Leaves behind a democratic supermajority across Westchester County politics and government; 49 Years in Democratic Politics
By Dan Murphy
On Jan. 15, Reginald LaFayette, the longserving former Chairman of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, passed away at the age of 69, due to an accident in his home where he fell in his home. LaFayette served as the Chair of the Mount Vernon Democratic Party for decades before taking control of the Westchester Democratic party in 2004. He stepped down in 2020, but during his leadership democrats in Westchester became not only the majority party but the supermajority party in most parts of the county.
“Today, the entire County of Westchester mourns the death of Reginald A. LaFayette,” said County Executive George Latimer. “Reggie had a long and distinguished career as a public servant. He was politically brilliant, and it is without doubt that no person did more to bring diversity to City and County government than Reggie. He was insightful and tempered; he was my friend for nearly 50 years starting when we were both young men in Mt. Vernon – where we both first became active in the community. We shared meals, advice and even coached a little league team together. Today, the news of his passing seems surreal; tomorrow we go forward and we carry on and remember his legacy of working for voting rights, diversity and equal opportunity for all in government. I grieve with his children, his many friends and colleagues.”
LaFayette, a Mount Vernon resident, started his career in Mount Vernon City Hall, serving as a Deputy Comptroller and City Clerk, and serving in the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee under former Chair David Ford. LaFayette has served as a Mount Vernon Democratic district leader since 1972, nearly 50 years in westchester democratic politics.
Since stepping down as county leader in 2020, LaFayette remained active, sharing his half century of political advice with democrats, including a breakfast only a day before his passing with Congressmember Jamaal Bowman. “Just yesterday I had Breakfast with Mr. Lafayette in Mount Vernon where he imparted his decades of wisdom and experience. This meal is one that I will forever cherish. Our conversation left me inspired and grateful for the forty years he proudly served our community; building democratic power and diversifying leadership. As chair of the Westchester and Mount Vernon Democratic parties he paved the way for so many like myself making opportunities for women and people of color. Reggie fought for voting rights–something that remains as critical as ever. We will miss him greatly. I express my condolences to his loved ones, friends and our community. May Chairman Reggie Lafayette Rest-In-Peace. His memory and legacy will not be forgotten, said Rep. Bowman.
When LaFayette took control of the westchester democratic committee in 2004, democrats were slowly becoming the majority party in Westchester, but the future was still in doubt. 2007 was a turning point for democrats in Westchester under LaFayette when District Attorney Janet DiFiore and Assemblyman Mike Spano switched parties and became democrats.
Since then, democrats have won 14 of the last 16 countywide races, including all three in 2017. “Reggie was a mentor to many and a man of principle. I learned so much from him. He will be missed” says Suzanne Berger, the current Chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee.
“I am in utter shock…” says County Legislator (D-11) and Chair of the Black Democrats of Westchester County Terry Clements. “Reggie was not only a friend, but a powerful figure in Westchester. Reggie was tough, hard-working, dedicated and passionate and I am going to miss my friend deeply”
“The sudden passing of Reggie Lafayette is a tremendous loss to all people around the state of New York. Reggie’s public service was exemplary as well as his dedication to ensuring that people of color and women were elected at every level of government” says Ken Jenkins, Westchester’s Deputy County Executive.
This reporter first met LaFayette in 1995, when I was a district leader in Mount Vernon, working with a group called Democrats for a Better Mount Vernon. LaFayette was the vice-chair of the powerful Mount Vernon Democratic Party, under another legendary democratic political figure in Westchester, David Ford.
LaFayette’s passing is perhaps the last we will see of the old political power brokers in westchester politics. But the outpouring of well wishes for him shows that he will not soon be forgotten.
