George Latimer: Policy Positions
George Latimer positions himself as a mainstream Democrat with progressive credentials on domestic policy and a firmly pro-Israel stance on foreign affairs. His policy portfolio draws heavily on his decades of experience in county and state government, with particular emphasis on infrastructure, fiscal management, environmental protection, and support for Israel 1.
Israel and Foreign Policy
Latimer's most prominent foreign policy position is his strong support for Israel. During his 2024 primary campaign against Jamaal Bowman, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a defining issue, with Latimer criticizing Bowman's calls for a permanent ceasefire and opposition to additional arms shipments . Latimer supported President Biden's push for a temporary ceasefire and maintained that Israel had the right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack . He supports a two-state solution but insists it must emerge from a negotiated process rather than unilateral recognition . He traveled to Israel in 2025 on a trip organized by the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation and has argued that critics of Israel often overlook Hamas's role in perpetuating the conflict . In 2026, he introduced the No Oil Profiteering to Enrich Iran (NOPE) Act, which would restore sanctions on Iranian oil to increase U.S. leverage to end regional conflict .
Fiscal Policy and Taxes
Latimer has emphasized fiscal responsibility throughout his career. As chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators from 1998 to 2001, he oversaw three consecutive years of county property tax decreases 6. As County Executive, he continued that record with three additional consecutive property tax cuts and stabilization of the county's credit rating 7. He has long advocated for relieving the Medicaid cost burden on county governments, arguing that New York is one of the few states that forces counties to pay for Medicaid, which drives up property taxes 8. In Congress, he introduced the Home Mortgage Interest Credit Act of 2026 to provide tax relief to homeowners 9.
Housing
Latimer has described himself as a former tenant organizer and a supporter of affordable housing 10. As a state legislator, he was involved in housing policy, and as County Executive, his campaign stated he invested over $90 million to support the construction of more than 2,500 housing units in Yonkers and New Rochelle . He introduced the Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 in Congress to support accessible housing for older adults 9. However, his record on housing has been contested by critics who allege he was slow to comply with a 2009 federal consent decree requiring Westchester County to desegregate its housing patterns, an issue explored in greater detail in the Controversies section .
Environment and Energy
Latimer has a strong environmental voting record, earning a 100% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters 13. He has cited climate change as an urgent threat demanding immediate action 13. As County Executive, he invested $20 million in electric vehicle infrastructure and oversaw the electrification of the county's Bee-Line Bus fleet 13. In Congress, he is a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and co-introduced the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Safety Act of 2026 with Republican Brian Fitzpatrick 14. He opposed proposed Trump administration cuts to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor funding, calling the reduction politically motivated .
Gun Control
Latimer supports gun control measures. As County Executive, he banned gun shows on public property . He has stated his opposition to the NRA and support for keeping firearms off the streets 10. He cosponsored the New York Health Act during his time in the state legislature, which sought to establish universal health care in New York 10.
Reproductive Rights
Latimer has consistently supported reproductive rights. In the state legislature, he voted to defend abortion access 10. In Congress, he is a member of the Congressional Reproductive Freedom Caucus 17. As County Executive, he established clinic access protections to help women safely access health care services 7.
Civil Rights and Social Justice
Latimer has supported a range of civil rights measures. He voted for Marriage Equality in the state legislature 10. As County Executive, he banned gay conversion therapy, signed the Anti-Wage Theft Law and the Wage History Anti-Discrimination Law, established the Police Reform and Reimagining Task Force, and signed the Immigration Protection Act limiting county cooperation with federal investigations of undocumented workers . He is a member of the Equality Caucus in Congress 17.
Election Integrity
In March 2026, Latimer introduced the Protecting Our Integrity and Nation from Tyranny (POINT) Act, which would codify a definition of election interference and impose criminal penalties of up to five years in prison for violations . The bill would also bar presidents from using the military or federal law enforcement to influence elections and add a legal review process for states to assert their authority to oversee elections .
Small Business
Latimer introduced the SBIR Administrative Funding Act to support long-term planning and coordination for the Small Business Innovation Research program 14. He also joined colleagues in sending a letter to Treasury and DHS regarding potential tariff refunds for small businesses 14.