Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark this morning formally announced the formation of an exploratory campaign committee to run for United States Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District.

“Washington is broken,” said Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark. “As a small town mayor, you can’t hide from challenges. You face them head on and find solutions. That’s what public service is all about.  Our current Congressman, Rodney Frelinghuysen, seems to have forgotten that. Too often, politicians in Washington choose their party over their constituents.  That’s what Rodney Frelinghuysen did when he voted to support the Republican health care bill. All while protecting his gavel as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. That’s not leadership.

“We can do better,” the mayor added. “The residents of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District expect more.  New Jerseyans expect a member of Congress who will put their interests first and is willing to tackle the serious challenges we face.”

Kazmark said that over the next several months, as he explores a campaign, he will hold a series of town hall meetings throughout the 11th Congressional District.

“The town hall meetings will serve as a forum for residents to share their ideas, concerns and goals for our country and to work together to find solutions,” he said. “Unlike Congressman Frelinghuysen, I believe answering to your constituents, in person, is part of the job. It’s time to leave party politics aside. The issues we face are too important to play political games with people’s lives. From affordable healthcare, to investing in infrastructure, to protecting Medicare and providing tax relief – there’s so much on the line. I’m ready to fight, because we all expect more.”

> Click Here to View the Announcement Video

Should Kazmark enter the 2018 Democratic Primary, he would have to stare down Passaic County Freeholder John Bartlett, who’s already an announced candidate, and who just fulfilled his own town hall series. Former military helicopter pilot Mikie Sherrill is also a declared Democratic candidate.