Darcy Draeger Elected Morris County Democratic Chair, Pledges Bold Vision for 2025 and Beyond

MORRISTOWN, NJ — On Sunday, June 29, the Morris County Democratic Committee elected a new leadership team at its biennial reorganization meeting. The Morris Forward slate, led by Darcy Draeger, won the support of committee members across the county and is poised to lead the party into a critical election cycle with renewed focus and strategy.

Draeger, former Chester Township Democratic Municipal Chair and two-time State Assembly candidate, will succeed Amalia Duarte as Chair of the MCDC. Duarte, who made history as the first Democrat and first Latina elected in Mendham Township, is stepping down after three years and will continue serving in a new executive role focused on grassroots growth and outreach.

“I’m thrilled to pass the baton and take on a new role. It’s a big table, and there’s work to be done.” said Duarte.

Mikie Sherrill’s gubernatorial bid has created energy and excitement for Morris voters. Sherrill represents 28 of 39 Morris County municipalities and carried the county with 62% of the vote in the primary, outpacing her nearest rival by 50 points. With Sherrill’s candidacy and national frustration over federal Republican policies on abortion, healthcare, education, and the economy, Democrats see a clear opportunity to gain ground in Morris.

“All eyes are on us,” said Draeger. “Mikie’s path to the Governor’s mansion runs straight through Morris County, and we are going to deliver.”

Draeger’s leadership team includes Vice Chair Mike DeLamater, a top political advisor to both Governor Phil Murphy and Rep. Sherrill, Secretary Margaret Capodanno, Treasurer Paul DeNoon, and Operations Chair Matt Clarkin. Also joining the slate are Meghan Lynch and Benjamin Weisman as Fundraising Co-Chairs, Grassroots Chair Amalia Duarte, Innovation Chair Cara Parmigiani, and Parlimentarian Jason Navarino, all of whom bring strong organizational and campaign experience.

At a time when Democratic values are under unprecedented threat, Draeger emphasized the urgent need to elect leaders who will give Democrats the best opportunities to defend strongholds and expand into new areas. Together, the Morris Forward team brings:

• 106 years of hands-on local, county, state, and federal campaign experience—focused on flipping Morris towns blue.
• Over 135 years of political and non-profit fundraising expertise—to make county and state legislative races competitive and winnable.
• Deep policy and legislative knowledge—to help Democratic leaders govern effectively, responsibly, collaboratively, and with purpose.

“Our mission is simple: elect Democrats who deliver for their communities,” Draeger said. “We’re building a party that listens, organizes, and wins—not just in blue towns, but across all of Morris County.”

As the Morris County Democrats look toward delivering a win for Sherrill in 2025 and flipping NJ-7 in 2026, they remain realistic about the challenges ahead. Republicans have not lost a countywide race since 1973, and no Democrat has represented Morris in the state legislature since 1993. But with demographic shifts, a changing political climate, and a revitalized local infrastructure, Draeger and her team believe the groundwork for historic wins is being laid now.

“Now is the time to step up, organize our communities, and protect our values,” said Draeger. “Morris County is ready to rise.”