Morris County Democratic Committee Announces Slate of Experienced Leaders Running for County Commissioner

MORRISTOWN – The Morris County Democratic Committee is excited to announce three dedicated and experienced candidates running for County Commissioner to create a brighter future for all residents!

Candidates Max Blum, Marie DeVenezia, and Jocelyn Mathiasen, bring a wealth of expertise in local governance, public service, and community leadership.

“We believe in a Morris County that is welcoming, inclusive, and built on a foundation of strong, collaborative leadership. We want to make a positive impact and improve the quality of life for all our neighbors,” they said.

“It’s time to bring new voices to the Board of County Commissioners that represent the future of Morris County. With their many accomplishments in public service, they are ready to lead on Day One,” said Morris County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Amalia Duarte.

They are proud to run with the following candidates endorsed by the Morris County Democratic Committee:

• Mikie Sherrill for New Jersey Governor
• Andrew Macurdy and Vinnie Kearney for State Assembly in LD-21
• Eugene Grinberg for State Assembly in LD-24
• Michael Mancuso and Walter Mielarczyk for State Assembly in LD-26

Commissioner Candidates Bring Experience and Leadership

Max Blum served as Chief of Staff for former Governor Richard Codey, and currently serves as Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill. Blum grew up in Westfield and now lives in Rockaway with his wife and their 1-year-old son. Max’s passion for politics began in 2016 and has grown to include work at the local, county, and state levels.

His young family is a major reason for his involvement in public service. “I want to ensure a future where my son can look back and know I stood up for his future,” said Blum.

A lifelong resident of Morris County, Marie DeVenezia has deep roots in the community as a small business owner and certified math teacher. Raised and educated in Parsippany and Mountain Lakes, and a 36-year resident of Boonton, she has dedicated her career to public service and local economic development.

DeVenezia is serving her fourth term as a Boonton Council Member. She has demonstrated a commitment to the community through various roles, including Chair of the Darress Theater Committee, and her work on the Economic Development Committee, Police Committee, and Planning Board. Her leadership helped secure more than $2 million in grant funding for parks and historic preservation projects.

DeVenezia is also an active board member of Norwescap, helping create pathways for individuals and families to thrive. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was awarded the "Dr. Edina Renfro-Michel Community Service Award" by the Morris County Democratic Committee in 2024.

“I’m running for Morris County Commission because I believe in the power of local action to make real change,” said DeVenezia.

Jocelyn Mathiasen, currently serving as Council President in Chatham Borough, is in her third term on the Chatham Borough Council.

Mathiasen earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and an undergraduate degree in government from Oberlin College. She has dedicated her career to helping city and county governments operate in a more efficient, effective, and responsive way to residents’ needs. “Good government is not a partisan issue,” she said. On the Chatham Borough Council, she has been instrumental in modernizing the borough’s operations, making it more efficient and accessible to residents while lowering costs.

“Now, I’m ready to bring that expertise to Morris County, ensuring we are addressing the needs of residents in a way that’s both efficient and transparent,” she said.

As Democrats, the three candidates also share a sense of the importance of defending the rule of law, free speech, and the U.S. Constitution, while many Republican politicians are staying silent or cheering on efforts that are blatantly unlawful, abusive, and undermining critical governmental functions.

“While we recognize that not all Republicans agree with the actions of the Trump Administration, we are dismayed at how many are staying silent,” they said.

In addition, they all express concern about the impacts that national decisions may have locally on seniors, veterans, and students and seek to ensure that Morris County is ready to help residents address these challenges.