An Open Letter to LD16 Democratic Leaders,

2021 is a very exciting year for all of us as we work to put together the best ticket to win all three seats representing New Jersey’s 16th Legislative District. Senator Kip Bateman’s decision not to run again is welcome, and makes a winnable seat even more enticing.

Here in Somerset County we are in the early stages of our screening process, and have screened and will be screening a number of highly qualified candidates from throughout the 16^th for these seats. The Democratic screening process is a tried and true open process for the party to identify the candidates who best represent the party’s membership, have the resumes and experience to be good campaigners and representatives and are ready to support the entire Democratic ticket. The screening committee’s recommendations are then taken to the convention for a vote of all eligible delegates. Other nominations are also accepted at the convention provided 10 days notice is given. This is not the time to ignore the process and simply anoint a candidate. 

I understand that everyone is eager to get started, especially after all the successes we have had in recent years at the local, county, state, and federal level. These are great times to be Democrats, and we have won and will continue winning if we all work together.

Somerset County has completely turned around in the past six years, gaining control of multiple towns, winning both assembly seats in the 16^th, and taking every county office after being shut out for almost 40 years. We’ve built that success on cooperation with tickets up and down-ballot, and cooperation across municipal and county lines to move the ideals of the Democratic platform forward. It’s been an exciting time, and I look forward to so much more in 2021 as we solidify and expand upon our recent record of victory.

To preserve the comity and success of the past few years, and to give us the best chance for a resounding victory in the 16^th and each of our local and county elections, I ask for all municipal and county leaders to keep their powder dry until the selection process is completed, and not make any leadership endorsements or announcements of organizational support for the time being.

Thank you, and let’s make 2021 another great year for Democrats in the 16^th and beyond.

Peg Schaffer
Somerset County Democratic Chair
NJ Democratic Committee Vice Chair