Former lieutenant governor David Paterson was sworn in as governor of New York on March 18, 2008, making him the first legally blind governor in U.S. history. Paterson is also the first African-American governor of New York. He ascended to the position after the resignation of previous governor Eliot Spitzer, who was forced to relinquish his position after it was revealed that he had frequented prostitutes while in office.
Paterson’s blindness was caused by an ear infection that he contracted at the age of three. The infection spread to his optic nerve, and left him with no sight in his left eye and severely limited vision in his right. Paterson cannot read text, and has refused to learn brail. Despite his lack of vision, he frequently plays basketball and has also completed the New York Marathon.
Paterson is active in disability-related advocacy as well. He served on the American Foundation for the Blind’s board of trustees from 1998-2006, and is currently a member of the board of directors of the Achilles Track Club, an organization that sponsors disabled athletes and disabled veterans competing in marathons. He has also been a staunch advocate for stem-cell research.
Paterson was born into a family steeped in New York political tradition, and his father, Basil, was a state senator and the deputy mayor of New York City. Additionally, Paterson’s godfathers are David Dinkins, Charles Rangel and Percy Sutton—all New York political luminaries.
Paterson has served as a state senator since 1985, and became the senate minority leader in 2002. He is known for having an encyclopedic memory and being an impressive extemporaneous speaker, whose wit and passion make him extremely persuasive on the stump. Many have characterized his voting record as one of extreme liberalism, but he has also been noted for his ability to step across the aisle and forge relationships with Republicans.
On his first day as governor, Paterson passed five pieces of legislation, ranging from eliminating a law that discouraged employers from holding blood drives to granting tax exemptions to many local development corporations in New York State. He also re-affirmed his commitment to address New York State’s $4.7 billion deficit and pass Spitzer’s $124 billion budget before April 1, 2008.
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