From left, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, CSEA
Westchester Retirees Local activist Lionel Turner, CSEA Southern Region
President Anthony Adamo and CSEA Westchester County Local and Unit
President Hattie Adams pose shortly after our union announced our
endorsement of Latimer at our union’s Westchester County Local office in
December 2023.
WHITE PLAINS — CSEA has endorsed Westchester County Executive George Latimer in the June 25 Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives’ New York 16th Congressional District seat, which encompasses the southern half of Westchester County and a small portion of the Bronx.
Having spent decades representing the interests of working people while serving in elected roles in local and state government, Latimer has a longstanding reputation as a steadfast supporter of unions and has distinguished himself as a consensus-builder who has achieved positive change by working in a bipartisan manner.
With the 16th Congressional District primary one of the most closely watched in the nation, our union strongly supports Latimer in his bid to bring his more pragmatic approach to Washington, D.C., where the House has faced stalemates that have prevented legislation impacting working people from moving forward.
In announcing our union’s endorsement last December, Southern Region President Anthony Adamo cited Latimer’s longstanding support for union members, both during his time in the state legislature and in local government roles that also included serving on the Rye City Council and the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
“There is no doubt that George is the most qualified candidate to represent the 16th District and will hit the ground running,” said Adamo.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, right, supports CSEA and
other unions’ efforts to reform Tier 6 during a rally in Port Chester earlier
this year.
Soon after becoming county executive, Latimer resolved a seven-year long contract dispute with our union’s Westchester County Unit following protracted negotiations with his predecessor, which has set the tone for a harmonious labor-management relationship during Latimer’s time in office.
Adamo said Latimer’s willingness to work across party lines is something that is badly needed in Congress.
“George’s campaign motto of ‘results, not rhetoric’ highlights what has been missing in the 16th District,” said Adamo. “While George’s more moderate approach doesn’t always grab headlines, it results in progress and meaningful change. With so much at stake in this country, George’s pragmatic approach and consensus-building ability will help move Congress forward and avoid the stalemates that we’ve been seeing all too often.”
CSEA was the first labor union to endorse Latimer in this race. Latimer joined Adamo and Westchester County Local President Hattie Adams at the Westchester County Local office in mid-December to make the announcement.
As the election approaches, CSEA is involved in efforts to get out the vote for Latimer, including labor walks and volunteering for phone banks.
“I have always believed that government must be a force for good with real results,” said Latimer. “And as an elected official, I know that I could not have achieved the results I have without the hard work of CSEA’s members, the women and men in public service who make government function. Together, the members of CSEA and I have made Westchester the most progressive county government in New York, and it is an honor to receive their endorsement.”
— Jessica Ladlee
