Legislators Approve 2026 Board Leadership
The Westchester County Board of Legislators began the 2026 term on Monday night, re-electing Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) and electing Legislator Terry Clements (D–New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor) as Vice Chair. Sunday Vanderberg was elected to her fifth term as the Board’s Clerk and Chief Administrative Officer.
The Board’s majority Democratic caucus elected Legislator Judah Holstein (D–Eastchester, New Rochelle, Tuckahoe) as Majority Leader and Legislator Shanae Williams (D–Yonkers) as Majority Whip. The start-of-term leadership vote followed the swearing-in of the whole Board by Westchester County Clerk Hon. Thomas M. Roach. Two new legislators—Jenn Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison) and Anant Nambiar (D–Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye, Harrison) were inaugurated to their first terms.
Gashi said, “I’m grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me as we begin a new term. Over the past two years, this Board expanded quality housing opportunities, restored funding for affordable childcare, strengthened protections for domestic violence survivors, and made targeted investments to keep Westchester accessible for working families and seniors. I look forward to continuing that work together.”
Clements said, “I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair and remain committed to ensuring every voice in Westchester is heard and valued. Together with my colleagues, we’ll continue advocating for policies that uplift our communities and strengthen the democratic values that make our county strong. I'm grateful to the residents and my fellow legislators for their continued support as we move forward with unity and purpose.”
Holstein said, “I’m honored to have been selected as the next Majority Leader of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. The year ahead will bring new and unique challenges, and by working together we can govern responsibly, protect essential services, and continue delivering for the people and communities of Westchester County.”
Williams said, “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the role of Majority Whip for this new term. I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to upholding the duties of this position with respect and purpose. We have important work ahead, and our focus will remain on advancing common-sense legislation that benefits all Westchester County residents. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in leadership and within the Democratic caucus to ensure a productive and successful term.”
Vanderberg said, “It’s a privilege that the legislators have again placed their confidence in me. I look forward to continue assisting them in serving the people of Westchester County for another term.”
The minority caucus re-elected Legislator Margaret A. Cunzio (C–North Castle, Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Harrison) as Minority Leader, and Legislator James Nolan (R–Yonkers, Eastchester, Bronxville) as Minority Whip.
Watch the full Organizational Meeting here.