Caught between an embarrassment of riches and a paradox of choice, the Somerset County Democratic Screening Committee recommended that the Convention delegates award the party’s slogan to each of the five gubernatorial candidates who appeared before the 18-member committee and responded to a variety of questions. Importantly, each agreed to support Somerset’s down-ballot candidates. Those candidates are: Ras Baraka, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherill, Sean Spiller and Steve Sweeney.

“New Jersey is lucky to have so many talented Democrats running for Governor, and we are excited to offer our slogan to all qualified candidates,” said Chair Schaffer. “We look forward to a spirited primary, and will wholeheartedly support the Democrat who wins against whichever Trump-supporting, MAGA Republican comes out of their primary.”

For endorsement at the Convention, the Screening Committee recommended Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano, Sheriff Darrin Russo, and Surrogate Tina Jalloh for reelection. Additionally, the Screening Committee recommended Assembly members Roy Freiman and Mitchelle Drulis in legislative district 16, Assembly members Joe Danielsen and Kevin Egan in legislative district 17, Assembly members Linda Carter and James Kennedy in legislative district 22, Guy Citron and Tyler Powell for legislative district 23 and Andrew Macurdy and Vinnie Kearney for legislative district 21.

The Somerset County Democrats will hold their annual nominating convention at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Somerset on Thursday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. The convention is the first without the “county line” and yet is still an opportunity for 2025 candidates at all levels to meet leading Somerset County Democrats and seek support from the organization for the June primary.