The 42nd state Senate District is now under Democratic control after two decades of being in Republican control under Sen. John Bonacic.

Rosendale Councilwoman Jen Metzger is joining over 100 women nationwide elected into office this week, taking on a larger role as the New York state senator of the 42nd district.

Metzger defeated Republican candidate Ann Rabbitt in the race.

"There were a lot of challenges we faced that I couldn't address, we couldn't address, at the local level,” says Metzger. “We really needed to get the state legislature behind us, so that ultimately is what motivated me to run."

Metzger was born in New York City and lived in Queens as a child. She says her middle class family faced the hardship of being a poor American family when her father was laid off from work.

Metzger was able to go to college with financial assistance years later. This experience, she says, ultimately influenced her views on quality education and the role that property tax plays in it.

"In areas where you can't raise a lot of tax revenue, their schools aren't getting the resources they need,” she says.

Metzger says she will also address the ever-increasing cost of health care.

"Even though we don't see the world necessarily in entirely the same way, everyone has information that is valuable to bring to the table and figuring out our solutions for our common problems,” she says. “So I look forward to working with everyone across the board in moving us forward in New York."