David Paterson

David Alexander Paterson (born May 20, 1954) is an American politician and the 56th Governor of New York. He is the first black governor of New York and the first legally blind governor of any state. He became governor when Eliot Spitzer resigned. Due to Paterson becoming governor, two black governors are serving at the same time for the first time in more than 100 years; as Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts is also African American. He chose not to run for governor in February 26, 2010.

His Excellency David Paterson
Paterson at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival
55th Governor of New York
In office March 17, 2008 – December 31, 2010
Lieutenant	1) Joseph Bruno(Acting)(March 2008 - June 2008) 2) Dean G. Skelos (Acting) (June 2008 - present)
Preceded by	Eliot Spitzer
Succeeded by	Andrew Cuomo
74th Lieutenant Governor of New York
In office January 1, 2007 – March 17, 2008
Governor	Eliot Spitzer
Preceded by	Mary Donohue
Succeeded by	Joseph L. Bruno (Acting)
Personal details
Born	(1954-05-20) May 20, 1954 (age 71) Brooklyn, New York
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Michelle Paige Paterson
Residence	New York State Executive Mansion, Albany, New York Harlem, New York Guilderland, New York[1]
Alma mater	Columbia University Hofstra University School of Law
Profession	Politician

Other websites

• Governor of New York Archived 2008-03-13 at the Wayback Machine - Official Website of the Governor of New York
• Paterson for Governor Archived 2008-09-27 at the Wayback Machine - Official Website of Paterson For Governor
• Project VoteSmart - Senator Paterson Biography Archived 2006-02-19 at the Wayback Machine
• "Senator David Paterson: What Others Are Saying". Spitzer-Paterson 2006. Archived from the original on 2006-11-27. Retrieved 2008-08-25. Accolades posted to Spitzer's 2006 gubernatorial campaign website.
• 2008 Moment of Thanks video of Governor David Paterson thanking the troops