Zoe Heath elected Sussex Democratic chair

Sussex County Democrats tonight elected 23-year-old Zoe Heath as their new county chair, taking over a splintered party organization in a heavily Republican county.

Heath had initially announced last month that she would challenge incumbent Dawne Rowe, but Rowe decided not to see another term.  Heath was unopposed In tonight’s reorganization meeting.

“I’m the only announced candidate, and I know that not everyone on this committee agrees with me. Even some of those I would have considered mentors when I first started may not agree with me,” Heath said.  “I’m asking you now to take this leap of faith with me and give me a chance to earn your confidence and your trust.”

Sparta Deputy Mayor Neill Clark was elected vice chair on a slate that also included Sussex County Democratic State Committeewoman Michele Van Allen for secretary and Vernon attorney Mark Heftler for treasurer.

The election marks a meteoric rise for Heath who became involved in politics in 2017 as a high school senior working on Phil Murphy’s first campaign for governor.  She serves as the Hamburg Democratic municipal chair, founded Sussex County Pride, and chaired the Sussex LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus.  She comes from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in one of the most conservative counties in the state.

“My goals for the side are ambitious, and I want to rebuild the committee to get back to the days of full meeting halls and meaningful conversations that reach new heights as well,” she said.  “We will focus on towns where we can win and build ground and relationships across the county and do everything that we can to make sure the 26,000 Democrats that reside in Sussex not only vote this year, but join us in what will inarguably be a difficult fight in 2024.”

Rowe was elected in 2020 after defeating incumbent Katie Rotondi by a vote of 90 to 48, a margin of 65%-35%.  The election was not due until 2021 but was run after the state party sought to mediate infighting among local Democrats.

While Heath had no opponent, she faced opposition in a voice vote.

Still, she extended an olive branch to the faction of the party that didn’t support her election as a county chair.

“I want you all to know that there will always be a place for those who want to serve and do the work,” she said.  “Raising money, winning races, will all mean nothing if we turn our back on those who share our values.  And for those who have done the work Sussex County needs.  Sussex County is on the precipice of change.  I ask all of you join me in doing the work to push our home toward more equitable, meaningful change.”

Sussex Republican elected a new county chairman last week: Joseph LaBarbera, the president of the Skylands Tea Party, defeated Candice Smith by seven votes.  Jerry Scanlan stepped down after eight years in office.