George Latimer (New York politician)
American politician (born 1953)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George Stephen Latimer (born November 22, 1953) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 16th congressional district since 2025. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
George Latimer | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 16th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Jamaal Bowman |
| 9th Westchester County Executive | |
| In office January 1, 2018 – January 2, 2025 | |
| Deputy | Ken Jenkins |
| Preceded by | Rob Astorino |
| Succeeded by | Ken Jenkins |
| Member of the New York State Senate from the 37th district | |
| In office January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Suzi Oppenheimer |
| Succeeded by | Shelley Mayer |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 91st district | |
| In office January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Ronald Tocci |
| Succeeded by | Steven Otis |
| Member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators from the 7th district | |
| In office January 1, 1992 – December 31, 2004 | |
| Preceded by | Diane Keane |
| Succeeded by | Judy Myers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | George Stephen Latimer November 22, 1953 Mount Vernon, New York, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Robin Phelps Latimer |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Fordham University (BA) New York University (MPA) |
| Website | House website Campaign website |
Previously, Latimer served on the Rye City Council and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 2005 to 2012 and of the New York State Senate from 2013 to 2017. Latimer was elected Westchester County Executive in 2017, defeating incumbent Republican Rob Astorino, and was re-elected in 2021.
In 2024, Latimer was elected to the House of Representatives after defeating incumbent Jamaal Bowman in the Democratic primary in what was, at the time, the most expensive congressional primary in American history until 2026. As of 2026, he has never lost an election.
Early life, education, and early career
Latimer was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on November 22, 1953, to Stanley and Loretta (née Miner) Latimer.[1] He attended and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1970.[2] He commuted to Fordham University in the Bronx and graduated with a B.A. in 1974. He asked his father for a loan to help him obtain his Master of Public Administration from New York University's Wagner School.[1] While earning his graduate degree, he worked part-time as a budget analyst at Fordham. After graduating in 1976, he took the position of housing coordinator, setting up Section 8 housing in Mount Vernon. “I discovered an affinity for government work, and I paid my father back,” he said.[3]
Latimer later worked for two decades as a marketing executive in the hospitality industry for major organizations, including subsidiaries of Nestlé and ITT.[4]
Early political career
Latimer first ran for public office in 1987. He won a seat on the Rye City Council, finishing first in a field of six major party candidates.[1] Latimer was elevated in 1991 to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, becoming the first-ever Democrat to win the 7th District seat representing the city of Rye, the village of Larchmont, and the town and village of Mamaroneck.[5] He was re-elected in 1993, 1995, and 1997;[6] in January 1998, Democrats won a majority of seats on the county board for the first time in 90 years. Latimer was elected to chair the board, becoming the first Democrat ever elected to that post. He was re-elected to his legislative seat in 1999 and served a second term as chairman from 2000 to 2001.[7]
Latimer did not seek a third term as chair in 2002, having been re-elected to a sixth term in the Westchester County Legislature. Westchester County Democrats elected him county Democratic Party chairman in September 2002, and he served in that capacity for a two-year term.[8][better source needed]
New York State Assembly
After winning re-election to the County Legislature in 2003,[citation needed] Latimer sought and won a seat in the New York State Assembly in 2004.[9] He served in the Assembly from 2005 to 2012.[10] In the Assembly, Latimer represented the 91st District, which included the Sound Shore communities of New Rochelle, Rye Brook, and Port Chester alongside the communities of his county legislative district.[citation needed]
New York State Senate
In 2012, Latimer ran for the New York State Senate in the 37th District against Republican Bob Cohen following the retirement announcement of Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D).[11] Following his election in 2012,[12] Latimer served in the State Senate from 2013 to 2017.[13]
Latimer missed a state budget vote in 2017 while on a trip to London.[14]
Westchester County Executive
In 2017, Latimer challenged Republican incumbent Rob Astorino for Westchester County Executive.
During the campaign, Astorino attacked Latimer because a house belonging to his late mother-in-law was delinquent on $46,000 in property taxes.[15] Latimer said that the taxes would be paid as soon as the estate was settled, and that he was not responsible for the taxes as he did not own the house. An investigation by News 12 showed that Latimer's name did not appear on the deed to the house.[16]
Latimer was also criticized for having "a car-registration suspension on his record,"[17] and for missing state budget votes in April 2017 while vacationing in the [United Kingdom] with a woman other than his wife."[17][18][19] Astorino called for Latimer to "step down from the state Senate’s Education Committee because he missed the state budget vote..."[14] In October 2017, the New York Post reported that Latimer had "told fellow Democrats he was attending the [United Kingdom] trip with his wife, Robin... The state budget was passed a week after the April 1 deadline this year, and Latimer missed the votes on legislation approving school funding, tax revenues and the capital budget."[18] Latimer accused Astorino of "trying to divert voters’ attention — but didn’t deny taking the trip"; when asked where he was during the skipped votes, Latimer told reporters that the subject was "not [their] business."[19]
The Latimer campaign, in turn, accused Astorino of receiving a sweetheart deal on a Rolex watch due to his relationship with a businessman who had pleaded guilty to fraud charges; Latimer's campaign called for Astorino's resignation based on the allegations.[20][21]
Latimer defeated Astorino by 14 points despite being outspent over 3-to-1 by Astorino's campaign.[22][23]
On November 2, 2021, Latimer was re-elected to a second term as county executive.[24]
As Westchester County Executive, Latimer "banned gun shows on public property, outlawed gay conversion therapy, expanded the role of the county’s human rights division and signed the Immigration Protection Act that limits the county’s cooperation with federal investigations of undocumented workers". He also increased property taxes by two percent, supported a one percent sales tax increase, and implemented a ban on questions about applicants' criminal backgrounds on job applications.[1] In 2023, under Latimer's leadership, Westchester County accepted some asylum seekers who came to the county from New York City.[25]
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2024
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
- 90–100%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
- 90–100%
In December 2023, Latimer announced that he would run for the United States House of Representatives in 2024. He challenged incumbent U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman in the June 25 Democratic primary in New York's 16th congressional district.[26] Latimer ran as a pro-Israel Democrat, while Bowman was accused of antisemitism[27] because he was critical of U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza war.[23][28] The New York Times described the contest as "a marquee showcase of the party's divisions over the Israel-Hamas war."[29]
The primary was the most expensive House primary in U.S. history, with $15 million in outside spending benefiting Latimer's campaign.[30] Latimer received high-profile endorsements from former Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, a resident of Chappaqua in Westchester County; from former U.S. representatives Eliot Engel and Nita Lowey; and from most area state legislators.[31][32]
Latimer defeated Bowman, 58.6% to 41.4%.[33] Bowman's loss was seen as a major defeat for the progressive wing of the party against its more moderate wing, represented by Latimer.[30]
Latimer went on to win the general election, defeating Republican Miriam Flisser.[34][35] As of December 2024, he had never lost an election.[25]
2026
Latimer announced he would stand for reelection on April 12, 2026 submitting nearly 10,000 signatures.[36] Since he was unopposed, this effectively secured his place as the Democratic nominee in the general election following the June 23 Democratic primary.[37]
Tenure
Latimer was sworn in to the 119th United States Congress on January 3, 2025.[10]
As one of his first votes, Latimer joined 44 other Democrats and 198 Republicans to pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.[38] The act would impose sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials who attempt to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the U.S. or its allies, in response to the ICC issuing warrants for Israeli officials.
In March 2026, Latimer introduced the Protecting our Integrity and Nation from Tyranny (POINT) Act. The proposed act would codify a definition of election interference and impose criminal penalties, including up to 5 years in prison. Furthermore, it would add a legal review process for states to assert their power to oversee elections, and bar presidents from using the military or federal law enforcement to influence elections.[39]
Committee assignments
For the 119th Congress:[40]
Caucus memberships
Electoral results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 26,978 | 64.3 | |
| Independence | George S. Latimer | 1,214 | 2.9 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 721 | 1.7 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer | 28,913 | 68.9 | |
| Republican | Vincent J. Malfetano | 12,257 | 29.2 | |
| Conservative | Vincent J. Malfetano | 793 | 1.9 | |
| Total | Vincent J. Malfetano | 13,050 | 31.1 | |
| Total votes | 41,963 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 19,521 | 89.4 | |
| Independence | George S. Latimer | 1,410 | 6.5 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 899 | 4.1 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer (incumbent) | 21,830 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 21,830 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 29,105 | 65.1 | |
| Independence | George S. Latimer | 1,754 | 3.9 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 1,027 | 2.3 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer (incumbent) | 31,886 | 71.3 | |
| Republican | Rob Blagi | 11,850 | 26.5 | |
| Conservative | Rob Blagi | 966 | 2.2 | |
| Total | Rob Blagi | 12,816 | 28.7 | |
| Total votes | 44,702 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 18,704 | 59.9 | |
| Independence | George S. Latimer | 1,531 | 4.9 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 977 | 3.1 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer (incumbent) | 21,212 | 68.0 | |
| Republican | Bill Reed | 8,759 | 28.1 | |
| Conservative | Bill Reed | 1,246 | 4.0 | |
| Total | Bill Reed | 10,005 | 32.0 | |
| Total votes | 31,217 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 61,010 | 51.3 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 3,226 | 2.7 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer | 64,236 | 54.0 | |
| Republican | Bob Cohen | 48,125 | 40.5 | |
| Conservative | Bob Cohen | 4,522 | 3.8 | |
| Independence | Bob Cohen | 1,927 | 1.6 | |
| Total | Bob Cohen | 54,574 | 46.0 | |
| Write-ins | Write-in | 40 | negligible | |
| Total votes | 118,850 | 100 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 34,850 | 47.7 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 3,242 | 4.4 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer (incumbent) | 38,092 | 52.2 | |
| Republican | Joseph L. Dillon | 29,151 | 39.9 | |
| Conservative | Joseph L. Dillon | 4,572 | 6.2 | |
| Independence | Joseph L. Dillon | 1,190 | 1.6 | |
| Total | Joseph L. Dillon | 34,913 | 47.8 | |
| Write-ins | Write-in | 28 | negligible | |
| Total votes | 73,033 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 69,420 | 52.8 | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 2,815 | 2.1 | |
| Women's Equality | George S. Latimer | 881 | 0.7 | |
| Total | George S. Latimer (incumbent) | 73,116 | 55.7 | |
| Republican | Julie Killian | 50,713 | 38.6 | |
| Conservative | Julie Killian | 5,216 | 4.0 | |
| Independence | Julie Killian | 1,809 | 1.4 | |
| Reform | Julie Killian | 426 | 0.3 | |
| Total | Julie Killian | 58,164 | 44.3 | |
| Write-ins | Write-in | 119 | negligible | |
| Total votes | 131,399 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 24,466 | 62.6 | |
| Democratic | Ken Jenkins | 14,316 | 36.7 | |
| Total votes | 39,057 | 100.0 | ||
| 2017 Westchester County Executive election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | |
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 116,834 | 53.2% | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 4,034 | 1.8% | |
| Independence | George S. Latimer | 2,214 | 1.0% | |
| Women's Equality | George S. Latimer | 960 | 0.4% | |
| Reform | George S. Latimer | 231 | 0.1% | |
| Total | George S. Latimer | 124,273 | 56.6% | |
| Republican | Rob Astorino | 82,929 | 37.8% | |
| Conservative | Rob Astorino | 12,441 | 5.7% | |
| Total | Rob Astorino (incumbent) | 95,370 | 43.4% | |
| Majority | 28,903 | 13.2% | ||
| Totals | 219,643 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
| 2021 Westchester County Executive election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | |
| Democratic | George S. Latimer | 89,277 | 58.4% | |
| Working Families | George S. Latimer | 5,556 | 3.6% | |
| Total | George S. Latimer (incumbent) | 94,833 | 62.0% | |
| Republican | Christine Sculti | 56,136 | 36.7% | |
| Conservative | Christine Sculti | 1,933 | 1.3% | |
| Total | Christine Sculti | 58,069 | 38.0% | |
| Totals | 152,902 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George Latimer | 45,909 | 58.6 | |
| Democratic | Jamaal Bowman (incumbent) | 32,440 | 41.4 | |
| Total votes | 78,349 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George Latimer | 217,668 | 71.6 | |
| Republican | Miriam Flisser | 86,408 | 28.4 | |
| Total votes | 304,076 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
Personal life
Latimer and his wife, Robin Phelps Latimer, are the parents of a daughter, Meagan.[50] He met his wife in the 1970s while he was working in sales for Stouffer Corporation in White Plains, New York.[3]
In 2019, Latimer faced a lawsuit following a July 2017 car crash in New Rochelle. The collision occurred when Latimer failed to yield at an intersection, causing the driver of the other car "severe and permanent injury." At the time of the crash, Latimer was driving an aide's vehicle; his own car's registration had been suspended because of a high number of unpaid parking tickets.[51]
