MORRIS COUNTY — Following a successful reorganization meeting, the Morris County Democratic Committee (MCDC) announced its newly elected Executive Board, set to lead the organization into a pivotal election cycle.
The full Executive Board will consist of:
- Chair: Darcy Draeger
- Vice Chair: Mike DeLamater
- Treasurer: Paul DeNoon
- Operations Officer: Matt Clarkin, Parsippany Municipal Chair
- Secretary: Margaret Capodanno, Mountain Lakes Municipal Chair
Chairwoman Amalia Duarte, who has led the MCDC for the past three years, praised Draeger’s experience and leadership as she steps into her new role. “Darcy is smart, analytical, and has a terrific grasp of Morris County and state politics,” Duarte said. “I know she will be terrific in her new role as Chair and lead us to even greater success.”
Duarte and Draeger began their involvement in Democratic politics following the 2016 election. Together, they helped establish municipal committees in Mendham Township and Chester Township and later ran for office, with Draeger making two bids for State Assembly. They’ve served on the Executive Board, where their shared vision has helped guide the party’s growth.
Duarte noted that grassroots energy is surging with former President Donald Trump back in office. “We must organize efforts to fight back against his outrageous and illegal policies,” she said. “I am excited to continue engaging volunteers and collaborating with other organizations in this new capacity.”
This momentum was displayed this past Saturday when more than 4,000 people gathered at Morristown Town Hall for a “No Kings” rally, co-sponsored by MCDC, 11th for Change, NJ Citizen Action, and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. Duarte served as emcee and welcomed prominent guests, including Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill, former Rep. Tom Malinowski, and surprise guest former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, now with the Forward Party.
In Congressional District 7, Duarte has collaborated with local Democratic leaders to host “Finding Kean Fridays” — weekly protests outside Rep. Tom Kean’s district office in Bernardsville. These efforts have drawn attention to Kean’s policies and actions, eventually prompting the relocation of his office.
Morris County Democrats are also energized by Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s strong performance in the recent primary. “With over 62% of the vote coming from Morris County — the highest of any county in the state — and the highest Democratic turnout in a gubernatorial primary year in 44 years, we have real momentum heading into November,” Duarte said.
Among her proudest accomplishments, Duarte cited managing the 2024 U.S. Senate primary. While many county chairs endorsed First Lady Tammy Murphy early, Duarte chose to remain neutral and hosted open town halls with all major candidates, including Rep. Andy Kim and Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina. This transparent process culminated in Kim receiving the MCDC endorsement with 85% of the vote.
Under Duarte’s leadership, Democrats expanded their local footprint:
- All Democratic incumbents from 2022–2024 were re-elected.
- Chatham Township and Morris Plains flipped to Democratic control.
- Democrats now hold every seat on the Chatham Township, Morris Township, and Mountain Lakes Township Committees.
- Mendham Township elected its second-ever Democrat, Lauren Spirig, in 2022, who became Deputy Mayor in 2023.
- Chatham Borough elected its first woman Democratic mayor, Carolyn Dempsey, in 2023.
Duarte also raised over $600,000 during her tenure through relentless outreach, event planning, and donor engagement, with significant support from union partners.
Looking ahead, Draeger plans to expand the team with the following appointments:
- Fundraising Co-Chairs: Boonton Councilman Ben Weisman and Randolph Municipal Chair Meghan Lynch
- Outreach Chair: Margaret Capodanno
- Parliamentarians: Cara Parmagiani and Jason Navarino
Outgoing Treasurer Michael Thompson will be stepping down. Duarte extended her gratitude for his service and dedication, including his 2019 campaign for County Surrogate.
“This new leadership team knows how to bring home wins in Morris County,” said Duarte. “Onward to November!”
