Yonkers City Councilmember Shanae Williams won the Yonkers City Democratic Committee endorsement over the incumbent, County Legislator Christopher Johnson, on Wednesday, February 22. Last month, Williams announced her candidacy for Westchester County Legislator- District 16 and has rallied support of Yonkers district leaders and ward leaders which lead to her victory, which came as a surprise to many.
The Yonkers City Democratic Committee Executive Committee held a public meeting giving all candidates an opportunity to seek the party’s endorsement. Williams won 5,705.99 of the weighted votes compared to Johnson’s 3,146.99 weighted votes. After the vote, Williams said, “I thank everyone who participated in the democratic process last night and congratulate all endorsed candidates. I am grateful to our party chairman, all the district leaders, ward leaders and executive committee members for their support and confidence in me to be their candidate for County Legislator of District 16.”
Thomas Meier, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic City Committee said, “Shanae has been a fighter for her community as a Councilwoman and will fight for Yonkers as a County Legislator. The Yonkers Democratic Party is happy and honored to support Shanae Williams for County Legislator.”
“This is a crucial time in history for all of us – a time of uncertainty, a time where women are still underestimated and overlooked, a time where families are worried about their safety and the future of our youth, a time where mental health and housing insecurity is on the rise and so much more – one thing is certain though, it is time for a change in leadership in the 16th county legislative district,” said Williams, who added, “I care deeply about the people of the district, and I will work diligently to address the pressing issues and needs of the community. I look forward to a healthy, positive campaign where I get to listen to the voters and share my platform on how we can make a positive impact together once I have been elected as County Legislator.”
Williams campaign manager Christine Peters said, “I’m proud of Shanae Williams. She is my personal friend and I’m proud to be running her campaign again. Her victory with the Yonkers City Democratic Committee is an example of hard work, and an indication that the Democratic Party has seen her strong record of progressive problem solving. I look forward to a win in June and her subsequent triumph in Novembver.”
Peters also ran Williams campaign for Westchester County Clerk in 2021, where Williams shocked Westchester democrats by almost beating longtime County Clerk Tim Idoni, receiving 49% of the vote.
The Democratic Primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2023. To learn more or get involved with Shanae Williams’ campaign visit www.ShanaeWilliams.com.
