The phrase "upstate senators" refers to the senators who represent the northern or inland regions of a state, rather than the more populated areas near the coast or major cities. Full definition
They rallied more conservative elements of the party to their cause, and even before the vote was taken began to threaten upstate senators who supported Flanagan with primaries. (politico.com)
A number of upstate senators, including Neil Breslin, Darrel Aubertine and Dave Valesky, have said Espada should give up his majority leader post. (nystateofpolitics.com)
I'm tired of hick upstate Senators taking big money from NYC landlords / developers to look out for their interests (force rents higher). (nystateofpolitics.com)