William Colton is a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly representing District 47, which includes neighborhoods such as Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, and Midwood in Brooklyn. First elected in 1996, he currently serves as Majority Whip and is a lifelong resident of the district. Notable achievements include co-founding the Bensonhurst Tenants Council, founding the Bensonhurst Straphangers Committee, and serving as an attorney in the lawsuit that prevented the re-opening of the Southwest Brooklyn Incinerator. He has sponsored legislation such as increasing fines for leaving the scene of an accident and bills to make the National Day of the People's Republic of China a public holiday. Colton serves on the Correction, Environmental Conservation, Governmental Employees, Labor, Rules, and Ways and Means committees, and is a member of the Asian Pacific American Task Force; he previously chaired the Legislative Commission on Solid Waste Management and held roles as chair and vice chair of the Majority Conference.

Education and Political Experience

Colton worked as a teacher in the New York City public school system for 11 years, serving as UFT Chapter Chairperson for six years, and has been a licensed attorney since 1979. His political experience began with his 1996 election to the Assembly, where he has continuously served, advancing to leadership positions including Majority Whip.