Jeremy Cooney

Jeremy Cooney lives in Rochester, New York. Cooney earned a B.A. from Hobart & William Smith Colleges and a J.D. from Albany Law School.[1] His career experience includes working as chief of staff for Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and as senior director for community relations with Empire State Development.[2] Cooney serves as vice chair of the executive board for the Seneca Waterways Council.[1]

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Jeremy Cooney did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

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Jeremy Cooney did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Reproductive Health

2. Common Sense Gun Safety

3. Affordable Health Care[4][5]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Healthcare - My mom died of cancer. I want to make healthcare less complex and more affordable in NYS.

Gun Safety - We must do more to protect our kids going to school every day.

Equality - We must pass GENDA, the RHA, and the Dream Act and do more to protect women and members of the LGTBQI communities.

Public Education - I graduated from the worst performing school district in NYS.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[5]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Jeremy Cooney answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

John F. Kennedy -- he brought a new and progressive generation of leadership to our nation.

John Lewis -- he still gets himself in "good trouble," by saying what needs to be said and standing up for what's right for all.[5]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

Profiles of Courage -- we need more leaders who speak up and take risks.[5]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Vision for Change; Integrity/Sincerity; Creativity; Accessibility/Visibility; and Kindness.[5]

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

Progressive Democratic leadership with federal, state, and local government experience; Humanistic as someone adopted from India and raised by a single mother who then died from cancer; Integrity as an Eagle Scout.[5]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Accountability to the citizens of 56th District on issues of importance, such as healthcare and bringing young people back upstate.[5]

What legacy would you like to leave?

Create a strategy that attracts and retains the next generation of families in upstate New York.[5]

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Rochester Public Library.[5]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas. It's a time for family and giving to others. I just feel good.[5]

What is your favorite book? Why?

Profiles of Courage, JFK.[5]

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Losing my mother to cancer.[5]

(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

There are 63 Senators in NYS. Every vote counts.[5]

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It helps, yes. But it's not required. This is about public service and leadership for communities and voices that need to be represented.[5]

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Population loss, climate change, equity.[5]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Healthy separation and earnest spirit of cooperation.[5]

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

100%. I want to be part of a new generation of leadership to builds meaningful relationships on both sides of the aisle and that finds common ground on common sense matters of importance to citizens.[5]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Non-partisan/Independent.[5]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Cities, Education, Infrastructure and Capital Investment.[5]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A senior on the eastside who can't live alone anymore but can't afford a nursing home; A city mom who had an abortion because she couldn't afford a family; A westside kindergarten teacher who puts her classroom through active shooter drills.[5]