New candidate files to take on Sherrill

The race for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district has a new candidate: Ruth McAndrew, a registered nurse and third generation farmer from Randolph.

Press play to hear a narrated version of this story, presented by AudioHopper.

A clinical manager at Bayada Home Health Care, McAndrew has worked as a hospice nurse and as a pulmonary staff nurse at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.  She owns Miller’s Hill Farm in Randolph.

“It’s time for the people to take back the House,” McAndrew said.  “As your congresswoman, I will go wild on DC.”

McAndrew did not participate in the Morris County convention or Passaic County screening committee.  She filed her nominating petitions with the New Jersey Secretary of State this week but has not yet filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen became the front runner to take on two-term Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) after winning the Morris County Republican organization line at their convention this month.  He is expected to also get the endorsement of the Essex GOP.

Paul DeGroot, a former prosecutor, has the organization line in Passaic County.  He has vowed to remain in the race.  Also running is U.S. Army veteran Toby Anderson, who placed a surprisingly strong third at the Morris convention.

Larry Casha, a former Kinnelon council president who lost a runoff against Selen, has still not  said if he will file petitions to run in the June primary.