Democrats,

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Yesterday, I reached an agreement with Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr., someone whom I have long considered a friend, regarding the future leadership of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. I’m writing to you to inform you that Peg Schaffer and I are now in a position to continue leading our party forward for a new term with the endorsement of Chairman Jones, and to thank you for offering the strong, steadfast support that made this outcome possible. 

 

This is a great victory for a New Jersey Democratic Party that is built on the grassroots, dedicated to a progressive vision, and embraces transparency and openness. This campaign has been about the future of our party, and that future is bright. Partnering with Governor Phil Murphy, we’re ready to push the New Jersey Democratic State Committee to new heights as we enter the all-important 2020 election year. I am honored and proud that I will have the opportunity to lead our delegation into the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee. Following the convention, we will work to defeat Donald Trump, re-elect our excellent Democratic congressional delegation, and continue expanding our reach into more traditionally Republican areas. Finally, we will be able to lay the groundwork for Governor Murphy’s re-election campaign and ensure that he and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver will continue working for a stronger and fairer state. 

 

When this new term ends in June 2021, I will be supporting Chairman Jones to succeed me as NJDSC Chairman. His record of building the Essex County Democrats into one of the most successful party organizations in our state will allow him to continue moving our party forward. 

 

When this process began, many political pundits said that we could not win. But I knew that with your support we could change that narrative and continue to lead our party forward. Now, we are poised to enter a new era of party unity as we move towards the most consequential election of our lives in 2020. 

 

I would like to thank my strongest supporters who made this possible, starting with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy. Their dedicated support and willingness to engage in this contest made a tremendous difference, and I thank them. 

 

I also want to recognize Hudson Democratic Chair Amy DeGise, Bergen Democratic Chair Paul Juliano, Mercer County Chair Janice Mironov, Morris Democratic Chair Chip Robinson, Passaic County Democrats, Somerset County Democrats, Hunterdon Democratic Chair Arlene Quinones-Perez, Sussex Democratic Chair Katie Rotondi, and Warren Democratic Chair Tom Palmieri for their support. 

 

Former State Chair Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman also played a major role, and I thank her for her support. 

 

Finally, I must thank the grassroots progressive advocates who rallied to our cause. From our campaign manager Saily Avelenda of NJ 11th for Change, to labor leaders like Hetty Rosenstein of the CWA, to activists like Sue Altman and the New Jersey Working Families Alliance and many others -- your voices helped protect the future of our Democratic Party. 

 

I look forward to continuing to work together to move our party forward. Once again, thank you. 

 

Chairman John Currie