Albany Regency, in American history, the name given a circle of New York statesmen who dominated the politics of that state for a third of a century. This "regency" consisted of the "bosses" of the Democratic party. The members were men of upright character, and imbued with statesmanlike views. The regency had no definite membership, but it included such men as William L. Marcy, Martin Van Buren, Silas Wright, and John A. Dix. As a means of party control, the leaders stood stanchly for the Jeffersonian spoils system. Indeed, Marcy is credited with coining the expression "To the victors belong the spoils." Naturally enough, the regency included the prominent occupants of the state house at Albany. The state treasurer, the state printer, an editor or two, and others were desirable allies. The Democracy lost control of state patronage in 1848. The "regency," always informal, came into control about 1820. It may be said to have dissolved by 1854. The traditions and policy were perpetuated by Samuel J. Tilden, Daniel Manning, and other leaders of integrity.