Lucas defeats Daniels in race for North Salem supervisor

Lucas secures re-election as North Salem supervisor

The final, unofficial numbers are in, and the race for North Salem supervisor is settled. Republican Warren Lucas has been re-elected, defeating his Democratic challenger, Councilwoman Katherine Daniels. The Westchester County Board of Elections updated its figures around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, showing Lucas with a lead.

According to the county’s official tally, Lucas received 1,378 votes, capturing 56.2% of the total. Daniels, his Democratic opponent, tallied 1,074 votes, accounting for 43.8% of the vote. Lucas himself acknowledged on social media that this count did not include any absentee ballots postmarked by 11/4 that might come in this week or any affidavit ballots, which he noted “weren’t likely to make a difference in the outcome.” The results were delayed due to the need for county election workers to manually tabulate thousands of ballots that couldn’t be read by machines on Election Day, a process observed by representatives from both political parties.

A Victory and a Promise to Continue

In a statement following the results, Lucas expressed gratitude to the residents of North Salem. “This is less any absentee ballots that are postmarked by 11/4 that might come in this week and any affidavit ballots for people who voted but weren’t on the rolls,” he wrote. “Thank you to the residents of North Salem for your continued confidence in me. I’m honored by the support I received across party lines, and I look forward to continuing to work together to keep North Salem a wonderful place to live.”

Lucas defeats Daniels in race for North Salem supervisor

This marks Lucas’s return to the supervisor’s office, a role he has held since first being elected in 2009. Prior to that, he served as a councilman and deputy supervisor.

A Conceding Campaign and a Future on the Board

While Lucas was celebrating his return, Daniels, who was first elected to the Town Board in 2021 and re-elected in 2024, was already turning her focus back to her duties on the board. On Wednesday morning, while the votes were still being counted, she took to social media to thank her supporters. “It’s been a long, hard battle and I think we did a great job and ran a great campaign,” she said. “Regardless of the outcome of the election I still will be on the Town Board and I will continue to fight for you every day, work for you every day.”

Daniels remained graceful in defeat, emphasizing her continued commitment to public service. She specifically mentioned her work with the Climate Smart Community Leadership Team and the Capital Planning Committee, signaling that her influence on local policy will persist despite not winning the top seat. “So, life will go on regardless of the outcome of the election, but I do want to thank you for your support in the election,” she told her supporters. Daniels planned to release a more formal statement later, but her early message was clear: her fight for the residents of North Salem was far from over.

A Race Defined by Local Issues

The contest between Lucas and Daniels was more than just a personal rivalry. The pair engaged in a debate last month at the Hammond Museum, where the issues discussed were deeply rooted in the community’s identity. Topics ranged from the proposed Croton Falls sewer district—a major piece of infrastructure that could impact the environment and local development—to the importance of long-term capital planning.

Both candidates spoke passionately about preserving North Salem’s rural character, a core value for many residents. The debate also examined questions of affordability, government transparency, and the distribution of power. Lucas’s win can be seen as a validation of his vision for a North Salem that manages growth and maintains its unique character, a vision he has been implementing since 2009.

What’s Next for North Salem

For Katherine Daniels, the role of councilwoman remains a powerful platform. She can continue to advocate for her priorities, including environmental initiatives and affordable housing measures, from a position on the board. Her presence ensures that the perspectives she brought to the supervisor’s race will remain a part of the town’s governing conversation. The election may be over, but the debate over North Salem’s future is just entering a new phase, with Lucas at the helm and Daniels keeping a watchful eye from the board.