Under the provisions of the New York Constitution of 1938, re-apportioned in 1953, 58 Senators and 150 assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts for two-year terms.

of Bronx County George B. DeLuca was elected Lieutenant Governor, both Democrats with Liberal endorsement.

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Governor/Lieutenant Governor, was: Republicans 2,550,000; Democrats 2,297,000; Liberals 264,000; American Labor 47,000; Socialist Workers 2,600; and Industrial Government 1,700.

The Legislature met for the first regular session (the 178th) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 5, 1955;[1] and adjourned on April 2.

The Legislature met for the second regular session (the 179th) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 4, 1956;[3] and adjourned on March 23.