Carney joins race for Sussex County Clerk

County Commissioner Chris Carney will seek the Republican nomination for Sussex County Clerk.

He’s entering the race one day after three-term incumbent Jeffrey Parrott announced that he would not seek re-election in 2026, and starts out with endorsements from key elected officials and party leaders, including Joseph LaBarbera, the GOP county chairman.

Carney’s early backers include State Sen. Parker Space (R-Wantage), Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Franklin), Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R-Chester), Sheriff Mike Strada, and his four colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners: Jill Space, Jack DeGroot, Alan Henderson, and Dave Silverthorne.

“Jeff Parrott has served our county with distinction as County Clerk, and he leaves enormous shoes to fill,” Carney said.  “I look forward to leaning on my experience at both the local and county level, and my familiarity with the Clerk’s Office and its operations, to continue the great services that are currently provided to the residents of Sussex County.”

Carney is a member of the International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers Local 825 and is a former Frankford Township mayor and committeeman.  He served as the liaison of the Board of Commissioners to the County Clerk’s office.

“As County Clerk, the people of Sussex County can count on me to ensure fair and secure county elections, responsive access to public records, honorable treatment of our seniors and veterans, and an office that is focused above all else on constituent service and competence,” stated Carney.