Garrity becomes new Somerset Dem executive director

James Garrity, a field organizer for the re-election campaign of Assemblymen Andrew Zwicker and Roy Freiman in the 16th district, has been named as the new executive director of the Somerset County Democratic organization.

Garrity assumes his new post just as Democrats are preparing for their first majority on the Board of Freeholders since 1965.

He will succeed James Corti, who has taken a job as Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s district director.

“While I am sorry to see James Corti go, we are happy for his success and I am delighted to welcome James Garrity as our new Executive Director,” said Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer.  “His experience with the Assemblymen Zwicker and Freiman campaigns in Somerset County will be invaluable as we look to build our party and grow our majorities locally and county-wide.”

Democrats ousted two incumbent freeholders in 2018 and a third last month.  The last two Republican freeholders are up for election in 2020.

Somerset County Surrogate Frank Bruno, a longtime GOP incumbent, is also up next year.

“It is really excited to join the Somerset County Democratic Committee,” Garrity said.  “I have really big shoes to fill as I take the helm of an organization that made history last year.  There is more the party can do in Somerset County and I am happy to work with our new county leaders to make Somerset a better place to live and work.  We are going to keep building and have more Democrats elected this upcoming year.”

Garrity worked as an intern for the 14th district legislators in 2018 while attending Rowan University.