The Croton Democratic Committee has announced its endorsed Democratic slate for the November 2025 village elections: Brian Pugh for Mayor, and Nora Moriarty Nicholson and Karen Pecora for Village Trustee.
Brian Pugh, a Croton-native, has served as Village Mayor since December 2017, following his tenure as a Village Trustee from 2014 to 2017. Under his leadership, Croton-on-Hudson achieved New York State’s highest Clean Energy rating. Mayor Pugh has prioritized sustainability, property tax control, increased affordability, and infrastructure investment, notably the Elliott Way Boardwalk and Croton Point Avenue Improvement Project. Brian is a graduate of Oberlin College and Fordham School of Law.
Nora Moriarty Nicholson has served as a Croton Village Trustee since her appointment in December 2022. A Croton native and Croton-Harmon Schools alumna, Nora returned in 2021 with her husband and two daughters after living in California. Bringing extensive professional experience from corporate retail and the nonprofit sector, she is deeply committed to community service. Nora currently serves as Director of External Affairs at the Westchester Children’s Association. She holds degrees from SUNY Albany and San Francisco State University.
Karen Pecora is a first-time candidate for Village Trustee, a lifelong Westchesterite and lived in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson for the past eight years. In 2022, Karen retired from the Westchester County Department of Social Services after 32 years of service as the secretary to the Director of Child Welfare. For 16 of those years, she served as President and Vice President of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), leading contract negotiations and representing the interests of thousands of members. She currently serves on the Village’s Recreation Advisory Committee and the Westchester County Council for Seniors.
Mayor Brian Pugh stated, “We must work together to build a strong future by making the capital investments in equipment our first responders need, completing infrastructure projects like Croton Point Avenue, expanding our tax base, and creating new housing opportunities accessible at all income levels.”
Trustee Nora Moriarty Nicholson said, “I’m honored to be endorsed by the Croton Democratic Committee and to continue serving our community alongside Mayor Pugh and Karen Pecora. We share a deep commitment to Croton’s future, focusing on sustainable growth, affordability, and responsive governance. I’m excited to bring my experience in public service to address the challenges and opportunities facing our village, and to work collaboratively to ensure Croton remains a vibrant and welcoming home for all.”
Karen Pecora said, “My career has been dedicated to public service, and now, I’m ready to bring that dedication to Croton. For over three decades, I’ve worked directly to serve our neighbors, and as a union leader, I’ve fought for fairness and representation. I believe in the power of strong advocacy and collaboration. I’m committed to ensuring our village’s decisions reflect the best interests of all. I’m excited to partner with Brian and Nora to build a stronger Croton.”
Michael Eisenkraft, Croton Democratic Committee Chair, said, “Mayor Pugh, Trustee Nicholson, and Karen Pecora embody the strategic leadership Croton needs, particularly in these uncertain times. They continue a long tradition of successful Democratic governance in our village, delivering tangible results across diverse areas from the creation of Croton Landing to the acquisition of Gouveia Park. Since the Croton Democrats regained the majority on the Village Board, Croton-on-Hudson has moved from strength to strength. From attaining New York State’s highest Clean Energy rating to modernizing public safety and ensuring fiscal responsibility, their record demonstrates a commitment to our community’s well-being. This team understands that effective leadership requires addressing a wide range of issues, not just single-issue concerns—they provide the experience needed to navigate the challenges of the present and secure Croton-on-Hudson’s future.”
For more information email crotondemocrats@gmail.com
