Mary Anne Krupsak

Mary Anne Krupsak is an American attorney and former politician who served as the 57th Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1975 to 1978 under Governor Hugh Carey. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the first woman elected to statewide office in New York, breaking a significant political barrier. Prior to her tenure as lieutenant governor, she served in both the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, representing districts in the Capital District.

Early life and education

Mary Anne Krupsak was born on March 26, 1932, in Schenectady, New York, to a family of Polish-American heritage. She pursued her undergraduate education at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Krupsak then earned her Juris Doctor from the Syracuse University College of Law, where she was one of few women in her class. Her legal education laid the foundation for her subsequent career in public service and law, and she was admitted to the New York State Bar Association.

Political career

Krupsak's political career began with her election to the New York State Senate in 1968, representing the 44th district, which included parts of Montgomery and Schenectady Counties. In the State Legislature, she focused on issues such as consumer protection, government reform, and women's rights. In 1972, she was elected to the newly created 91st district of the New York State Assembly. Her work in the State Capitol brought her to the attention of Hugh Carey, who selected her as his running mate for the 1974 gubernatorial election.

Lieutenant governorship

Elected on the Democratic ticket with Hugh Carey in November 1974, Krupsak was sworn in as the 57th Lieutenant Governor of New York on January 1, 1975. Her tenure was marked by her advocacy for ERA ratification, her role as president of the New York State Senate, and her oversight of several state councils, including the New York State Council on the Arts. However, her relationship with Governor Hugh Carey became strained over policy and political differences, leading her to challenge him in the 1978 Democratic primary for governor. She was defeated in the primary, and her term as lieutenant governor concluded at the end of 1978, succeeded by Mario Cuomo.

Post-political career

Following her departure from elected office, Krupsak returned to the practice of law and remained active in public affairs. She served on various boards and commissions, including the New York State Commission on Government Integrity in the late 1980s. Krupsak also taught as an adjunct professor at the University at Albany and continued to be a voice on issues of ethics in government and women's leadership. Her later career included work with non-profit organizations and continued involvement in Democratic Party activities.

Personal life

Krupsak has maintained a private personal life, with much of her public record centered on her professional achievements. She is a resident of the Capital District and has been involved in local cultural and civic organizations. Her groundbreaking role as the first woman elected to statewide office in New York has been recognized by institutions like the New York State Museum and various historical associations dedicated to women's political history.

Category:1932 births Category:Lieutenant Governors of New York Category:New York (state) Democrats Category:New York (state) lawyers Category:New York (state) state senators Category:New York (state) assemblywomen Category:College of Saint Rose alumni Category:Syracuse University College of Law alumni Category:Living people