The Rise and Fall of the Independent Democratic Conference in New York State Senate

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The Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) was a group of Democratic state senators in New York who broke away from the main Democratic caucus in the New York State Senate. The IDC was formed in 2011 and initially consisted of eight members. The group was led by Senator Jeff Klein of the Bronx. The IDC's primary purpose was to form a coalition with Republicans, which allowed them to share control of the Senate and keep other Democrats from power.

Key Members and Formation

The IDC was formed by a group of Democratic senators who felt that the main Democratic caucus was not effectively advancing their legislative goals. The original members included:

• Jeff Klein (Bronx)
• David Carlucci (Rockland County)
• Diane Savino (Staten Island)
• David Valesky (Syracuse)
• Tony Avella (Queens)
• Jose Peralta (Queens)
• Jesse Hamilton (Brooklyn)
• Marisol Alcantara (Manhattan)

Significant Contributions and Legislation

Despite their controversial alignment with Republicans, the IDC was responsible for passing several significant pieces of legislation, including:

• Marriage Equality: The IDC played a crucial role in the passage of marriage equality legislation in New York.
  

  

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• Minimum Wage Increases: They supported two minimum wage increases.
• Paid Family Leave: The IDC was instrumental in passing paid family leave legislation.
• Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act: Rachel May, an IDC member, considered her work on this act one of her biggest accomplishments. The legislation set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Controversies and Downfall

The IDC's alignment with Republicans was highly controversial among progressive Democrats and their constituents. Many viewed the IDC as Democrats who behaved like Republicans, which led to significant backlash. This backlash culminated in the 2018 Democratic primaries, where six of the eight IDC members were defeated by progressive challengers. The primary defeats effectively ended the IDC as a political force.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the primary defeats, the IDC members who survived the elections eventually rejoined the main Democratic caucus. The dissolution of the IDC marked a significant shift in New York State politics, with progressive Democrats gaining more influence within the party. The IDC's legacy is a complex one, marked by both legislative achievements and political controversy.