History was made in Westchester Monday afternoon, as the County Board of Legislators appointed its first African American county executive.

After nearly two decades in county government, Ken Jenkins — the former deputy county executive — is taking over the county's top office.

He is replacing his friend, George Latimer, who now represents New York's District 16 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

At a special meeting, the Legislature voted unanimously to appoint Jenkins to the position.

Jenkins hopes the appointment inspires young people of color who are starting their careers.

Jenkins pointed out that hard work and sacrifice are necessary.

He has been a county legislator, a high-level business executive at multiple companies and a small business owner.

"It's always great for people to look up and say, 'There's an opportunity for me,'" Jenkins said, "but that's not the only thing that gets you through the door and it's not something that makes sure that you're being successful everyday."

District 16 Legislator Shanae Williams holds the same legislative seat Jenkins used to hold.

She said Monday's appointment was a big moment for up-and-coming leaders like her.

"He used to sit in the same seat that I'm currently sitting in," Williams said, "and it makes me feel really great to see that you can continue to have opportunities to continue to serve your community in larger capacities."

Williams plans to work with Jenkins on some outside-the-box ideas to address the housing and affordability crisis that has been squeezing longtime residents out of the county.

After being sworn in at his ninth-floor office, Jenkins told News 12 that one way he plans to fight the housing crisis is to prioritize sewer and drainage infrastructure projects to prevent homes from being damaged or destroyed.

"If there's flooding that happened, you're going to be negatively impacted," Jenkins said. "We're going to be investing in that, and that will positively impact affordable housing in Westchester County."

Jenkins must now win a special election to keep the position.

The legislature set the election for Feb. 11.

The winner will serve the rest of Latimer's term, which runs through the end of this year.

Jenkins plans to run for a full term, which would begin in January 2026.

Seceral sources said it is unlikely he would face a serious challenger in the Democratic primary election.

The general election for county executive is in November.