Cunningham Launches Powerful “Youth Get Out The Vote” Movement Across Essex County

Essex County, NJ — Akeem Cunningham, a Regional Campaign Director for the New Jersey Democratic Committee during the 2025 election cycle, has launched a bold and inspiring Youth Get Out The Vote initiative that is redefining civic engagement across Essex County.

The program was born out of Cunningham’s own experience running for office at just 22 years old — a journey that opened his eyes to how few young people were represented in the political process. Determined to change that, Cunningham built a team committed to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Cunningham — alongside core organizers Kaylan Jones, Phil Reed, Georgia Frazier, Chrissy Hamlett, Tomas Mozser, Maya Krauss, and Tony Jackson — has worked with more than 60 high school students who have collectively knocked on over 55,000 doors throughout Essex County in just five weeks. These students have educated voters, sparked meaningful conversations, inspired civic participation, and inspired Cunningham to expand the program’s reach.

“This program is more than canvassing — it’s transformation in motion,” said Cunningham. “When I look at these young people, I see hope walking. They’re showing up not because anyone told them to, but because they care about their communities. They’re researching, writing, debating, and growing in real time. Watching them take ownership of their future gives me faith that our democracy is alive, breathing, and getting stronger with every door they knock.”

When Cunningham presented the idea for Youth Get Out The Vote to New Jersey Democratic State Committee and Essex County Committee Chairman, Leroy J. Jones Jr., the Chairman didn’t hesitate. He embraced it immediately.

“Akeem understands the mission, and that mission is to create and nurture a new generation of voters. But this program is about more than just getting young people to vote – it’s also about creating and nurturing a new generation of leaders. Akeem’s program has yielded extraordinary results, ensuring that these students are not just watching elections from the sidelines, but they’re seeing democracy in action. These students have canvassed for and met elected officials at all levels of government. They have learned about policy. They have talked about the issues that affect their communities and their futures. And while the scope of this program started small, it is a blueprint that can be scaled in any community in this country,” Chairman Leroy J. Jones, Jr. said.

2025 candidate for governor, Mikie Sherrill, had a chance to connect with the students and share her own journey of public service. “I am thrilled to see so many young people get involved in this election, whether it's knocking doors, making phone calls, or exercising their right to vote. We all know our young people are the future and it’s critical they have a voice in shaping how that future unfolds. I've seen firsthand the struggles our kids are facing as a mom of four, which is why I am committed to investing in their education, keeping them safe online, and building a more affordable Garden State so they can build their lives right here at home,” said Mikie Sherrill.

Sherrill’s words in particular lit a spark in the students that has fueled the team’s determination through long days on the campaign trail. “After hearing Mikie speak, I stopped being nervous about knocking,” said a student in the program. “She told us that courage comes from purpose, and that every door we knock could be the one that changes a person’s mind or inspires them to vote. That’s powerful.”

Other Essex County leaders are taking note of Cunningham’s program:

“Seeing our young folks participating in this campaign was a breath of fresh air — it was inspiring to witness how Akeem Cunningham mobilized our young people. The phrase ‘paying it forward’ truly resonates with Akeem, as there was a time when I mentored 15 to 25 young men in the community. It is heartening to now see Akeem imparting valuable life lessons and civic awareness to this next generation. I am extremely proud of him and proud to have played a part in guiding and mentoring him. This experience underscores the significance of young people as the next generation of leaders. Watching them engage in this Democratic election with such enthusiasm — knowing many will soon be registered voters — was remarkable. Akeem is the future,” said Mayor Ted Green of East Orange.

“Akeem Cunningham is a shining example of leadership in New Jersey, spearheading a vibrant movement in support of Governor candidate Mikie Sherrill for the November 4, 2025 election. His dedication to mentoring young people reflects the values he learned early in life, proving that passion can ignite change. Akeem inspires everyone, regardless of age or background, to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard. Let his journey motivate us all to rise up and shape a brighter future together,” said Irvington Mayor, Tony Vauss.

“Educating and engaging young people in the democratic process is critical to preserving the future of our country. Akeem has done a wonderful job of invigorating younger voters in this election, which will only strengthen our democracy moving forward,” said Bloomfield Mayor, Jenny Mundell.

“Akeem’s work in Essex embodies intergenerational leadership. On one hand, he’s carrying forward the legacy of a previous generation of Essex leaders — taking the baton and leading the way on the ground for Mikie and local Democrats; on the other, he’s creating opportunities and preparing the next generation. The party needs more of this in New Jersey and across the nation. It’s how we meet this moment and build a party that can win this year and beyond,” said Chigozie Oneyma, candidate for State Assembly (LD-28)

“Akeem has created an air of engagement and energy in every city and should be applauded for his intentional manner of working with our youth and young adults around the critical issues of voter engagement and education,” said South Ward Democratic Chair and City of Newark South Ward Councilman, Patrick Council.

“Akeem Cunningham has created a blueprint for youth engagement that we can use across Essex County in our individual communities. Getting young people involved in elections early helps us to connect with young voters and works to inspire younger individuals to run for office locally and at the state level. We thank Akeem for his hard work and leadership,” said West Essex Democratic Chairs — Christine McGrath (Verona), Jann Skelton (North Caldwell), Stephen Modica (Caldwell), Graham Petto and Lou Venezia (West Caldwell), and Linda Bennett (Cedar Grove).

“I remember hearing Rev. Thurselle Williams say, ‘A little child shall lead,’” said Cunningham. “We are witnessing that right here in Essex County. With everything on the line, these amazing young people have led the charge in ways we’ve never seen before. They met the moment — and as a county, we couldn’t be more proud of them.”

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