Verona Councilwoman Christine McGrath joins race for Essex County Commissioner

Christine McGrath, a Verona councilwoman and Democratic municipal chair, has joined the race for Essex County Commissioner at-large.

Three of the four at-large incumbents are not seeking re-election, creating a wide-open race when Essex County Democrats hold their convention on March 21.

“I’m running for Essex County Commissioner At-Large to bring energetic, effective leadership that puts residents first and delivers local results,” McGrath said. “For over six years as a Councilwoman in Verona, I’ve proven that when you listen to residents, you can turn ideas into action and get things done.”

McGrath pledged to focus on transparency, affordability, and public safety if she wins a seat on the county commission.

“At a time of rising costs and federal funding cuts, we need strong, transparent leadership that understands the real challenges our towns are facing,” McGrath said. “County government must be a partner to our municipalities, helping keep our communities safe, affordable, and thriving.”

As a political newcomer in 2019 – she ran the local chapter of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots gun safety group — McGrath was the top vote-getter for two seats in a five-candidate field.  She received 1,336 votes, 493 more than the incumbent who won the second seat, Alex Roman.

When she sought re-election in 2023, she was again the top vote-getter.

“Families will be at the forefront of everything I do,” McGrath added. “Essex County government must work for our communities — and I’m running to make sure it does. I will serve as the bridge between local voices and county action, fighting to ensure our towns are heard and our families see real results.”

If McGrath wins, she would become the first Democratic county commissioner from Verona since Jerome Greco, a former mayor, served in the 1970s and 1980s.