County Legislator José Alvarado Announces Decision Not To Seek Reelection In 2026

Legislator José I. Alvarado (D–Yonkers) announced today that he will not seek reelection to represent Westchester County’s District 17, wishing to focus on family and future opportunities. He remains fully committed to completing the current one-year term through December 31, 2026.

With sincere appreciation, the Westchester County Board of Legislators thanks Legislator Alvarado for his long years of dedicated service to the county, particularly to the residents of the legislator’s beloved Southwest Yonkers.

Alvarado was first elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2001, becoming the county’s first Hispanic–Latino County Legislator. He served five consecutive terms from 2002 to 2011 and returned to the Board following reelection for three terms beginning in 2020, plus the current 2026 legislative term. Upon completion of this term, Alvarado will have served a total of 17 years representing District 17 in Southwest Yonkers.

As the Board’s most senior member, Alvarado has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice Chair, Majority Leader, Majority Whip, Chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the former combined Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor, and Parks, and a leadership role on the Community Services Committee. His work has consistently centered on supporting youth, seniors, and vulnerable residents. He helped reactivate the City of Yonkers Youth Bureau, chaired the Committee on Seniors, Youth, and Intergenerational Services, and continues to serve in a leadership role on the Veterans, Seniors, and Youth Committee.

During his tenure, Alvarado secured major investments for Southwest Yonkers, including funding for a new water-access park in Ludlow, completion of the RiverWalk project, improvements to Tibbetts Brook Park, and crucial odor mitigation projects at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. He also restored funding for local social service organizations, supported the development of a 20-member strong consortium of community-based organizations, and played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic to support food security, eviction prevention, and vaccination access in the county.

Alvarado said, “It is always hard to say goodbye to something that you love so much, but as I always said, government exists to serve the people, NOT the other way around.17 years of service is enough for the 17th Westchester County Legislative District.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Legislator. Together we achieved unimaginable stuff—from fighting bad odors at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant to beautifying Tibbetts Brook Park, enjoying a brand-new riverfront park and RiverWalk. We have robust social services for our neighbors, more arts projects in the district, and a South Broadway Business Improvement District that is more active than ever. New affordable housing continues to be built, and as promised we now have a very active City of Yonkers Youth Bureau.

I am not saying goodbye or abandoning my community—that I will never do; but I feel strongly that 17 years of service is enough for one person in our 17th Legislative District. I have a pretty filled-up bucket list and a beautiful family to tend to, so I will be busy. As always, I will be with you to make sure that government and elected officials remain there to serve the people, not the other way around.”

Chairman Vedat Gashi (D—New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “It’s hard to imagine the Board without José Alvarado. His service to Westchester—especially to the residents of Southwest Yonkers who are so dear to him—will leave a deep footprint and hard shoes to fill. From the Board, and me, personally, thank you.”

José Alvarado holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Mercy University, a master’s degree in public administration/health care from Pace University, and a Leadership Certificate from NYU’s School of Management. He and his wife Karla are the proud parents of three children.