Ferrara withdraws from Atlantic Clerk race, endorses Jiampetti

Calvin Ferrara is dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination for Atlantic County Clerk and is endorsing Egg Harbor City Mayor Lisa Jiampetti.

Ferrara, a rising star in Atlantic County politics, had been prepared to challenge embattled incumbent Edward McGettigan for the Democratic nomination.  McGettigan has since announced that he won’t seek re-election to a fourth term.

“In order for our party to work together and unify behind one candidate, I am officially withdrawing my consideration for Atlantic County Clerk,” said Ferrara, who had been deputy political director on Amy Kennedy’s 2020 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives.  “I want to give my sincerest thanks to all of the countless people who supported me up to this point.”

Ferrara’s departure from the race leaves Mico Lucide, who has been campaigning in opposition to organization lines and preferential ballot bracketing, as the lone opponent to Jiampetti in the upcoming convention.

“I would also urge all of my supporters to guide their love and support towards Lisa as well,” Ferrara said.  “She is an amazing person, a hard worker, and someone that the people of Atlantic County can have complete trust in. I am excited to see all of the amazing things she will do for us here in Atlantic County as our next County Clerk.”

The move by Ferrara to back the unofficial choice of the county Democratic organization will likely give him chits for a future bid for public office.

“In just a short amount of time, Calvin has become a well-liked member of our part,” said Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman.  “I appreciate him being a team player and look forward to working with him to elect Democrats this fall.”

The Atlantic County Democratic Candidate Recruitment Committee has recommended Jiampetti, who must now win the upcoming county convention to receive the line.

If the 58-year-old Jiampetti wins, she would be the first woman to serve as county clerk since Lori Mooney retired in 1997.

Republicans are expected to run Hammonton Councilman Joe Giralo.

McGettigan has faced extensive criticism for his handling of the 2020 election.

In the District 4 freeholder race, McGettigan admitted to mailing 2the wrong ballots to 554 voters in a race for county commissioner that turned out to be decided by just 286 votes.

As a result, Superior Court Judge Joseph Marczyk tossed the entire election and mandated a do-over.

Republicans had called for McGettigan’s ouster and have asked him to personally foot the bill for the new election.  Two Democratic legislators also told the longtime county official it was time to go.