Jeremy Cooney

Jeremy Cooney, a trailblazer in New York state politics as the first Asian elected to state office from upstate New York, has a remarkable background that includes being adopted from an orphanage in Kolkata, India.

Raised by a single mother in Rochester, he is a proud graduate of the Rochester City School District, breaking new ground as the first state senator in decades to have earned an RCSD diploma.

With a strong foundation in public service, Senator Cooney started his career on Capitol Hill with U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and later served as chief of staff for the City of Rochester.

His commitment to community development is evident through his key role in obtaining federal designations and grants for initiatives like the Investing in Manufacturing Cities Program and poverty relief projects.

Prior to his political career, Jeremy Cooney held positions at Empire State Development, focusing on community relations and overseeing significant economic development projects.

Active in various organizations, Senator Cooney serves on the Board of Trustees for Hobart & William Smith Colleges and plays a vital role in the Boy Scouts of America, Seneca Waterways Council.

Education-wise, Senator Cooney holds a J.D. from Albany Law School and a B.A. in Public Policy Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, with additional studies abroad and in Central Europe.

Jeremy Cooney is married to Dr. Diane Lu, a urologic surgeon at the University of Rochester Medical Center, further enriching his connection to the Rochester community.