Westchester Democratic Party Chairman Reginald LaFayette sent out a letter on August 31 informing democrats across the country that he was no longer seeking re-election as county chair. That announcement came as a surprise to many democrats we spoke to in Westchester.
“After much soul searching, I have come to an important decision. I have decided to remove my name from consideration as your Chairman,” wrote LaFayette to westchester democratic district leaders Aug. 30.
On August 6, LaFayette wrote to the same westchester dem district leaders “I am running for re-election as your county chair.” So what changed in three weeks? “Reggie knew he was going to lose, that’s the only reason he got out, so he wouldn’t get embarrased at the convention,” said one prominent westchester democrat.
Some believe that a flood of support to Mt. Kisco Democratic Chair Bill Serratore was one reason. County Legislator Damon Maher, a leader of the progressive-indivisible wing of the county democratic party, recently came out with an endorsement of Serratore before Reggie got out of the race.
“I strongly support the candidacy of Bill Serratore for Chair of the Westchester Democratic Committee. It is time to bring into the party structure those who have been so instrumental in putting in office those of us elected and re-elected since 2017. Bill is committed to putting a diverse cohort of progressive Democrats, including Indivisibles and people from other energetic, hard-working activist groups in positions of responsibility and power within the organization.
“He will also install a system of active subcommittees with specific portfolios, such as Membership Recruitment, Fundraising, Communications/Website/Social Media, Nominating, Local Committee Liaison, etc. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Bill pledges a new level of transparency and participation in County Committee funding, endorsements and other important decisions,” wrote Maher.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano also quickly endorsed Serratore after LaFayette pulled his name from consideration. “To understand where the future of the Democratic Party is headed, you must know how far we have come. Under the leadership of the Westchester County Democratic Committee Chairman, Reginald Lafayette, he has helped elect strong candidates with sound democratic principles here in Yonkers, and county-wide. As his term comes to an end, we must continue to protect our shared democratic values.
“Let’s elect someone who will evolve the party and embrace change. Most importantly, let’s elect someone who will support the Democratic ideals inclusive of our shared progressive values. Someone who embodies these very principles and has the requisite experience to lead the Westchester County Democratic Party is Bill Serratore. There is no question he has what it takes to lead the party. Bill’s proven skillset, coupled with his activism, shows he can champion strong democratic principles encompassing progressive leadership. The future of our party is bright. If delivered a true blue leader like Bill, there is no doubt he will support winning candidates,” said Spano.
The other announced candidate for Westchester Democratic Chair is Greenburgh Democratic Chair Suzanne Berger.
