Westchester Legislator Criticized for Issuing Unauthorized Honors to GOP Figures Linked to Racist Chat
A Westchester County lawmaker is facing backlash from his colleagues after reportedly giving out official county proclamations to two Republican activists connected to a racist and misogynistic online chat group.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 21, the leadership of the Westchester County Board of Legislators said that Legislator James Nolan, a Republican representing parts of Yonkers and Bronxville, distributed past proclamations to Peter Giunta and Bobby Walker, both former chairs of the New York State Young Republicans. According to the Board, the proclamations were issued without approval or awareness from the full legislative body.
The incident comes on the heels of a POLITICO report detailing offensive messages exchanged in a private Telegram chat among members of the New York State Young Republicans. The leaked messages included racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language allegedly involving Giunta and Walker.
Walker, who was serving as a communications aide to State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, was cited in the chat using slurs, mocking an injured congressman, and referring to rape as “epic.” Both Ortt and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik later denounced the remarks, calling them “indefensible.”
Board leadership said Nolan’s unilateral action “violated the Board’s established practices and procedures,” noting that proclamations carry the weight of official recognition from the entire legislative body. “We condemn Legislator Nolan’s actions,” the statement read, adding that staff have been directed to conduct a full review of the matter.
Nolan Calls It “Purely Political”
In a response provided to Daily Voice, Nolan dismissed the Board’s statement as “a political stunt” meant to damage him before Election Day.
“My colleagues are looking for a ‘gotcha moment’ because two years ago I failed to include the chairman’s signature on two proclamations — an oversight for which I’ve already apologized,” Nolan said. “This is purely political.”
Nolan emphasized that he has already condemned the offensive group chat, saying the messages were “deeply disturbing” and inconsistent with his values. He also accused Democratic legislators of double standards, alleging that they failed to denounce comments made about his brother’s death.
“Just over 60 days ago, a Democratic legislator made remarks about my brother’s murder,” he said. “When I asked for a public apology, none was issued.”
In an earlier statement on October 16, Nolan reiterated his disapproval of the messages shared in the Telegram group: “The comments and behavior described in those reports are deeply disturbing and completely inconsistent with my personal values. I strongly condemn any rhetoric or actions that promote bigotry.”
