Pedro Espada Jr.

Who is Pedro Espada Jr.?

Pedro Espada, Jr. is an American politician and former Democratic member of the New York Senate for the 33rd Senate District. He was the New York State Senate Majority Leader and Vice President Pro Tempore for Urban Policy of the Senate. He was at the center of the June 2009 change in power in the Senate, one of two Democratic senators who voted to appoint Republican Dean Skelos as Majority Leader; Espada himself was chosen to be Temporary President. After his return to the Democratic caucus on July 9, 2009, Espada was chosen Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. Dogged by scandals, Espada was defeated by Gustavo Rivera on Sept. 14, 2010, in a primary election in his bid to retain his state senate seat 32.66% to Rivera's 62.21%. He was indicted on six federal counts of embezzlement and theft on December 14, 2010, and stripped of his leadership position in the State Senate the same day.