MORRIS COUNTY – Deborah Smith, John Krickus, and Stephen Shaw, have officially declared their intention to run for re-election as Morris County Commissioners in 2024. They have unveiled a notable array of GOP endorsements, securing support from every state legislative representative representing Morris County.
Krickus is from Long Valley, Smith is from Denville, and Shaw is from Mountain Lakes.
Smith, Krickus, and Shaw pointed to their leadership in road and bridge construction, protecting residents and businesses by supporting law enforcement and first responders, and four straight years of no increase in the county tax.
“We are honored to have earned the overwhelming endorsement of Republican leaders at the state, county, and local levels. As former local officials, we know that no one is more in touch with residents than our town leaders, and their overwhelming support is gratifying. This unprecedented support also indicates that the Morris County Republican party is ready to unite early so we can start working right away in 2024 to elect Republicans and focus our resources on the Fall campaign. We look forward to not only keeping Morris the best-run county in the state but making vital improvements such as the expansion of Morris Vocational School and County College of Morris,” said the team.
One possible challenger is Robert Peluso, a former Parsippany councilman who ran for State Assembly in this year’s GOP primary on a ticket with Mastrangelo. Peluso, already filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, but has made no formal announcement.
The list of endorsements includes Senator Tony Bucco, Assembly Representatives Aura Dunn and Christian Barranco (LD25) Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assembly Representatives Jay Weber and Brian Bergen (LD26) Senator-elect Parker Space and Assembly Representatives elect Dawn Fantasia and Mike Inganamort (LD 24) Senator Jon Bramnick, Assembly Representatives Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis (LD21).
Also Sheriff James Gannon; County Commissioner Doug Cabana County; Commissioner Christine Meyer; County Commissioner Tayfun Selen; and MCRC Chair Laura Ali
Town of Boonton – Mayor Elect James Lynch; Boonton Township – Mayor Brian Honan; Butler- Mayor Ryan Martinez; Chatham Township – Mayor Ashley Felice; Chester Borough – Mayor Janet Hoven; Chester Township – Mayor Mike Inganamort; Denville – Mayor Tom Andes; East Hanover- Mayor Joseph Pannullo; Florham Park – Mayor Mark Taylor; Hanover Township – Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher; Harding – Mayor Tim Jones; Jefferson – Mayor Eric Wilsusen; Kinnelon – Mayor James Freda; Lincoln Park – Mayor David Runfeldt; Long Hill – Mayor Scott Lavender; Mendham Borough – Mayor Christine Serrano-Glassner; Mendham Township – Mayor Nick Monaghan; Mine Hill – Mayor Sam Morris; Montville – Mayor Matt Kayne; Morris Plains – Councilmember Art Bruhn Jr.; Mount Arlington – Mayor Mike Stanzilis; Mount Olive – Mayor elect Joe Nicastro; Mountain Lakes – Councilman Chris Richter; Netcong – Mayor Joseph Nametko; Parsippany – Council President Loretta Gragnani; Council Vice President Michael J. DePierro; Pequannock – Mayor David Kohle; Rockaway Borough – Mayor Tom Mulligan; Rockaway Township – Mayor Joe Jackson; Roxbury – Mayor Jim Rillee; Washington Township – Mayor Matt Murello and Wharton – Mayor William Chegwidden (former Freeholder).
Democrats have not won a county office in Morris since 1973.
Missing from the list are Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, County Clerk Ann Grossi, and County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo.
