David Paterson

David Paterson is an American politician and attorney who served as the 55th Governor of New York from 2008 to 2010. A member of the Democratic Party, he ascended to the governorship following the resignation of Eliot Spitzer and was the first African American and the first legally blind person to hold the office. His tenure was dominated by navigating the Great Recession and significant political turmoil within the New York State Legislature.

Early life and education

David Paterson was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Long Island community of Hempstead. His father, Basil Paterson, was a prominent New York State Senator and Secretary of State of New York. He lost most of his sight in infancy due to an infection. Paterson attended Columbia University, where he earned a degree in history before obtaining a Juris Doctor from the Hofstra University School of Law. His early career included work for the Queens District Attorney's Office and various political campaigns.

Early political career

Paterson's political career began in 1985 when he was elected to represent Harlem in the New York State Senate. He quickly became a notable figure in the New York State Democratic Committee. In 2002, his colleagues elected him Minority Leader of the New York Senate, making him the first non-white legislative leader in New York's history. In 2006, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of New York on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer, winning a landslide victory.

Governor of New York

Paterson became governor on March 17, 2008, after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a scandal. He immediately confronted a massive budget deficit caused by the Great Recession, pushing through controversial budgets that raised taxes and cut spending. His administration faced a protracted leadership crisis in the New York State Senate, known as the 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis, which paralyzed the legislature. Paterson also appointed Kirsten Gillibrand to the United States Senate following the resignation of Hillary Clinton. In 2010, he announced he would not seek a full term, and his final year was clouded by an investigation by the New York State Commission on Public Integrity related to the New York Yankees.

Post-gubernatorial career

After leaving the New York State Capitol, Paterson returned to private life and advocacy. He hosted a radio talk show on WOR in New York City and taught at New York University. He has remained active with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind and has served on the board of the New York Racing Association. In 2016, he was appointed Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee, a role he held until 2019, where he worked to support candidates like Andrew Cuomo and Chuck Schumer.

Personal life

Paterson is married to Michelle Paige Paterson, a former healthcare administrator; they have two children. He has been legally blind since infancy and is a well-known advocate for disability rights. His father, Basil Paterson, was a key figure in the Harlem political clubhouse alongside contemporaries like Percy Sutton and David Dinkins. Paterson has been open about past personal struggles, including substance use, and remains a respected elder statesman within New York's Democratic political circles.

Category:1954 births Category:Governors of New York Category:Lieutenant Governors of New York Category:New York (state) Democrats Category:Columbia University alumni Category:Hofstra University alumni Category:Living people