By Dan Murphy
Many in Yonkers know the name Kisha Skipper, from her many leadership roles in community organizations and in government. This year, Skipper announced that she was seeking to run for County Legislator in District 15 in Yonkers, and Bronxville.
Skipper recently received good news; her petitions to get on the democratic ballot were not challenged, which means that she will be on the ballot for a June 23 democratic primary against Anthony Nicodemo. The winner goes on to take on republican county legislator James Nolan in November.
We asked Skipper about her campaign.
1. Why are you running for County Legislator? I’m running because the 15th Legislative District deserves leadership that is present, responsive, and committed to delivering real results. Too many residents feel overlooked as they face rising costs in housing and energy, environmental challenges, and gaps in essential services. I’m stepping forward to ensure every voice is heard and each resident is valued.
2. What are your key issues for this campaign? My campaign is focused on affordability, public health, and equity. That includes addressing the housing and energy crisis, improving air quality and flood mitigation, strengthening the public transportation infrastructure, and expanding access to healthcare and mental health services. I’m also committed to supporting working families and ensuring responsible, transparent governance.
3. How was the petition process? The petition process was both challenging and energizing. With nearly 1,500 total signatures collected, it allowed me to connect directly with residents across the district and hear their concerns firsthand. While there were obstacles, the overwhelming support I received reinforced that people are ready for new leadership and real change.
4. What are the differences between you and your opponent? My candidacy offers a clear and credible choice for community-rooted leadership, engagement, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions focused on social services, transportation, housing, energy affordability, and environmental justice. I am the only person of color, woman, mother, and disabled resident running. I am a lifelong Democrat, and I bring more than three decades of political, union, finance, and community experience —along with a track record of tangible results for residents across Westchester County. Neither my residency nor my voter registration has changed in recent years, and I reject politics, rhetoric, and practices that do not reflect the needs and values of the people in this district.
5. Tell our readers about yourself. As a lifelong Democrat and nearly 20-year resident of Westchester County, I have dedicated my life to fighting for equity in education, access to quality healthcare, safe and affordable housing, environmental and climate justice, and fair representation. I am a mother of two (attendees of Yonkers Public Schools), one who is currently serving in the US Marine Corps. Even after surviving a life-altering battle with COVID-19, I remained committed to advocating for those most impacted and underserved. I understand how deeply public health, economic security, and strong local leadership matter. I firmly believe that government works best when it listens, collaborates, and delivers real results for the people it serves.
6. Why should Democrats vote for you on June 23? This campaign is a unique opportunity to flip a seat, energize Democratic turnout, and deliver accountable local leadership. Democrats should vote for me because I am a lifelong Democrat and I bring decades of both professional experience and public service. I have worked both inside and outside of government—as a finance and procurement specialist, an aide to the Yonkers City Council, an election technician with the Westchester County Board of Elections, a labor leader, and a community advocate. I believe I am the best candidate—and the only one prepared to give a full-time commitment to what is, in fact, a part-time opportunity. I’ll fight for working families and deliver the kind of leadership our district deserves.
Skipper also has the endorsement from the Working Families Party. Learn more about her campaign at https://www.kishaforwestchester.com/.
