Westchester County Board Votes in Kenneth Jenkins as County Executive; Special Election Set for Feb. 11

WHITE PLAINS—The Westchester County Board of Legislators voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to appoint Deputy County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins Westchester County Executive until a Special Election, which the Board has set for Feb. 11.

The public will vote to elect a County Executive to serve the remainder of now Congressman George Latimer’s original term through December 2025. Jenkins succeeds Acting County Executive Richard G. Wishnie, who was designated to the transitional role by Board Chairman Vedat Gashi immediately after Latimer officially stepped down on Jan. 2.

Board Chairman Gashi (D-New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “Ken Jenkins is a leader who understands the needs of our residents and the complexities of our County government. He is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Westchester and is uniquely suited to ensure the County continues to thrive during this critical time. His leadership will help ensure that the priorities of Westchester's families, businesses, and varied communities remain on track. We look forward to continuing our productive collaboration with him now and in the future.”

The ceremony was presided over by Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni, and Jenkins oath was administered by New York State Supreme Court Justice Anne E. Minihan, 9th Judicial District, in a ceremony at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.

As a leader in the Latimer administration, Jenkins worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, restore aging infrastructure and protect the environment. Jenkins, a Westchester County resident for the past 43 years, has made history as Westchester’s first-ever Black County Executive.

Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. He also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.

Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney's Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.

A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including: Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.

Westchester County Executive Jenkins said, “I am deeply honored to have been voted in as County Executive by the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Having served as Deputy County Executive with George Latimer since 2018, I have seen firsthand what it takes to lead this County with integrity and vision. Westchester is more than just where I serve—it's my home. It’s where I have lived, raised my family with my wife Deborah, and dedicated my career to public service. I vow to always put our residents first, ensuring that our county remains on solid fiscal footing while maintaining vital services and keeping taxes low. Together, we will continue to move Westchester forward, prioritizing the needs of our community and building a brighter future for all.”