Kean staying out of Morris freeholder race

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean is staying out of tomorrow’s election to fill Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling’s seat on the freeholder board.

“No, I’m going to the convention. Obviously, I’m supporting Tony, I’m supporting Aura,” Kean said. “But no, I’m not backing anybody. But I will be there.”

The Morris County Republican Committee will convene early Saturday morning to conduct special election to fill the freeholder seat and the Assembly seat won by State Sen. Tony Bucco in November.

Chatham Township Mayor Tayfun Selen, Pequannock Councilwoman Melissa Florance-Lynch, former Morristown Councilwoman Alison Deeb, former Pompton Lakes Councilman Christian Barranco, former Madison Councilman Rob Catalanello and Parsippany GOP county committeeman Thomas J. DeLorenzo and former Long Hill township committeeman Bruce Meringolo are seeking Darling’s Seat.

Former Assemblywoman Aura Dunn won the seven remaining weeks of Bucco’s term last year by a safe margin. She’s uncontested in her bid for the first year of the term Bucco won in 2019.

Bucco left the Assembly to take his late father’s seat in the legislature’s upper chamber but remained on the ballot for the Assembly, though he had no intention of keeping the seat.