Cumberland County Democratic Chairman Steven Errickson has announced his resignation, triggering a special election in January or early February to fill the post.
“Due to all my other commitments with family, work, COVID-19 disruptions and advocating for seniors in assisted living homes, I find that now is the time for someone else to lead the Cumberland County Democratic Party as chairman,” Errickson said. “My plan is to continue to help the organization in another less time consuming capacity.”
Early indications are that former Freeholder Carlos A. Mercado, Jr. has emerged as the front-runner to replace Errickson, sources familiar with party leadership issues told the New Jersey Globe.
Mercado is the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association legislative chairman. A career firefighter, Mercado is assigned to Vineland Fire Company #6.
Democratic County Vice Chair Nancy Sugenis will become acting chair when Errickson steps down on January 8. She is expected to all a special election to fill the vacancy.
Mercado, a former Vineland school board member, was appointed to the Board of Freeholders in 2013 following the resignation of Bill Whelan.
He lost his seat in 2014 when Republicans James Sauro and Carman Daddario narrowly defeated him and running mate Donna Pearson.
In that election, Democrat Carol Musso was the top vote-getter with 13,590 votes, followed by Sauro (13,560), Daddario (13,220), Pearson (13,087), Republican Louise Bertacchi (12,926) and Mercado (12,834).
Pearson will return to public office next month as a new Cumberland County Commissioner.
Erickson had served as county chairman since 2018.
RELATED ARTICLES
-
June 11, 2019 -
October 3, 2019 -
February 21, 2018