Senator April Baskin

April N.M. Baskin is a Democratic member of the New York State Senate representing the 63rd District, which comprises most of Buffalo along with parts of Cheektowaga and Lackawanna. She is a lifelong Buffalonian and made history in 2024 as the first Black woman to represent Western New York in the State Senate.

Political Experience

Baskin's public service career began in 2018 when she was elected to the Erie County Legislature representing the 2nd District. She was immediately named Majority Leader of the Legislature. In 2019, she achieved another milestone by becoming the youngest person elected as chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature.

During her tenure as county chairwoman, Baskin advocated for significant community benefits, notably pushing for a 33-year, $140 million-plus Community Benefits Agreement as a condition of a new stadium project.

In 2024, Baskin was elected to the New York State Senate, replacing Tim Kennedy in the 63rd District. She defeated Republican John P. Moretti, Jr. with 65.9% of the vote.

Notable Achievements

In her freshman year in the State Senate, Baskin sponsored "Desha's Law," which requires public schools throughout New York State to implement cardiac emergency response plans. The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in July 2025.

Throughout her career, Baskin has championed initiatives addressing community needs, including affordable housing development, environmental remediation efforts on Buffalo's East Side, health equity in minority communities, and enhanced language access for government services.