Under the provisions of the New York Constitution of 1938 and the U.S. Supreme Court decision to follow the One man, one vote rule, re-apportioned in 1992 by the Legislature, 61 Senators and 150 assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts for two-year terms.

Senate and Assembly districts consisted of approximately the same number of inhabitants, the area being apportioned contiguously without restrictions regarding county boundaries.

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Governor, was: Democrats 2,273,000; Republicans 2,156,000; Conservatives 329,000; Independence 217,000; Liberals 92,000; Right to Life 68,000; Tax Cut Now 54,000; Libertarians 9,500; and Socialist Workers 5,500.

), of Mamaroneck; Mary Lou Rath (Republican), of Williamsville; Nellie R. Santiago (Democrat), of Brooklyn; and Ada L. Smith (Dem.

), of Scarsdale; Elizabeth C. Hoffman (Republican), of North Tonawanda; Earlene Hill Hooper (Dem.

The Legislature met for the first regular session (the 218th) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 4, 1995;[1] and recessed indefinitely in the morning of June 30.

The Legislature met for the second regular session (the 219th) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 3, 1996;[3] and recessed indefinitely on July 13.

[4] The Legislature met for a special session from December 17[5] to 18, 1996,[6] to consider legislation concerning the administration of the public school system in New York City.