Ashley Bennett this morning said she will challenge Atlantic County District 3 Freeholder John Carman, a Republican, who made headlines – and not in a good way – when he wondered aloud in the midst of public backlash against President Donald J. Trump, “Will the women’s protest be over in time for them to cook dinner?”

“Like so many women across the state, I was disgusted by Freeholder Carman’s misogynist Facebook posts,” said Bennett. “This sort of behavior cannot be tolerated anymore. I’m running for Atlantic County Freeholder because we need representatives who will respect all of our residents, regardless of gender, race, creed, or sexual orientation.”

Bennett, 32, works as a psychiatric emergency screener in the crisis department of Cape Regional Hospital, where she screens patients who present symptoms of mental illnesses. She also has experience working as a domestic violence counselor. Bennett received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Rutgers University and received her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Georgian Court University. She is currently pursuing her 2nd and 3rd Master’s degrees from Benedictine University.

“My passion in life is helping those struggling from mental illness,” said Bennett, a lifelong resident of Egg Harbor Township. “Those suffering from a mental illness are no different from those suffering from a physical one. We need to end the stigma surrounding those who suffer from a mental illness and get them the help they need.”

Bennett is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and was a member of the Center of Unbroken Praise Church in Egg Harbor Township before the parish recently moved out of state. Her family hails from Atlantic City and Pleasantville.

The 3rd Freeholder District covers most of Egg Harbor Township and parts of Hamilton Township.

Bennett will seek the Democratic nomination for District 3 Freeholder this Sunday at the 42nd Annual Atlantic County Democratic Convention.