Inside Government is a Q&A series that gives New Yorkers a glimpse inside the role of the elected officials who represent them. This edition of Inside Government with PoliticsNY is the first of the series focusing on State Senators across NYC and features New York State Senator Stephen T. Chan. Senator Chan represents the 17th Senate District in Brooklyn which includes the neighborhoods of Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, and parts of Gravesend, Sunset Park, Kensington, Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge.
What piece of legislation are you most proud to have passed in the 2025 session?
Bills that bring common sense back to New York. Fentanyl education bill, Sasha’s Law, to hold fentanyl dealers accountable when the distribution of the drug causes death or physical injury of another person and Barreto’s Law which creates the crime of vehicular manslaughter in the third degree for those who drive recklessly or illegally without a license or insurance and in the process causes the death of another person.
How are you working to better the lives of your constituents?
Our office embraces a “hands-on,” philosophy. We provide direct support to constituents facing challenges ranging from housing issues to utility assistance and even helping with college financial aid forms. My staff and I understand that every problem brought to us is urgent and personal. Whether navigating bureaucracy or finding local solutions, we work diligently to ensure that every individual who reaches out is treated with courtesy.
What is one of the lesser-known roles of a senator that you believe constituents should know more about?
A senator’s impact goes way beyond what we do in Albany. In my district, I focus on solving everyday problems. Whether it is removing abandoned vehicles, cleaning up neglected parks, or installing a basketball hoop for neighborhood youth, we respond to what people need. These may seem trivial, but they improve quality of life and show that elected officials care about what’s happening in their neighborhoods.
As 2025 comes to an end, what do you hope to accomplish in the new year?
In the year ahead, I hope to bring financial discipline and rational governance back to New York. That means pushing back against unchecked spending, rejecting policies that undermine public safety, and advocating for families who feel unheard. I will continue to fight for legislative solutions that restore order, opportunity, and balance to our state.
What influenced you to pursue a career in politics?
Public service has always been in my blood. I proudly served our country as a United States Marine and later as a sergeant in the NYPD. At the same time, I was deeply involved in my children’s schools as a Title I representative, School Leadership Team member, and PTA president. After retiring from the NYPD, I planned to continue serving my community through school and civic involvement. But as I watched our city and state move further away from logic and common sense, I realized that deeper engagement was needed. The turning point came when a city school was closed to house migrants. This was a horribly misguided decision that ignored the rights of our students and families. That was the moment I knew real change required stepping forward and running for Senate.
