Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Thursday endorsed a quartet of party-backed Essex County commissioner candidates in the race for four at-large seats.
Sherrill endorsed Verona Councilwoman Christine McGrath, Livingston Mayor Shawn Klein, incumbent Wayne Richardson, and West Orange Democratic Municipal Chairman Abdur R. Yasin in the June 2 election.
Sherrill also endorsed New Jersey Economic Development Authority senior adviser Wilson Pichardo, Commissioner A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, East Orange school board member Medinah Muhammad, Commissioner Leonard M. Luciano, and Commissioner Carlos M. Pomares for district seats. All are running in the primary unopposed.
“All of these candidates bring extensive experience across the private sector, labor, and public service, which I know will serve Essex residents well as we work together to drive down costs, invest in our kids and communities, and make government more responsive to our residents,” Sherrill said. “Essex County has always been a leader when it comes to driving for excellence in government services, and these candidates, alongside Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, will ensure a bright future for the county.”
The four at-large candidates face two challengers: Newark Public Schools Advisory Board member Marques Aquil Lewis and Maplewood Township Committeewoman Deborah Engel. They finished sixth and eighth in the Essex County Democratic Convention, respectively. Several others have dropped out of the race.
Three at-large commissioners — Patricia Sebold (D-Livingston), Brendan Gill (D-Montclair), and Romaine Sermons (D-Irvington) — are not seeking re-election.