[1] For the majority of his Senate career, Brydges focused mainly on educational policy and mental health issues.

[3] Court ordered voting rights redistricting lead to senators serving one year terms in 1965 and 1966.

Brydges worked with Rockfeller in the creation of new state agencies and reorganization of the New York City mass transit system.

As Majority Leader, Brydges remained an advocate for Western New York and tourism development in Niagara County.

[1] Brydges was a fierce opponent of reproductive rights and blocked legislation to legalize abortion in New York.

As acting governor, Brydges signed routine state paperwork and conducted Senate business.

Together, they had five sons and two daughters, including:[1] Brydges died of cancer in 1975 and his funeral was attended by then Vice President Rockefeller.

The Earl W. Brydges Artpark in Lewiston, New York, an outdoor theater and concert center that he championed, was named in his honor.