The New York State legislature appointed Barbara Underwood as Attorney General (AG) on Tuesday. Underwood became the first woman to serve as New York AG.
She is replacing former AG Eric Schneiderman, who resigned from his position on May 8 after four women accused him of physical abuse. At the time, Underwood was the state’s solicitor general and moved up as Acting AG following Schneiderman’s resignation.
Under the state law, the legislature is required to vote on the replacement of the AG once the position becomes vacant. A majority (190 out of the 213) state lawmakers voted for Underwood during a joint session of the Assembly and Senate on Tuesday.
A dedicated public servant with a brilliant legal mind
In a statement, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie described Underwood as a “dedicated public servant.” Heastie noted that she spent her life serving the people of New York and the country.
On the other hand, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pleased with Underwood’s appointment. The governor said, “I commend the Legislature for its sound and prudent decision… She is a brilliant legal mind and an extraordinarily qualified attorney who has argued 20 cases before the Supreme Court.”
