George S. Latimer

George S. Latimer is a former member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 91st District from 2005 to 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, Latimer has had a long career in public service, which includes various roles in local government and the state legislature. He has also served as Westchester County Executive and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024. His political career has been marked by a focus on community issues and public administration.

Early life and career

George Stephen Latimer was born on November 22, 1953, in Mount Vernon, New York. He is the son of Stanley and Loretta Latimer. Latimer completed his secondary education at Mount Vernon High School, graduating in 1970. He then pursued higher education at Fordham University, located in the Bronx, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. Following his undergraduate studies, he sought to further his education by obtaining a Master of Public Administration from New York University's Wagner School. To finance this endeavor, he requested a loan from his father, which he later repaid.

While studying for his master's degree, Latimer worked part-time as a budget analyst at Fordham University. After completing his graduate education in 1976, he took on the role of housing coordinator, where he was responsible for establishing Section 8 housing in Mount Vernon. This position marked the beginning of his affinity for government work, which would shape his future career in public service.

In addition to his early government work, Latimer spent approximately two decades in the private sector as a marketing executive in the hospitality industry. He held positions with major organizations, including subsidiaries of Nestlé and ITT, which provided him with valuable experience in management and public relations.

Legislative service

Latimer's political career began in earnest in 1987 when he successfully ran for a seat on the Rye City Council, finishing first among six candidates from major parties. His initial success in local government paved the way for his election to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 1991. Latimer made history as the first Democrat to win the 7th District seat, which includes the city of Rye, the village of Larchmont, and parts of Mamaroneck. He was re-elected multiple times, solidifying his position within the county's political landscape.

In January 1998, Latimer's party achieved a significant milestone when Democrats gained a majority on the county board for the first time in 90 years. Following this victory, he was elected chair of the board, becoming the first Democrat to hold this position. He continued to serve in this role until 2001 and was re-elected to his legislative seat in 1999.

In 2002, Latimer was elected as the county Democratic Party chairman, a position he held for two years. His leadership in the party and his legislative experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the New York State Assembly.

After winning re-election to the County Legislature in 2003, Latimer successfully campaigned for a seat in the New York State Assembly in 2004. He served in the Assembly from 2005 until 2012, representing the 91st District. This district encompasses the Sound Shore communities, including New Rochelle, Rye Brook, and Port Chester, alongside areas from his previous county legislative district. During his time in the Assembly, Latimer focused on various legislative initiatives and community concerns.

Following his tenure in the Assembly, Latimer sought election to the New York State Senate in 2012, competing for the 37th District seat after the retirement of Senator Suzi Oppenheimer. He was elected and served in the Senate from 2013 to 2017. His time in the Senate included participation in key legislative discussions and decisions, although he missed a significant state budget vote in 2017 due to travel.

Policy focus and district

Latimer's legislative career has been characterized by a commitment to addressing local issues and advocating for community needs. As a member of the New York State Assembly, he focused on a range of topics relevant to his constituents, including housing, education, and public safety. His experience in local government provided him with insights into the challenges faced by communities in his district.

During his time as Westchester County Executive, a position he assumed in 2017 after defeating incumbent Republican Rob Astorino, Latimer implemented several policies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. His administration took significant steps to address social issues, including a ban on gun shows on public property and the outlawing of gay conversion therapy. He also expanded the role of the county's human rights division and signed the Immigration Protection Act, which limited the county's cooperation with federal investigations concerning undocumented workers.

Latimer's fiscal policies included increasing property taxes by two percent and supporting a one percent sales tax increase. He also implemented measures to promote equitable hiring practices, such as banning questions about applicants' criminal backgrounds on job applications. Under his leadership, Westchester County accepted asylum seekers from New York City, reflecting his administration's commitment to addressing humanitarian concerns.

In 2024, Latimer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, marking a new chapter in his political career. His election followed a competitive primary campaign, which was noted for its high financial stakes. Throughout his career, Latimer has demonstrated a focus on public service and community engagement, shaping his approach to governance and policy-making.