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David Alexander Paterson (born May 20, 1954) is an American politician and attorney who served as the 55th governor of New York, succeeding Eliot Spitzer, who resigned, and serving out nearly three years of Spitzer's term from March 2008 to December 2010.
In 2002, Paterson was elected as the first African American New York State Senate Minority leader. In 2006, Paterson stepped down from the Senate to run as the first African American lieutenant governor of New York, which he won by a landslide with candidate Eliot Spitzer.
As New York's first Black governor, and the first blind person to serve as governor in U.S. history, David Paterson overcame obstacles and adversity to lead one of America's largest states during a pivotal time in history.
Political career of David Paterson. Prior to becoming Governor of New York, David Paterson served in the New York State Senate, eventually becoming Senate minority leader .
David Alexander Paterson (born May 20, 1954) is an American politician and the former Democratic Governor of New York, serving from 2008-2010. He was the first legally blind and the first black governor of New York.
Mr. Paterson, the father of former Gov. David A. Paterson, influenced black political power in New York City and the state for decades.
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David A. Paterson (1954– ; Columbia College 1977) became the first African American governor in New York State history and the country’s first legally blind governor in 2008. Paterson had served as a New York State senator since 1985 before being elected lieutenant governor in 2006.
David Alexander Paterson and is the first African American governor of New York. Following his graduation from Hofstra Law School, Paterson worked in the District Attorney's office of Queens County, New York, and on the staff of Manhattan borough president David Dinkins.
As governor, Paterson reduced New York’s budget deficit by $40 billion and increased the welfare allowance for needy individuals for the first time in 20 years. Paterson also introduced legislation that would later end discrimination against same-sex couples in New York.
Mar 17, 2008 · David A. Paterson (b. 1954) was New York’s first African American to serve as governor and the state’s first blind chief executive. A graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra University Law School, he served in the NYS Senate from 1985 to 2007, rising to the rank of Minority Leader.
