The Assembly districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards,[1] forming a contiguous area, all within the same county.

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Secretary of State, was: Democrats 506,000; Republicans 485,000; Prohibition 27,000; and Greenback 1,000.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 7, 1890; and adjourned on May 9.

Jacob Sloat Fassett (R) was re-elected President pro tempore of the State Senate.

Patrick H. McCarren, George F. Roesch, Harvey J. Donaldson, Charles T. Saxton and Greenleaf S. Van Gorder changed from the Assembly to the Senate.