On April 8, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes announced she will not seek reelection, ending more than two decades in the Legislature and a historic tenure as one of Albany’s most influential leaders. First elected in 2003, the Buffalo Democrat became the first woman and first African American to serve as Assembly Majority Leader in 2019.
Peoples-Stokes announced her decision before undergoing a medical procedure next week. After her recovery, she plans to return to Albany to complete her final term. Reflecting on her time in office, she pointed to several accomplishments, including the legalization of adult-use cannabis.
Her departure marks the latest leadership shakeup ahead of the 2026 elections, following similar announcements from top lawmakers such as former Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris. There are now 32 members of the Legislature who have announced they are not seeking reelection, retiring, or seeking another political office.
Because the petition filing deadline has passed and Peoples-Stokes was the sole candidate, local party leaders selected Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope, who previously served as Peoples-Stokes’ Chief of Staff, as Peoples-Stokes’ replacement on the ballot.