Bill Samuels has a lifetime of experience as an activist and reformer in the Democratic Party. Hiss passion reflects his youth in Canandaigua, New York, and his family's commitment to good government, a commitment reflected during his father Howard Samuels' campaign for Governor in 1974. Bill took an early interest in activism for progressive causes, first as a participant and later as a leader in the anti-war movement, helping to organize the Vietnam Veterans Against the War March on Washington.

Recently, Bill served as the Finance Chairman for the New York Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, leading to Democrats gaining control of the State Senate for the first time in decades. Resigning when the new Democratic Majority chose corrupt senator Pedro Espada as Majority Leader, Bill formed the New Roosevelt Initiative, executing the field operation to replace Espada with progressive leader Gustavo Rivera.

Bill currently serves as the Chairman of Effective New York, advocating his truly progressive agenda of campaign finance, redistricting, and pension reform in Albany.