DOVER, NJ – Today, Dover Third Ward Council Member Karol Ruiz today kicked off her bid for re-election with the following message to her constituents:

“Friends and neighbors,

As many of you know, I never sought out elected office. Yes, I’ve registered voters, campaigned for political candidates, and lobbied for legislative changes for decades, but becoming an elected official wasn’t ever my dream nor part of my plan.

My mentors regularly encouraged me to use my skills and answer the call to serve in our municipal government.

In 2022, I realized I couldn’t ignore the call any longer.

After a hard fought primary campaign, we, The People, unseated an incumbent Alderman who was, at the time, the Chair of the Dover Democratic Committee.

We did that, not me.

It takes a village to accomplish such a feat. We listened and delivered, dispensing with the type of politics that had ruled Dover for far too long.

We ran on optimism.
On hope.
On the truth.
And on the idea that, together, we could and should move Dover forward.

The last two years have been a whirlwind.  I’ve learned how to be an entirely new kind of public servant. The bumps along the way make me a better public servant today than I was when I first took my oath. But there’s more growing to do – for me and for our community.

It’s been an honor to serve on Town Council. Today, on Valentine’s Day, I show my love for our community with the announcement that I intend to seek re-election from our Third Ward to our Town Council.

Much like 2022, I know this campaign will be a tough one. I welcome the challenge.

I have the love for Dover, the roots in Dover, the passion, and the voice that has never and will never stop fighting for The People of Dover.

I bring honest and competent leadership to the citizens I swore an oath to serve.

I’ll never stop being your voice, and I humbly ask for your support.”

Ruiz will be seeking the endorsement of the Dover Democratic Committee at its upcoming nominating convention.