White Plains, NY — The Board of Legislators announce the appointment of Symra D. Brandon to fill the vacancy for Westchester County's Legislative District 16 (Yonkers). She was unanimously voted in to serve as Legislator until certification by the Board of Elections of the County Legislator-Elect for the 2024-2025 term.

Born in New York City and raised in Yonkers, Symra Brandon has dedicated her life to serving her community, from her role as Assistant to the Westchester County Executive to making history as the first African American woman to serve on the Yonkers City Council. In her six-year stint on the City Council, she exhibited exceptional leadership, notably serving as the Majority Leader in her fifth term. She explored an academic career by becoming an adjunct professor at prestigious institutions such as Elizabeth Seton, Iona College, and Columbia University. Most recently, she has served as the Director of Community Affairs for the Office of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Majority Leader José Alvarado (D – Yonkers) added, “Symra is a trailblazer who has consistently broken barriers and set new standards of excellence for Yonkers. Her dedication to improving the lives of our constituents is truly inspirational, and I welcome her expertise on our Board.”

Brandon has an extensive record of community involvement, serving on several boards and organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Terrace City Chapter #26, Black Democrats of Westchester, the NAACP, and the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus. Additionally, she is a board member at Saint Cabrini Nursing Home and served as Vice Chair of the Yonkers Charter Revision Commission.

Chair Vedat Gashi (D - Yorktown, New Castle, Somers) said, “The combination of Ms. Brandon’s experience in government and her deep ties to the community made her the best candidate to represent Yonkers in this interim capacity. We look forward to the wisdom, leadership, and passion she will bring to this role, and congratulate her on this new chapter of her illustrious career of public service.”