Councilman Mark Lutz from Philipsburg, NJ announced he has made a party affiliation change switching parties from Democrat to Republican.

“My core values have not changed, but the view of the current Progressive faction of Democrats are not those that I endorse locally, statewide or am proud to stand with. I always considered myself a Kennedy Democrat, which no longer exists. It is a loss for the local Democratic Party. They have managed to divide lifelong Democrats in town with their socialist, progressive party ideas and constant fighting among themselves. The local Republican Party has shown they appeal to fiscal responsibility as well as being a united party. They have proven they can work with each other, even when they don’t agree” Lutz wrote.

“After much consideration, I have made the decision to change political affiliations and work with a team that believes in unity,” he added.

The Republican’s currently have three GOP elected officials on town council, and with Councilman Lutz’s party change, they now have a fourth. This is historic for a traditionally led Democratic town. Councilman Lutz faced Mayor Stephen R. Ellis in the 2019 Democratic Mayoral primary and lost; therefore he is not seeking re-election for his council seat. The remaining seat on council is a Democratic seat, recently re-filled after a vacancy was created by the resignation of Democratic Councilman Joshua Davis, known for working well with the entire council.

First elected to the council in 1991, Lutz has served Phillipsburg as a councilman, Emergency Squad member and prolific volunteer for many years.

Full Statement from Councilman Mark Lutz:

“As fighting in Phillipsburg dominates the news, it has become clear that in order to get things done, you have to be part of the discussion and present to represent the people of Phillipsburg. The Democratic Party divided itself and stopped working for Phillipsburg in November of 2015. I am proud to have worked with the sitting town council, as a lifelong Democrat. Their passion and decisions on issues for our residents, prove to me why a change in party is necessary to get it right for our residents. I wish the local Republican team much success in the local November election and Countywide. It has been an honor to work with our Town Council and be welcomed to their party to help move Phillipsburg forward.”

The Phillipsburg Republican Committee has endorsed their slate of candidates for the November general election and stands by their commitment to work with each other for Philipsburg. The Republican candidates for Mayor and Town Council look forward to a tackling the challenges before the Town of Phillipsburg with a new start and a united team.