Latimer submits letter resigning from county executive post

Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who in a landslide was elected on Nov. 5 to Congress representing New York’s 16th Congressional District, has submitted to County Clerk Timothy Idoni a letter formally resigning as county executive effective Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m.

“I am deeply appreciative of the many kindnesses shown to me during my seven-year tenure as County Executive, and for my prior thirteen years’ service as a member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators,” Latimer said. “I look forward to working closely with Westchester County government in my new responsibilities.”

Latimer explained he is due to be sworn in as a congressman on Friday, Jan. 3.

“My seven years as a county executive along with 13 prior years as a Westchester County Board of Legislators member gives me a 20-year experience in this government of Westchester County,” Latimer said while commenting on his resignation. “As I leave it I am prepared to work closely with this county government to try to accomplish the things that are necessary.”

Latimer said that he is hopeful that his new position in Washington will be substantive. He noted that the term in Congress lasts only for two years compared with four years for county executive.

He said that his resignation will trigger action by the Board of Legislators. The board chairman will appoint an acting county executive who will serve for a couple of days between the time Latimer’s resignation takes effect and the first board meeting of the New Year, when the full board will appoint an acting county executive to serve for 90 days.

“They also will set the date for a special election for county executive and the major parties will nominate candidates who will compete in that special election that’s likely to be held in the month of February,” Latimer said.

The winner of the special election will serve the remaining months of Latimer’s four-year term, due to expire at the end of 2025. In November 2025, there will be an election for a full four-year term as county executive. Latimer pointed out that when he took office he authored and the Board of Legislators adopted a two-term limit for county executives.

“We look forward to new leadership, a new dynamism here in Westchester County and I just want to tell you … how thankful I am and appreciative I am that I’ve had this opportunity,” Latimer said.