For Immediate Release
WESTCHESTER COUNTY (January 15, 2022) — The Westchester County Democratic Committee (WCDC) mourns the loss of former County Chair and Board of Election Democratic Commissioner Reginald Lafayette. Lafayette passed away suddenly this morning, January 15. The cause of death has not been released.
Lafayette, a Mount Vernon resident, has served numerous roles in local and county government. Lafayette started his career in Mount Vernon City Hall, serving as a Deputy Comptroller and City Clerk, before assuming the role as Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner for Westchester County. Lafayette has also swiftly moved up in the ranks, politically. Lafayette has served as a Mount Vernon Democratic District Leader since 1972; the Chair of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee; a Democratic State Committee member, representing the 89th Assembly district; and the former Westchester County Democratic Committee Chairman, a post in which he served for 16 years.
“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.
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