Korngut will seek Dem nod for Atlantic County Executive

Northfield councilwoman Susan Korngut has entered the race for the Democratic nomination for Atlantic County Executive.

She would face five-term Republican Dennis Levinson in the fall, if she wins the March 24 Democratic county convention.

“County government has been stuck in ‘cruise control’ for too long. We need to make bold moves to improve the lives of our residents,” said Korngut. “It’s time for new leadership to tackle the problems we face head-on, from growing our economy to combating income inequality to protecting our most vulnerable citizens. I will stand up for all of us including those who feel our voices are not being heard. It’s time to change the game.”

Korngut, a family law attorney, was elected councilwoman in the Republican-controlled city in 2017, defeating former Press of Atlantic City managing editor Peter Brophy with 59% of the vote.  She won the open seat of Republican Nicholas Piergiovanni.

A member of the grass roots Action Together New Jersey organization, Korngut entered the race after completing the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) national candidate training in Washington.

First elected county executive in 1999 after serving on the freeholder board, Levinson won his fifth term four years ago with 63% of the vote against James Schroeder.   Schroeder had dropped out of the race for health reasons after the September deadline to replace him on the ballot.

Levinson began his political career in 1981 when he won a Northfield city council seat.

“Anyone who has ever stepped into court with me knows I have never been one to make peace with the status quo. As a practicing attorney for more than twenty years, I know how to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves,” Korngut said. “Every single day, I get to stand up for the underdog, the bullied, the voiceless.”

“I have brought that fight with me to Northfield City Council and I will bring it with me as your County Executive,” said Korngut. “It is time to inject a sense of urgency and purpose into the office of Atlantic County Executive.”