In the packed Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, most Morris County Democrats have refrained from getting involved thus far, but two council members in Rockaway Township, Jonathan Sackett and Manny Friedlander, are crossing county lines to endorse Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill (D-Montclair).
“Brendan is a leader who listens, acts, and delivers for the people he represents,” Sackett said in a statement. “His vision for NJ-11 aligns with the priorities of our residents in Rockaway, and I’m excited to stand with him as he seeks to serve in Congress.”
“Brendan Gill has a proven record of putting community members first and fighting for working families in Essex County,” Friedlander concurred. “I’m proud to support his campaign for Congress, knowing he will bring the same dedication, integrity, and results to Washington that he’s shown locally.”
Sackett and Friedlander are the currently only two Democrats on the township council in Rockaway, a competitive suburban township in northern Morris County, though they’ll be joined by two others in January after Democrats flipped two seats in November, bringing the GOP majority down to a narrow 5-4.
The Morris County Democratic organization will meet to award its party endorsement at a December 14 convention; the organizational slogan will not be at stake, but the winner will still get the benefit of running with the county party’s support in the race to succeed Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill.
Backing from Morris County elected officials in the district will likely help Gill at that convention, especially since the Essex County politician will be going up against several Morris natives for the endorsement. Two Morris County elected officials, Chatham Councilman Justin Strickland and Morris Township Committeeman/former Mayor Jeff Grayzel, are both running against Gill for the 11th district, as are Morristown residents Zach Beecher and Anna Lee Williams.