New York, NY —

New York State Senate Republicans have taken control of the state Senate. Two Democratic Senators -- Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens -- have joined the Republicans, giving them a two vote edge in chamber. But neither of them is changing his party affiliation.

WNYC's Albany reporter Karen DeWitt was on the scene -- she says the Republicans plan to move quickly:

"They're going to reconvene Wednesday and they're going to examine many of the issues that have been passed so far this session."

Republicans named Pedro Espada the temporary president of the Senate, and Dean Skelos of Nassau County vice president and majority leader, the same position he held until January when Democrats took the majority for the first time in over 40 years.