Senator Jeff Klein
Jeff Klein is a former New York State Senator who represented the 34th Senate District, which includes parts of the Bronx and Westchester County. Born on September 13, 1968, in the Bronx, Klein served in the New York State Senate from 2005 to 2018. He was a prominent figure in state politics, known for his role as the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), a breakaway faction of Senate Democrats that occasionally aligned with Republicans. During his tenure, Klein was involved in various legislative efforts, including those related to healthcare, education, and criminal justice reform. His leadership in the IDC was notable for its influence on shaping legislative priorities and negotiating budgets. However, his role in the IDC was controversial, as it led to criticism from some progressives who felt it undermined Democratic unity in the Senate. After leaving office, Klein has continued to be active in public affairs and political commentary.