In 2002, Paterson was elected minority leader of the New York State Senate. He became the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history. In 2004, he became the first visually impaired person to address a Democratic National Convention. On November 7, 2006, Paterson made history again by being elected New York’s first African-American lieutenant governor.

Lt. Governor Paterson is no stranger to the world of politics. His father, Basil Paterson, was the first non-white secretary of the state of New York and the first African-American vice-chair of the national Democratic Party.

A graduate of Columbia University and Hofstra Law School, Mr. Paterson currently serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia’s School for International and Public Affairs. Paterson, who is legally blind, is also nationally recognized as a leading advocate for the visually and physically impaired.

As New York State Senate minority leader, Lt. Governor Paterson led the charge on several crucial issues for New York’s future, proposing legislation for a $1 billion voter-approved stem cell research initiative, demanding a statewide alternative energy strategy, insisting on strong action to fight against domestic violence, and serving as the primary champion for minority- and women-owned businesses in New York. As a result, Governor Spitzer asked Mr. Paterson to continue to lead New York State on these issues as lieutenant governor.

Lt. Governor Paterson lives in Harlem with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Ashley and Alex.