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.

The Republican Attorney General Jacob K. Javits defeated the Democratic/Liberal Mayor of New York Robert F. Wagner Jr.

), a retired musical actress and dancer of Harlem; Janet Hill Gordon (Rep.), a lawyer of Norwich; Frances K. Marlatt (Rep.), a lawyer of Mount Vernon; Genesta M. Strong (Rep.), of Plandome Heights; and Mildred F. Taylor (Rep.), a coal dealer of Lyons—were re-elected.

[1] The Legislature met for the first regular session (the 180th) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 9, 1957;[2] and adjourned on March 30.

[6] The Legislature met for the second regular session (the 181st) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 8, 1958;[7] and adjourned on March 26.