The special election, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, follows a leadership transition prompted by former County Executive George Latimer's departure to represent New York's 16th Congressional District in Washington.
Jenkins, who was named County Executive by the Westchester County Board of Legislators in early January, is currently serving in the role until the election. As a longtime public servant and former deputy county executive, Jenkins aims to continue his vision of "a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable county," according to his campaign website.
He has been endorsed by Latimer, who called him an "invaluable partner" during his administration. Jenkins' campaign website highlights his priorities, including:
- Increasing affordability: Controlling property taxes, decreasing the cost of living, increasing affordable housing and childcare options, making the county government more streamlined for "better efficiency;"
- Improving community safety: Removing guns from streets, putting money towards safety, improving police and community relations, addressing the opioid crisis;
- Protecting healthcare: Defending reproductive rights, improving preventative services, ensuring "quality healthcare access" for all residents;
- Addressing the environment: Reducing the county's carbon footprint, improving flooding infrastructure with "job-creating investments;"
- Improving public transportation.
Sculti, a Republican and former Chief Advisor to former County Executive Rob Astorino, is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and public safety, she said on social media. She has positioned herself as a counterpoint to Jenkins, criticizing what she describes as his record of tax increases and policies that prioritize undocumented immigrants over residents.
Sculti’s campaign has focused on several key issues:
- Repealing the Sanctuary County Law: Pledging to overturn legislation she claims provides protections to undocumented individuals at the expense of public safety;
- Reducing Taxes and Spending: Sculti vows to streamline county government and criticized Jenkins' "crushing sales tax increases."
- Fighting Congestion Pricing: Opposing Governor Hochul’s congestion pricing plan, which she argues unfairly burdens Westchester commuters;
- Parental Rights: Establishing the "Office of Parental Rights," advocating for parents to have greater say in school policies, particularly on curriculum and extracurricular issues.
"On February 11th, you can hold Ken Jenkins accountable for protecting criminal illegals instead of our residents, his out-of-control tax and spending and his support of Governor Hochul’s destructive MTA commuter tax/congestion pricing," Sculti wrote on social media.
The special election comes after a unique set of circumstances. Jenkins was appointed County Executive on Monday, Jan. 6, following Latimer's resignation on Jan. 2. Latimer left after seven years in the role to serve in Congress. Jenkins, who had been Deputy County Executive, stepped into the position with endorsements from Latimer and others who praised his leadership.
The winner of the Feb. 11 special election will serve as County Executive through Dec. 31, 2025, completing the remainder of Latimer's term.
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