Westchester County Legislator James Nolan. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

The Westchester County Board of Legislators is condemning one of its own after it says one member presented official proclamations without authorization to former New York State Young Republicans members linked to a racist group chat. 

In a statement released Tuesday, Oct. 21, Board leadership said Legislator James Nolan, a Republican who represents District 15 in Yonkers and Bronxville, awarded past proclamations to former New York State Young Republicans Chairs Peter Giunta and Bobby Walker “without knowledge or consent of the Board or Board leadership.” 

The controversy comes after both Giunta and Walker were embroiled in scandal over a leaked Telegram group chat reported by POLITICO earlier this month, as Daily Voice previously reported.

The chat reportedly contained racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks made by several members of the New York State Young Republicans, including Walker and Giunta.   

Walker, who was then serving as communications coordinator for State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, was quoted in the messages using slurs, mocking a wounded congressman, and calling rape “epic.” Both Ortt and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik publicly condemned the group’s comments, calling them “indefensible.” 

The Board called the proclamations issued by Nolan an action that "misused and violated the Board’s practices and procedures," emphasizing that such honors represent official recognition from the full legislative body.  

"We condemn Legislator Nolan’s actions. Board leadership has directed staff to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this matter," the statement read.

Nolan Responds: “Purely Political” 

In a statement to Daily Voice on Tuesday, Nolan dismissed the Board’s condemnation as politically motivated ahead of Election Day.

"My colleagues are seeking a 'gotcha moment' because two years ago, I failed to include the chairman's signature on a copy of two proclamations—an oversight on my part, for which I have already apologized to Chairman Gashi. This is purely political," Nolan said.

Nolan said he has “condemned the disgraceful group chat” and accused his Democratic colleagues of hypocrisy for not condemning other comments he claims were made about his family.

"Just over 60 days ago, one of the Democrat Legislators made comments about my brother’s murder. When I demanded they condemn her comments, no public condemnation or apology was issued," Nolan said. 

Nolan's prior condemnation of the group chat on Thursday, Oct. 16, read, "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."