Hughes Re-elected Chair as Schenectady County Legislature Organizes; Gatta Named Vice Chair

Gary Hughes was re-elected chair of the Schenectady County Legislature on a 14-0 roll-call vote with one member absent at the legislature's organizational meeting on Jan. 1, 2026. Kathy Gatta was elected vice chair by the same tally. The meeting also included the ceremonial swearing-in of newly elected and returning legislators.

The clerk called the roll and recorded 14 members present and one absent before the leadership votes. Majority leader Richard Paterne nominated Hughes for chair and the motion was seconded; the clerk recorded 14 votes for Hughes and the body declared him elected. "With 14 votes Gary Hughes is elected Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature," the clerk announced following the roll call.

Chair Hughes was sworn in by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko and used his remarks to outline several county priorities. He said county government provides services "from safe roads and public health to care for our frail elderly" and previewed policy items he expects the legislature to pursue during the term. "Tonight, we'll take action to provide a total of $3,000,000 in county funds to support the opening of the Electric City Food Co-op in Downtown Schenectady," Hughes said in his remarks.

Kathy Gatta, nominated and seconded for vice chair, was likewise elected by roll call (14 in favor, one absent) and later sworn in. Multiple legislators were administered the oath of office during the meeting, including Omar Sterling McGill, Rajnika Ishmael, Michael Aragosa, Joshua Cuomo, Peter Frisoni and Eric Hess. McGill closed his brief remarks by thanking supporters and saying, "Let's get to work."

The organizational session also included the formal reading of certificates designating Richard Paterne as majority leader and Joshua Cuomo as minority leader, both effective Jan. 1, 2026. The meeting concluded after a series of organizational votes and a motion to adjourn.

The legislature will carry the elected leadership into upcoming committee assignments and the regular legislative calendar; the creation of a standing food and nutrition committee was announced during the chair's remarks and will be addressed in subsequent agenda items.