WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 1, 2026) — Kenneth W. Jenkins was officially sworn in as Westchester County Executive during an inauguration ceremony at Purchase College, beginning a new three-year term.
The ceremony, which also included the swearing-in of County Clerk Thomas Roach and County Legislators Jennifer Puja and Anant Nambiar, featured invocations and benedictions from diverse faith communities, congratulatory messages from state and federal leaders, and a year-end video highlighting accomplishments across Westchester County government.
Jenkins took the oath of office administered by the Honorable Anne E. Minihan, pledging to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New York and the Charter of Westchester County.
In his inaugural remarks, Jenkins reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship and delivering results for residents in every community across Westchester.
“In my first year as County Executive, I’ve been guided by a simple principle: leadership that listens, acts and delivers for the people of Westchester County,” Jenkins said. “We’ve strengthened our financial footing, invested in housing and infrastructure, expanded educational and economic opportunities, and made real progress on public safety — all while staying true to the values that unite us. This is just the beginning. Together, we will continue to build a Westchester where opportunity is real, government is responsive, and every community thrives. We’ve proven that responsible leadership works.”
Roach said: “I am honored to have been sworn in as Westchester County Clerk and grateful to the residents of Westchester County for placing their faith and trust in me to serve our community.”
Puja said: “It is an incredible honor to serve as a Westchester County Legislator for the district I’ve called home my entire life. I’m grateful for the trust that residents have placed in me. Together, rooted in shared history and united by a common future, we will move this district forward and in unity.”
Nambiar said: “I am very honored to be elected to represent District 7 on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. I’m also very proud to be the first South Asian and Hindu elected, and look forward to working with my colleagues and the County Executive and team to solve the difficult, important problems that our residents prioritize.”
The ceremony concluded with a reception celebrating the newly sworn-in officials and their continued service to the people of Westchester County.
Jenkins previously served a one-year term following a special election. This swearing-in begins a full three-year term, rather than the traditional four-year term, as a result of changes to New York State election law that adjusted the County Executive election cycle. Under the revised law, the 2026–2028 term aligns Westchester County’s executive elections with the State’s updated voting calendar.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.