Two brothers running against each other in Parsippany GOP primary

There’s a Cain and Abel story brewing in Parsippany, where councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. will face a challenge in the Republican primary from his brother, James.

James Carifi attempted to file his nominating petitions this morning, but left to repair at least one defect and is expected to return before the 4 PM filing deadline, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity.  He returned after noon and filed.

James Carifi is a retired Parsippany police captain who was involved in a series of lawsuits against the township and local political leaders.

Paul Carifi is running on what had been billed as a unity slate of incumbents who had agreed to put past feuds aside to defend their seats from Parsippany’s increasingly-active Democratic base.  He is allied with Michael dePierro and Loretta Gragnani.

Neither Carifi immediately returned a 12:02 phone call seeking comment.

A 2017 jury ruled that James Carifi was not the victim of retaliation after filing a whistleblower lawsuit.  He filed another suit last year.

Sibling rivalries spilling into political campaigns is nothing new in New Jersey.

A 1992 special election for mayor of Jersey City drew nineteen candidates, including Hudson County Freeholder Louis Manzo and Jersey City Democratic Chairman Allen Manzo.

Their mother endorsed Lou and starred in a TV ad asking Jersey City to vote for the “real Manzo.”

They both lost.

This story was updated at 1:16 PM to include confirmation that Carifi has filed.