Senator John Llewllyn Sampson, Leader of the Democratic Conference was elected to the New York State Senate in 1996. He represents the 19th Senatorial District which encompasses Canarsie, East Flatbush, Parts of Brownsville, Crown Heights, East New York, portions of Old Mill Basin, Spring Creek Towers, and parts of Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn.

Senator Sampson has the distinction of being the first African American to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is also Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee and the Senate Administrative Regulations Review Commission. Senator Sampson is also the Deputy Majority Leader for State/Federal Relations.

As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Sampson conducted the confirmation hearings for Chief Justice of the New York Court of Appeals, Judge Jonathan Lippman. Senator Sampson is committed to improving diversity within the New York State Court System calling for more hirings of minorities and women for judgeships.