Kevin M. Byrne
Candidate for Putnam County Executive
Background
Byrne was elected Putnam County Executive in 2022, running unopposed, and previously served in the New York State Assembly. He is seeking a second four-year term.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supports making the clothing and footwear sales tax exemption permanentIn office
The county's exemption covers qualifying clothing and footwear under $110 and is set to expire in March 2027; Byrne said he would account for it in his proposed 2027 budget.
ReportByrne Seeks to Make Clothing and Footwear Sales Tax Exemption PermanentPublic statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
“Now, I want to make sure that tax never comes back.”
Secured a $1 million county property tax levy cutIn office
ReportByrne Highlights Historic Tax Relief, Expansion of Services in 2026 State of the CountyPublic statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
“Byrne highlighted the largest property tax levy reduction in county history, a $1 million cut adopted in the most recent county budget.”
Roads & infrastructure
Proposes expanding Putnam On-Demand microtransit to more townsIn office
ReportByrne Highlights Historic Tax Relief, Expansion of Services in 2026 State of the CountyPublic statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
“Our next goal is to bring this service to other communities across Putnam County.”
Health & human services
Proposed a $2 million county mental health services fundIn office
The fund would be assigned from the county's unassigned fund balance, with spending subject to Legislature approval.
ReportByrne Announces Plan to Create $2 Million Mental Health Services FundPublic statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
“Putnam County will create a dedicated, flexible funding stream for mental health initiatives”
Government & transparency
Led a sales tax revenue-sharing deal with towns and villagesIn office
Under the compromise, part of the county's 1% sales tax extension is shared with the six towns and three villages by population, with a $50,000 minimum each, for public projects.
ReportByrne, Supervisors, Mayors Announce Historic Sales Tax Compromise and Major Property Tax ReliefPublic statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
“will be distributed to local municipalities based on population, with a guarantee that each will receive at least $50,000 annually”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Kevin M. Byrne on them.
- Public safetyNo documented position found.
- EducationNo documented position found.
- HousingNo documented position found.
- Economy & jobsNo documented position found.
All sources (9)
- November 3, 2026, General Election Candidate & Proposition List
Election filing · Putnam County Board of Elections · Sep 3, 2026 · boe.putnamcountyny.gov
- 2026 General Election Sample Ballots (by election district)
Election filing · Putnam County Board of Elections · app.enhancedvoting.com
- 2026 Elected Officials (4/21/2026)
Government record · Putnam County Board of Elections · boe.putnamcountyny.gov
- Challenger Files for Putnam Executive
News coverage · The Highlands Current · Feb 2, 2026 · highlandscurrent.org
- Putnam Conservatives endorse rightwing candidate for county executive
News coverage · Mid-Hudson News · Aug 16, 2026 · midhudsonnews.com
- Byrne Seeks to Make Clothing and Footwear Sales Tax Exemption Permanent
Public statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
- Byrne Highlights Historic Tax Relief, Expansion of Services in 2026 State of the County
Public statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
- Byrne, Supervisors, Mayors Announce Historic Sales Tax Compromise and Major Property Tax Relief
Public statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
- Byrne Announces Plan to Create $2 Million Mental Health Services Fund
Public statement · Putnam County Executive's Office · putnamcountyny.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.