David Alexander Paterson (born May 20, 1954) is an American politician and the 56th Governor of New York. He is the first black governor of New York and the first legally blind governor of any state. He became governor when Eliot Spitzer resigned. Due to Paterson becoming governor, two black governors are serving at the same time for the first time in more than 100 years; as Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts is also African American. He chose not to run for governor in February 26, 2010.