Former New York State Senator Jim Seward dies at 72

OTSEGO COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Longtime New York State Senator Jim Seward has died.

The Republican from Otsego County served for 24 years in the State Senate representing first the 50th Senate district and then the 51st following redistricting.

He announced his retirement in 2020 after battling bladder cancer for several years.

At that time, his district covered Schoharie, Otsego, and Cortland Counties, as well as parts of Tompkins, Herkimer, Chenango, Cayuga, Delaware, and Ulster Counties.

Seward grew up in Oneonta and lived in Milford with his wife Cindy.

During his time in the Senate majority, Seward chaired committees on energy, telecommunications and insurance. He also served in leadership as Majority Whip.

Seward was 72.

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