James Seward, who served in the New York State Senate for more than four decades, has passed away.
Seward died after a battle with bladder cancer, which returned in 2019 after a three-year remission. He was first elected to represent the 50th District in 1986 and in his final term, he represented the 51st District, which included Cayuga and Tompkins counties.
The Oneonta native was appointed chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and became chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Insurance in 1999. Seward also served as a majority whip.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-21) said, “Our community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Senator Jim Seward, a beloved Upstate New Yorker. On behalf of New York’s 21st District, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Seward family. I’m grateful for Senator Seward’s friendship over many years. Let us honor Senator Seward’s legacy of compassion and selfless public service to his constituents.”
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