Three is an important number this upcoming legislative session.

For the first time, a woman will break the state's three men in a room culture. Andrea Stewart-Cousins is taking over as Senate majority leader.

"We're now going to have diversity, a woman and a woman of color in a room, making decisions on behalf of the great state of New York, with other leaders in the Assembly and the Governor's Office," state Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, said.

Three also represents the number of state Senators north of the Hudson Valley who are part of the Democratic majority. On The Capital Pressroom radio show Friday, Stewart-Cousins tried to ease the fears of Upstaters concerned about diminishing influence.

"I will be in your community. I will be listening. I will be trying to figure out solutions for everything from building the economy to the skyrocketing health care costs, I mean, whatever it takes and there's nothing to fear," Stewart-Cousins said.

With Rachel May from Syracuse starting her first term, much of the burden for Upstate Democrats will fall on incumbents Neil Breslin from Albany and Tim Kennedy from Buffalo.    

"We've begun conversations about leadership," Kennedy said. "There's no question in my mind because of the position that I've been in out here in Western New York, the role that I've played already in the Democratic Conference, my very close relationship with Andrea Stewart-Cousins who will be the majority leader, who has a great affinity for Buffalo and has visited here many times and worked with us already to deliver results, that our role in leadership is going to not only be enhanced but be greater than ever before."

Upstate is also losing an influential member of its Assembly conference. Majority Leader Joe Morelle won his congressional race this week.

"Given that he's leaving, Speaker Heastie will have to decide who the new majority leader is and if he asks Crystal Peoples-Stokes, will you serve, she will say yes and be very grateful to do so," Peoples-Stokes said.

Ultimately Kennedy said it's not just about geography but values, and the new majority is going to pass legislation, like the Child Victims Act, Upstate New Yorkers can support.