MEET MARY BETH
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Mary Beth Walsh was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2016. She proudly serves the 112th Assembly District, which includes parts of Saratoga, Schenectady and Fulton Counties.
Mary Beth’s experience as an attorney, advocate for children and families and small business owner provides her with a unique perspective and background when dealing with pieces of legislation and initiatives. Throughout her first years in office, Mary Beth has fought for real ethics reform that would rid corruption from our state’s capitol, advocated on behalf of direct care workers and New Yorkers with disabilities, worked to protect small business, middle-class families and seniors, stood up for upstate values and supported the importance of quality education for our children and alternative pathways upon graduation. In 2018, Mary Beth was named one of the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) ‘Guardians of Small Business’ because of her staunch advocacy throughout the Legislative Session. She has worked across the aisle to pass bi-partisan legislation, and understands the importance of working as a team to get the best results for New York residents.
As one of only three female members of the Minority Conference, Mary Beth is passionate about encouraging young women to get involved in government and public service. Whether it’s when local schools come to visit the capitol or she is being shadowed by girl scouts or female students, Mary Beth always takes the opportunity to stress the need for more women to take on leadership roles in their communities.
Back in the district, Mary Beth has toured countless businesses, not-for-profits, schools, military institutions and community centers. She has also hosted events that aim to provide important services and information to the residents of the district, including a Heroin & Opioid Addiction Informational Forum to help individuals navigate the dangers of the epidemic. She partnered with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office to offer Drug Take-Backs and has sponsored several events encouraging the communities of the 112th Assembly District to ThinkDIFFERENTLY by creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with special needs. Mary Beth spearheaded a ThinkDIFFERENTLY Day at the Saratoga County Fair offering a sensory-friendly environment to ensure that individuals of all abilities are able to enjoy the fair. Saratoga County is the second county in the country to adopt an event of this kind.
Mary Beth is the Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore and sits on the Assembly Committees on Education, Judiciary, Mental Health, and Ways and Means. Walsh is also Secretary of the American Irish Legislators Society and is the 2nd Vice-Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus.
Mary Beth continues to maintain her own private practice in Ballston Spa. She has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years, and has practiced almost exclusively representing children in Family Court for the last decade. She is the municipal attorney for the Town of Edinburg and previously served as an Assistant Saratoga County Attorney.
Prior to being elected to the Assembly, Mary Beth served in a variety of leadership positions in local and county government, including two terms as a Councilwoman in the Town of Ballston and as a member of Saratoga County IDA, Saratoga County Ethics Advisory Council and Saratoga County Autism Council.
Mary Beth and her husband Jim live in Burnt Hills, and they have six children in their blended family.