Betty Little

In 2002, incumbent Republican Senator Ronald B. Stafford decided not to seek another term.[9] As a result, Little announced that she would run to replace him.[10] Despite the district being competitive on paper, Little easily won election to her first term in the Senate against Democrat Boyce Sherwin, 77% to 23%.[11]

Since her initial election, Little has never faced serious opposition, and was unopposed in 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014.[12] She faced the closest election of her career in 2018, but still won 64% to 36%.[13]

After the appointment of Kirsten Gillibrand to the United States Senate in January 2009, Little expressed interest in running for U.S. Congress in New York's 20th congressional district and announced her intention to seek the Republican nomination for the special election for the seat.[14] The nomination went instead to Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco.[15]

Before the Republicans lost the Senate majority in the 2018 elections, Little served as Chair of the Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee.[5]

In December 2019, Little announced that she would not seek re-election the following year.[16]

Little has said she believes universal health care should be passed at the federal level to avoid unduly burdening the state.[17]

Little voted "No" on same-sex marriage legislation in December 2009 and the bill received no Republican Senate support.[18] Little has said she supports civil unions. In 2011, Little voted against the Marriage Equality Act, which the Senate passed 33-29.[19] The 2011 bill became law.[20]