Joseph L. Bruno is an American businessman and Republican politician, the Temporary President of the New York State Senate and its majority leader. Under the New York State Constitution, the "temporary president of the senate" performs the duties of the lieutenant governor when that office is vacant, or its office-holder is out of state. On March 17, 2008 Lieutenant Governor David Paterson became governor, vacating the lieutenant governor's office. Bruno continues to hold the office of "temporary president of the senate" and majority leader while performing lieutenant governor duties. He represents the 43rd New York State Senate District.