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 features New York State Senator Sam Sutton. Senator Sutton represents the 22nd Senate District in Brooklyn which includes the neighborhoods of Borough Park, Midwood, Madison, Homecrest, Gravesend, Gerritsen Beach, Sheepshead Bay, and Marine Park.
What piece of legislation are you most proud to have passed in the 2025 session?
After being elected with only two weeks left of session, I’m proud of all three of the bills that I introduced. Despite the short timeframe, I was able to get three bills passed: S8256, which creates a clear accommodation for sabbath observance for trash tickets; S8257, which improves access to fertility care; and S8265, which ensures continued access to backup devices for patients with cochlear implants.
How are you working to better the lives of your constituents?
Every day, the concerns of our neighbors are at the forefront of everything we do, from discussions in Albany to events in the district. People know they can come to us, be heard, and find support. That constant focus on their needs guides our work and helps us deliver real, practical results for the community.
What is one of the lesser-known roles of a senator that you believe constituents should know more about?
I don’t think I’d describe them as “lesser”, but I think a lot of the simpler things get overlooked too often, and sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference. One of the programs our office runs is sending out birthday cards to seniors in our district to tell them about different support programs that improve quality of life and provide essential resources.
As 2025 comes to an end, what do you hope to accomplish in the new year?
My team only had two weeks during 2025’s session, and we still managed to deliver real results and bring resources back to the community. With our first full session ahead, I’m confident we can build on this momentum. My focus will be turning community concerns into legislative action – strengthening our schools, improving public safety, and making everyday life better for families across the district.
What influenced you to pursue a career in politics?
I believe that one should only run for office after every other avenue to help their community has been exhausted. After spending decades serving the community and seeing firsthand how policies impact families, I knew it was time to bring my advocacy to the halls of Albany in order to make sure South Brooklyn gets the representation it deserves.
