No Other Democratic, or WFP candidate Files Petitions
U.S. Congressman George Latimer (D-16th CD Westchester/Bronx) has secured the Democratic Line in his bid for a second term in Congress, submitting nominating signatures in excess of 9,500 names to qualify for the Democratic nomination. After a contentious primary in the 2024 season – and recent primaries for this seat in 2018, 2020 and 2022 – no other Democratic candidates submitted petitions in 2026, ensuring no June Primary for Latimer.
In addition, no candidates submitted petitions for either the Working Families or the Conservative parties, creating a direct D vs. R competition with the GOP candidate in the fall election campaign.
“I’m deeply grateful for the dozens and dozens of local volunteers, from the Bronx to White Plains who went out door-to-door, in cold weather conditions, to collect these signatures. I’m deeply grateful to each and every one for their efforts, and the willingness of nearly 10,000 registered Democrats to support my renomination”, Congressman Latimer noted.
The petition witnesses – primarily local activist Democratic District Leaders – braved weather conditions from February 24 until the end of March, going door-to-door to meet registered Democrats eligible to sign a Democratic petition. By law, Latimer needed 1,250 valid signatures to qualify; the number submitted, over 9,500 names, surpassed the minimum requirement by more than seven times over.
Signatures were delivered in 887 pages of petitions, exceeding the number of pages submitted by the Republican candidate by more than 500 pages.
Latimer has won 18 general elections for positions for the Rye City Council, Westchester County Legislator, State Assemblyman and State Senator, and twice for Westchester County Executive. He won his second term as County Executive with 62% of the vote in the general election, and succeeded in 2024 to the House of Representatives with 72% of the vote.
“The people of these communities make the ultimate decision, and I know I have to make a positive case for their vote every single time. I have in Congress maintained the same energy level and effort I have delivered in previous races, and whether election year or not, I’m constantly out in my communities speaking and listening to my neighbors. I intend to make a strong case in November for what we can accomplish over the next two years, with different, dynamic leadership in the House”, Latimer added.
In 2026, New York’s 16th CD, the center of attention the last few electoral cycles, will cede the spotlight to New York’s 17th CD – – Northern Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and a part of Dutchess, which will see active primary and general election battles this year.
