A proud son of Southeast Queens, Senator Sanders was born and raised in Hammel Houses, a public housing development in the Rockaways. He is a graduate of Far Rockaway High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a specialization in African-American studies from Brooklyn College in 1984.

About James Sanders | NYSenate.gov

A proud son of Southeast Queens, Senator Sanders was born and raised in Hammel Houses, a public housing development in the Rockaways. He is a graduate of Far Rockaway High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a specialization in African-American studies from Brooklyn College in 1984. His early political experience working for Congressman Floyd H. Flake inspired a lifelong passion for public service and community empowerment.

James Sanders Jr is originally from Hammel Houses, a public housing development in the Rockaways. He earned a bachelor's degree in history, specializing in African-American studies, from Brooklyn College in 1984.

New York State Senator James Sanders, Jr.

James Sanders Jr is originally from Hammel Houses, a public housing development in the Rockaways. He earned a bachelor's degree in history, specializing in African-American studies, from Brooklyn College.

Currently serving his 6th term, New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. was first elected to the 10th Senatorial District on September 13, 2012. A Marine veteran, public servant, and lifelong advocate for economic and social justice, Senator Sanders has dedicated his career to uplifting working-class families, expanding educational and business opportunities, and ensuring economic equity throughout New York.

Before joining the Senate, Senator Sanders served as President of Queens School Board District 27 and was the first African-American elected to lead the board. In 2001, he was elected to the New York City Council (District 31), where he became the first African-American to chair the Economic Development Committee, championing MWBE expansion and landmark policies against predatory lending.

James currently serves as a New York State Senator for the 10th Senatorial District. He was first elected in 2012 and is serving his sixth term. He was previously elected to the New York City Council to represent District 31 in 2001.

2026 New York General Election

Sponsoring monumental legislation and protecting New Yorkers has been at the forefront of Sanders’ endeavors toward a more equitable and just world. An example of this is displayed through the 2022 NY Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) which works to safeguard homeowners from abusive or unlawful litigation tactics concerning foreclosures.

The act holds banks accountable and ensures that homeowners are guaranteed a level playing field that protects them from abuse and manipulation at the hands of lenders.

The act holds banks accountable and ensures that homeowners are guaranteed a level playing field that protects them from abuse and manipulation at the hands of lenders. Another such example is highlighted through Carlos’ Law (2022) which increases the penalties for criminal corporate liability for the death or injury of an employee up to $500,000.

This ensures that corporations adhere to proper safety protocols and has the power to save lives across the state that otherwise would have been lost due to corporations neglecting their responsibility to protect their employees from harm.

Sponsored the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act, which safeguards homeowners from abusive or unlawful foreclosure litigation tactics.

Sponsored Carlos’ Law, which raises penalties for corporate criminal liability to as much as $500,000 when an employee dies or is injured.

- Sponsored the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act, which safeguards homeowners from abusive or unlawful foreclosure litigation tactics.
- Sponsored Carlos’ Law, which raises penalties for corporate criminal liability to as much as $500,000 when an employee dies or is injured.

Economy

As of September 9, 2026, James Sanders Jr did not have a website or any information online.

Energy & the Environment

Publication of Nursing Home Ratings: This bill, S.553 sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr., requires that the most recent Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rating of every nursing home be prominently displayed on the home page of the Department of Health's website and at each nursing home facility's website and displayed at the facility for view by the general public.

“The loved ones of patients who need nursing home care should be able to view the service rating of these facilities so they can make informed choices," Sanders said. "Just as many other establishments such as restaurants receive grades so too should nursing homes. These facilities provide critical services to our most vulnerable populations. My bill will allow consumers, their families, and caregivers to easily compare facilities based upon their assigned ratings.”

Senator James Sanders Jr. Joins Democratic Majority To Advance Legislation To Improve Oversight And Care At Nursing Homes | NYSenate.gov

Sponsored Senate Bill (S) 553 to require public display of nursing-home ratings so patients and families can compare facilities.

- Sponsored Senate Bill (S) 553 to require public display of nursing-home ratings so patients and families can compare facilities.

Healthcare

Voting & Elections

Senator Sanders' bill is S.11 for 2021. It is being carried by O'Donnell in the Assembly as bill number A.11171 for 2020 but it will have a new bill number in 2021.

The proposed bill will:

* Restrict the issuance and execution of all No Knock warrants and raids by limiting them only to instances when human life is in jeopardy.
* Increase the application requirements, requiring officers to report age/gender/known disabilities of all occupants.
* Ensures warrants expire after 7 days and prevents the use of stale information (officers have to provide current evidence in the 24 hrs. before warrant execution).
* Add more specifics for how all warrants can be executed (i.e. officers required to be in uniform, must wait 30 seconds, and may not use flash bang grenades).
* Add measures of oversight and accountability by making audio/video and warrant execution reports available for review by independent oversight.

"We must stop the over-militarization of our communities," said Senator James Sanders Jr. "The abuse of no-knock warrants disproportionally affects black and brown people and can often result in death as was seen in the tragic cases of Breonna Taylor, Alberta Spruill and too many others. Today, we are putting forth the most comprehensive, groundbreaking legislation in the nation when it comes to these police raids, which should only be used under extreme circumstances and with accountability."

State Senators James Sanders Jr., Brian Benjamin and Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell Introduce Comprehensive Search Warrant Reform Legislation in New York State, With Campaign Zero | NYSenate.gov

Introduced legislation restricting no-knock warrants to cases where human life is in jeopardy and adding oversight requirements.

- Introduced legislation restricting no-knock warrants to cases where human life is in jeopardy and adding oversight requirements.

Public Safety

Senator James Sanders Jr.'s legislation to help veteran students at CUNY / SUNY schools passed the senate unanimously yesterday by a vote of 63-0.

This bill S2291 will require SUNY and CUNY to examine and conduct a study on the availability of campus services, programs and resources for veteran students.

The purpose of this bill is to study what services and programs are currently provided, and where resources may be directed in the future to enhance these services offered to students as veterans.

“As a Marine Corps veteran, I am especially proud to have introduced a bill, which would have CUNY and SUNY study how to increase the availability of its existing campus services, programs and resources for veterans attending its schools. Those who have served in our country’s military have made sacrifices to protect the freedoms, we often take for granted. The least we can do is make it easier for them to continue their education, because when they accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams, everyone benefits.”

Senator James Sanders Jr. Unanimously Passes Legislation to Help Veterans Attending City and State Colleges | NYSenate.gov

Introduced Senate Bill (S) 2291, which would have the State University of New York and City University of New York study expanding campus services for veteran students.

- Introduced Senate Bill (S) 2291, which would have the State University of New York and City University of New York study expanding campus services for veteran students.

Education

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James Sanders Jr

As of September 9, 2026, James Sanders Jr’s website did not contain information on this issue.

He is a graduate of Far Rockaway High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a specialization in African-American studies from Brooklyn College in 1984. His early political experience working for Congressman Floyd H. Flake inspired a lifelong passion for public service and community empowerment.

Sponsoring monumental legislation and protecting New Yorkers has been at the forefront of Sanders’ endeavors toward a more equitable and just world. An example of this is displayed through the 2022 NY Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) which works to safeguard homeowners from abusive or unlawful litigation tactics concerning foreclosures. The act holds banks accountable and ensures that homeowners are guaranteed a level playing field that protects them from abuse and manipulation at the hands of lenders.

Furthermore, Senator Sanders has fought hard for transit equity, as emphasized by his recent victory after a 16-year battle to bring City-Ticket to the Rockaways, a program that excluded Rockaway residents from accessing discounted Long Island Railroad (LIRR) tickets during off-peak hours. This victory cut the cost of a LIRR ticket from the Rockaways to Manhattan by almost 50%, placing well-earned money back into the pockets of constituents in the Senator’s district. Despite this heavily anticipated achievement, Senator Sanders continues to push for transit equity across Southeast Queens, which has been widely regarded as a transportation desert.

Sponsored the 2022 New York Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act, which protects homeowners from abusive or unlawful foreclosure litigation tactics.

Advocates for more equitable access to public transportation, including discounted off-peak Long Island Rail Road tickets for Rockaway residents through the CityTicket program.

- Sponsored the 2022 New York Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act, which protects homeowners from abusive or unlawful foreclosure litigation tactics.
- Advocates for more equitable access to public transportation, including discounted off-peak Long Island Rail Road tickets for Rockaway residents through the CityTicket program.

Throughout his tenure, Senator Sanders has focused on creating opportunities for all New Yorkers, particularly in underserved communities. He has championed initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality education, affordable housing, and healthcare services.

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

- Your state senator is involved in the legislative process at the state level as part of the New York State Senate, which consists of 63 members and serves as the upper house of the New York State Legislature, the state's lawmaking body. 
- State senators are responsible for representing your interests and assisting you with navigating state services while bringing resources back to your district.  
- State senators draft laws, approve budgets, oversee the state executive branch, and engage in debates and votes on proposed legislation.  
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your state senator can serve on committees, where many bills may be delayed before reaching a vote.  
- State senators are elected for a two-year term with no term limits.  
- Their annual salary is $142,000.  

Your representative and state lawmaker in the New York Senate.