Democrat,

Now that we are over a week removed from Election Day and all of the mail-in and provisional ballots have been counted and the results certified, I could not be more proud of the results: Democrats won big in many traditionally Republican areas and flipped long-held red seats to blue!

The major wins highlighted below in this week’s newsletter are the result of investments we have made in our state party as well as local and county Democrats over the past several years. Working closely with our Vice Chair Peg Schaffer, our Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, we have raised over $7 million for the state party in the last two years, a record breaking amount. That funding went directly to providing resources for Democrats running all over the state, as well as training candidates and operatives on how to win tough races and many other important functions.

When the current legislative map was approved in 2011, many suburban districts were considered true toss-ups between Democrats and Republicans. Over the years and with the help of our state party providing resources and support, those districts have become more Democratic and we have elected truly outstanding candidates who reflect our values. I want to congratulate the winners in these formerly competitive and now safe Assembly districts: Lisa Swain and Chris Tully in the 38th, Andrew Zwicker and Roy Freiman in the 16th, Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey in the 11th.

The most significant victory of this election cycle came in Somerset County, where our NJDSC Vice Chair Peg Schaffer has led the way in her role as Somerset County Democratic Chair. After winning two Freeholder seats last year, Democrats won again this year with Melonie Marano prevailing, and in the process, flipping control of the Freeholder Board to Democrats for the first time since the 1960s! Democrats also prevailed in the race for County Sheriff, with Darrin Russo winning by a large margin. Flipping Somerset County from red to blue is a remarkable achievement, and I could not be more proud of Peg Schaffer and our entire team for making it happen.

This week Governor Murphy delivered on one of the most unique and exciting campaign promises he made in his election by moving forward with the process of establishing a Public Bank in New Jersey. This innovative idea has the potential to save taxpayers millions of dollars in reduced banking costs while providing capital to small businesses and entrepreneurs right here in our state. We’re excited to see this plan continue to move forward.

This morning, Cory filed for the New Hampshire primary as a candidate for president surrounded by supporters from New Jersey and the Granite State. Cory also picked up key endorsements this week in New Hampshire and Nevada. And in South Carolina, more than 100 South Carolinian women launched “Women for Cory,” committing to work within their own networks to spread Cory’s message to other women and community leaders. To find out how you can be a part of Cory’s grassroots movement to unite our country, visit corybooker.com/get-involved.

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie