Sussex County Democratic Committee

10/20/2026

A message from Dr. Clare Golden for Sussex County Clerk and Phil DeStefano for Sussex County Commissioner :

“We express our profound disappointment following the repeated failure of our opponents, Chris Carney and Jack DeGroot, to appear at three scheduled candidate debates and public forums. With Election Day fast approaching, we have emphasized that dodging public debates deprives Sussex County voters of the opportunity to hear directly from candidates, compare platforms, and hold prospective leaders accountable on key local issues.

Democracy relies on open dialogue and accountability. When candidates refuse to show up and address the public, it sends a clear message that they do not feel obligated to earn the trust or the votes of Sussex County residents. Missing three separate candidate forums is not just a scheduling oversight, it is unfair and unacceptable to the voters who deserve to know where every candidate stands.

Representing the people of Sussex County requires showing up, listening, and answering tough questions. By skipping three scheduled debates, Chris Carney and Jack DeGroot are turning their backs on basic civic transparency. Voters deserve candidates who respect them enough to stand on a stage, present a vision for our county's future, and answer for their records.

We reaffirm our commitment to full transparency, accessibility, and active engagement with all residents throughout the remainder of the campaign. We remain ready to participate in future debates and public forums to discuss the critical issues facing Sussex County.”

10/20/2026

10/18/2026

We’re excited for Phil DeStefano and Dr. Clare Golden to join the Northwood Community Association’s Meet the Candidates Night!

Strong communities are built on respectful conversation, listening to diverse perspectives, and making informed decisions together. Phil and Clare are looking forward to answering questions, sharing their vision for Sussex County, and hearing what matters most to you and your neighbors.

10/17/2026

This is unacceptable.

I am disappointed that my opponent Chris Carney has refused to participate in a proposed candidate debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of Sussex Highlands, citing claims of partisanship. Refusing to engage in a nonpartisan public debate is a disservice to the voters of Sussex County. The League of Women Voters has a long-standing, respected history of providing transparent, balanced forums for voters to hear directly from candidates on key issues.

Suggesting that a recognized nonpartisan organization is untrustworthy or overly partisan is simply non-sense, and it undermines the fundamental trust our community relies on during an election. True leadership requires standing before the public, taking questions, and clearly articulating solutions to the issues impacting our residents.

I remain ready and willing to debate, and I encourage voters to demand full transparency from every candidate on the ballot. In the meantime, voters interested in learning more about my platform, may visit the Sussex Highlands League of Women Voters 2026 Voter Guide at https://sussexhighlandsnj.lwv.org/2026-voter-guide.

10/16/2026

Curious, isn’t it? 🤔

💰 The Skylands Victory PAC has given more than $10,000 to the Howell, Walsh & Mosner campaign.

This PAC has raised questions about it's political agenda since it started in 2010. Back in 2015, the NJ Herald wrote that critics saw its w**e cellar dinner as “the embodiment of an insider culture in Sussex County.” In Byram, Harvey Roseff called a PAC attack mailer against his running mate “an outside group influencing Byram’s non-partisan elections.”

🚧 Over $5,000 of the money in this year's Andover race went to website services. On that website, the incumbents make a big point of putting Andover residents first. They write that “developers may advocate for their projects” and that everyone is entitled to be heard, “but none of them replaces the residents of Andover Township.”

We couldn’t have said it better. So why is their campaign being funded by those with development interests?

✅ Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Please vote, and think about who these candidates really answer to.

10/15/2026

Let’s support Sussex Tech and secure their place at the top! See details below on how you can vote.

10/13/2026

We are disheartened to see that a business was threatened and a community event needed to be cancelled due to ignorance and bigotry. Instances like this reaffirm the need for advocacy and visibility to make Sussex County an inclusive and safe space for all. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

On Monday, October 12th, we finalized details and began promoting our next fundraiser, “Spice it Up” drag show in an effort to raise money for our tenth annual pride celebration, and to support local Sussex County business.

Within hours of posting, our venue began receiving complaints on social media and via phone, including individuals walking into the establishment and becoming belligerent with staff, and have made the difficult decision to cancel our event, citing safety concerns and a fear of losing business. We are issuing refunds to those who purchased tickets.

We do not blame the venue for the decision they made. It is ignorance and bigotry that caused this matter to unfold, and it is the mission of Sussex County Pride to open hearts and minds, while providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

We have had events and fundraisers in the past that have succeeded in this mission, that have also brought thousands in revenue for Sussex County businesses who have been willing to host us. If you are a local business owner, know that standing with the LGBTQ+ community can only garner a loyal and grateful base of clients and customers who see your actions.

Sussex County Pride is still fundraising for our Tenth Annual Pride celebration, to be held on June 12, 2027. We appreciate any and all support you may be able to give.
https://www.sussexcountypride.org/donate

10/13/2026

In recent weeks, our candidates Phil DeStefano for Sussex County Commissioner and Dr. Clare Golden for Sussex County Clerk have faced unacceptable threats on social media, alongside the vandalism of a campaign yard sign that was targeted and riddled with what appears to be bullet holes.

This is not discourse surrounding a difference of opinion, this is nefarious intimidation. Our candidates, volunteers, and supporters should not need to worry about the safety of their property, families, or pets simply for participating in our democracy. Campaigns should be about ideas, public service, and building a better future for Sussex County, not fear, destruction, and gun intimidation.

Regrettably, this cowardly act is not an isolated incident; it reflects a troubling pattern of violence and reckless behavior involving fi****ms that has seeped into our local political environment. Just last month, Sussex County Republican Committee Chairman Joe LaBarbera was arrested and charged following an alleged road rage incident in which he was accused of allegedly brandishing and pointing a handgun at a fellow motorist, who had a toddler in the vehicle at the time.

When political leaders normalize aggression or resort to dangerous conduct, it damages the trust of our entire community and sets a dangerous precedent for how local disputes and disagreements are handled.

We must demand better. Sussex County residents deserve a political climate defined by safety, accountability, and respect. Let’s stand together against this dangerous behavior. Now is the time to speak up for civil discourse, community safety, and mutual respect.

10/12/2026

It is with heavy hearts that the Sussex County Democratic Committee shares the news of the passing of former LD-24 State Assembly candidate, Dan S. Smith.

Dan was a dedicated public servant, advocate, and volunteer. Over the course of his career, he served as a municipal court judge, a public defender, and an attorney for a non-profit organization advocating for victims of housing discrimination. As a long-time Democratic County Committee member in Mount Olive, Dan gave countless hours to his community on the campaign trail and standing up for civil rights. His compassion, leadership, and unyielding commitment to justice left a lasting impact across our region.

Services are tentatively planned for:

Wednesday, October 14th
St. Paul's Baptist Church
Montclair, NJ

Please keep his wife, Francine, and the entire Smith family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.