Darling won’t run for Congress in NJ-11

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling has decided not to challenge Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) in New Jersey’s 11th district.

“It’s just not the right time,” she told the New Jersey Globe.  “It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Darling, who had won two countywide primary and general elections in Morris County, would have been a formidable candidate had she entered the race.

That leaves six candidates in the race to take on Sherrill: Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen; former Kinnelon Council President Larry Casha; former assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot; Robert Kovic, a former Ridgefield Park councilman who now lives in Sussex County; attorney Larry Friscia; and Iraq War veteran Toby Anderson.   DeGroot has secured the organization line in Passaic.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-Mendham) is still considering a run against Sherrill.  Her candidacy could be a game-changer in a crowded field.

Darling had considered a bid for the Republican organization line at next month’s Morris GOP convention.

“It’s a big thing to be asked,” she said.  “But I love my job as surrogate and I’m very happy where I am.”