Peter Criswell was elected chair of the Ulster County Legislature at the body’s organizational meeting, winning the roll-call vote 19–4 after nominations from both sides of the aisle.

Legislator Sperry nominated Criswell and delivered an extended endorsement of his leadership record; Legislator Levine formally seconded the nomination. Legislator Lopez nominated Minority Leader Kevin Roberts, arguing that selecting a Republican would send a signal of bipartisan cooperation; that nomination was seconded by Legislator Kovacs. Nominations were closed and the clerk conducted a roll-call vote. The clerk announced that Criswell won by a tally of 19 yes to 4 no.

In his remarks after the vote, Criswell thanked his colleagues and invoked the oath just taken by the new legislators and the Ulster County Charter, saying the charter and the rules of the body "are the foundation of everything we do here." He emphasized his priorities for the term: maintaining decorum, supporting all legislators regardless of party, and keeping the legislature functioning efficiently during a one-year term with compressed timelines.

The contested chair election followed procedural steps typical for the legislature’s organizational meeting: nomination from the floor, a second, closure of nominations, and a roll-call vote. Criswell’s election continues the outgoing chair’s approach, according to supporters who praised his experience chairing sessions and budget meetings.

The legislature also completed other organizational business at the session and set the next regular meeting for Feb. 17, 2026.