 41

Michelle Hinchey (D)

District 42

James Skoufis (D)

District 43

Jacob Ashby (R)

District 44

James Tedisco (R)

District 45

Daniel Stec (R)

District 46

Patricia Fahy (D)

District 47

Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D)

District 48

Rachel May (D)

District 49

Mark Walczyk (R)

District 50

Christopher Ryan (D)

District 51

Peter Oberacker (R)

District 52

Lea Webb (D)

District 53

Joseph Griffo (R)

District 54

Pamela Helming (R)

District 55

Samra Brouk (D)

District 56

Jeremy Cooney (D)

District 57

George Borrello (R)

District 58

Thomas O'Mara (R)

District 59

Kristen Gonzalez (D)

District 60

Patrick Gallivan (R)

District 61

Sean Ryan (D)

District 62

Robert Ortt (R)

District 63

April Baskin (D)

Democratic Party (41)

Republican Party (22)