Another primary, another slugfest in Roselle

The seemingly irremediable Democratic warette in Roselle will continue into the 2025 primary election with fights over two borough council seats that pit a seemingly popular incumbent with support from the mayor against candidates backed by party leaders.

At-Large Councilwoman Denise Wilkerson will face 3rd Ward Councilwoman Cynthia Johnson, while 4th Ward Councilwoman Cindy Thomas, the council president, faces Marie Dupont, an educator and political newcomer.

Wilkerson and Thomas have the backing of Mayor Donald Shaw and three of their council colleagues: Isabel Sousa, Brandon Bernier, and Rosie McCamery.   Johnson and Dupont are supported by Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, the Democratic municipal chairman, and Vice Chairman Jamel Holley, a former mayor and assemblyman.

Shaw said that Wilkerson and Thomas “have been instrumental in driving Roselle’s progress.”

“Their dedication and proven leadership are invaluable assets to our community’s growth and stability,” he said.

Shaw defeated Holley in the Democratic primary two years ago by 76 votes; Atkins backed Shaw, who ran on the organization line.  The aftermath resulted in a split within Shaw’s camp when Councilwoman Denise Wilkerson challenged Atkins for municipal chair.

To keep his seat, Atkins forged a coalition with Holley, who backed him for re-election and wound up getting the number two slot in the local party leadership in the process.

Several close races and some ties resulted in the Holley faction winning 18 of the 38 county committee seats.  Atkins held on to the chairmanship narrowly and only after a judge ordered a do-over election.

Atkins and Holley said endorsements for Johnson and Dupont were approved by the county committee by a wide margin.

“Marie Dupont and Cynthia Johnson embody the best of Roselle—leaders who listen, act, and deliver for our community,” said Atkins, who is not seeking re-election to the Assembly this year, partly because of the split among Roselle Democrats.

Holley said that Dupont is “ready to step up for the 4th Ward with a bold, community-first approach” and that Johnson “has consistently demonstrated what it means to serve with heart and integrity.

“The borough of Roselle is currently in peril, grappling with a leadership vacuum and operational disarray,” stated Holley.  “The absence of a business administrator—currently filled by the fire chief as acting administrator—and an assistant business administrator, combined with a chief financial officer working only one day a week, a part-time tax assessor, a contracted tax collection service, and the recent resignation of the construction code official, has left critical gaps in governance.”

Wilkerson and Thomas touted their accomplishments, including a new library and football field, public safety upgrades, and the repaving of roads.

“We are on the brink of fully realizing Roselle’s potential,” Wilkerson said. “Keeping our team intact is essential to maintaining the steady progress we’ve achieved. Our proven track record speaks for itself, and we’re committed to getting the job done.”