Kim, Mejia endorse in Dover Democratic primary

Two top lawmakers, U.S. Senator Andy Kim and Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-Glen Ridge), are taking sides in the Democratic primary for Dover Town Council, backing four candidates endorsed by the Morris County Democratic organization against allies of Mayor James P. Dodd.

Kim and Mejia are backing Krisa Seanor in the Second Ward and Elizabeth Tapia in the Fourth Ward,  along with two candidates running unopposed in the June 2 primary election, five-term incumbent Sandra Witter in the First Ward, and Alice Pastoris in the Third Ward.

“We’re proud to endorse Sandra Wittner, Dr. Krista Seanor, Alice Plastoris, and Elizabeth Tapia because they represent the kind of leadership working families deserve,” Kim and Mejia said in a joint statement. “They bring deep roots in the community, a commitment to public service, and a clear vision for Dover’s future. From education and advocacy to public service and community engagement, this slate reflects the strength, diversity, and energy of Dover itself.”

If the four win, it will mark the first time in history that Dover’s governing body has a female majority.

In March, the Morris County Democratic Committee voted overwhelmingly to oust 24 county committee members with ties to Dodd, who publicly supported Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor last year against Mikie Sherrill.   Party leaders said the Dodd faction backed Republican Assemblyman Christian Barranco (R-Jefferson) for re-election, along with write-in and GOP candidates against the Democratic council nominees.

Seanor, a school board member and science teacher, faces Carlos Noriega for the open seat of Geobani Estacio.  Tapia, who graduated from college last year, faces incumbent Marcos Tapia (the two are not related) and Austin Nieves.  Tapia is a Dodd ally.

Marco Tapia lost renomination in 2021 by six votes after Gov. Phil Murphy refused to endorse him because of his pro-life views; Murphy backed candidates in other ward races.

Wittner, who briefly ran for mayor in 2023, was an early supporter of Mejia in her congressional run earlier this year.

“Public service is about listening to residents and showing up for your community every day,” stated Wittner.  “I’m honored to have Senator Kim and Congresswoman Mejia’s support as we continue fighting for transparent and accountable local government.

Plastoris, a former Dover public defender, has no opponent in the Third Ward, where Veronica Velez is stepping down.

Dodd was mayor for sixteen years – he backed Chris Christie for re-election in 2013 – before losing re-election in 2019 by 50 votes; he regained the post four years later.  Dodd had seen an insurgent group led by Correa seize control of the local Democratic organization in 2018.

Elizabeth Tapia said she was pleased to work with Kim and Mejia “to bring fresh ideas and new energy to local government.”

“Young people deserve a voice in shaping the future of our communities,” she said.

Seanor said that the two federal lawmakers “have always fought for working people and public education.”

“I’m proud to have their endorsement as we work to strengthen Dover and create more opportunities for families across our community,” Seanor said.

Dover’s Hispanic population was at 77% after the 2020 Census.

Earlier this month, Dodd filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, alleging that the removal of himself and others from the county committee violated his First Amendment right of political speech and endorsement, that the party bylaws do not actually require county committee members to support winners of Democratic primaries, and that the removal process violated due process rights because the allegations were vague and lacked specific evidence.