Perkins-Auguste enters race for Union County clerk

Elizabeth Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste has entered the race for Union County clerk, seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed Joanne Rajoppi, the longtime clerk who died earlier this month at age 78.

Perkins-Auguste, an at-large councilwoman since 1993 and currently the only woman on Elizabeth’s nine-member governing body, has formally submitted her credentials and statement of interest to the Union County Democratic Committee.

“I am deeply honored to offer my experience and commitment to the people of Union County as a candidate for county clerk,” Perkins-Auguste said.  “Joanne Rajoppi set a high standard of integrity, accessibility, and innovation. If selected, I will work every day to continue that legacy while advancing modern, equitable, and resident-centered services.”

Perkins-Auguste would become the first person of color to serve as Union County clerk.

“I am prepared to honor that responsibility with competence and dedication,” she said.

Rajoppi’s death triggered a special election for the remainder of her five-year term. Union County Democrats have until August 27 to select a replacement candidate for the November general election.

A lifelong Elizabeth resident, Perkins-Auguste has spent more than three decades in municipal government, public administration and community organizations.  In addition to her City Council service, she served as interim business administrator in Perth Amboy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and previously worked as Hillside’s personnel and human resources director.

She has also been involved in securing grants for youth services, workforce training, small-business development, second-chance programs, assistance for families affected by autism and homelessness prevention.

Perkins-Auguste was a New Jersey delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention, where President Barack Obama was nominated for a second term. She had previously served on the Democratic National Convention’s Platform Committee in 1996.  Her community service includes leadership roles with the Greater Elizabeth Area Section of the National Council of Negro Women, the Elizabeth branch of the NAACP and the United Way of Greater Union County. She has also served with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, Josephine’s Place and the National League of Cities.

If elected, Perkins-Auguste said she would seek to expand online access to vital records, election information, property records and business filings; increase multilingual outreach; streamline services for local businesses; and maintain high standards for accuracy and impartiality in the administration of elections.

Rajoppi had served as clerk since 1995 and was the first woman to hold the office.  @idely regarded as one of New Jersey’s leading experts on election law and county government, she won a sixth term last year after earlier serving as Springfield mayor, Union County freeholder, acting assistant secretary of state and county register of deeds and mortgages. Her career in New Jersey government and politics spanned 53 years.