DePhillips names Hughes as new chief of staff

Christopher L. Hughes, a 24-year-old who won a Mahwah school board seat last November, has been named chief of staff to Assembly Assistant Minority Leader Christopher DePhillips (R-Wyckoff).

“Chris has a proven track record of fighting for what is in the best interest of students, parents, and the people of our community as one of the youngest members of a school board in the state,” DePhillips said. “Together, we will continue to step up to the plate to bring the residents of the 40th legislative district and New Jersey the dedicated public service they deserve.”

Hughes finished second in a field of four candidates for three school board seats in 2022, and just six votes out of first place.  He ousted incumbent Brett Coplin by 131 votes.

A political science major member of the College Republicans, Hughes is a 2022 graduate of Ramapo College and volunteered on Republican Frank Pallotta’s campaign to unseat Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff).

“Working alongside Assemblyman DePhillips is a great honor and privilege,” stated Hughes.  “His legislative, professional, and public experience has bettered the lives of New Jerseyans, and I look forward to helping him accomplish his goals in the Statehouse as well as the district office.”

DePhillips is seeking re-election to a fourth term in the Bergen-Passaic-Essex 40th legislative district on a slate with State Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-Totowa) and Essex County GOP Chairman Al Barlas.   The other incumbent, Kevin Rooney (R-Wyckoff), is not seeking re-election after redistricting added enough Essex County municipalities to merit a change in the legislative delegation.