Tom Malinowski, Brendan Gill Declare Runs for Sherrill’s NJ-11 Seat
Malinowski and Gill are seen as frontrunners in a race where several have declared and former Maplewood Mayor Dean Dafis is expected to announce.
Maplewood and South Orange, this election cycle did not end on November 4 for local voters.
The success of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for New Jersey Governor means that her seat is up for election. While details of the special election have not yet been announced, Sherrill will be sworn in in January, meaning that hopefuls have just two months — or less — to mount their campaigns.
Already on the Democratic side, former diplomat and NJ-7 Congressman Tom Malinowski has announced his bid (declaring on November 4). On November 5, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill announced his run for NJ-11.
Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett (D-Wayne) has also announced his candidacy, along with Morris Township Committeeman Jeff Grayzel, former Obama administration official Cammie Croft, and community advocate Anna Lee Williams.
The New Jersey Globe reported on October 24 that is has “confirmed” that Maplewood Township Committee member and former Mayor Dean Dafis is “likely to enter the still-hypothetical special election.” Dafis has not yet announced his candidacy. Since June, the Globe has also been reporting that South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum is a “potential” candidate. Other potential candidates are Biden administration official Jack Miller, Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie (D-Livingston) and Democratic Chatham Borough Councilman Justin Strickland.