Hundreds of Irvington residents and leaders from across New Jersey fill Howard Street for the Mayor Tony Vauss, Darlene Brown, Anthony Vauss Jr., and Dr. Charnette Frederic — Team Irvington Strong “Game On” Campaign Kickoff in a rare and electrifying show of statewide unity!

IRVINGTON, NJ — March 5, 2026 — On Thursday evening, inside Howard Street, Irvington witnessed far more than a campaign kickoff. What unfolded at the Mayor Tony Vauss, Darlene Brown, Anthony Vauss Jr., and Dr. Charnette Frederic — Team Irvington Strong “Game On” Campaign Kickoff was the kind of civic moment communities remember for years — a powerful convergence of leadership, momentum, and community pride that transformed a campaign event into a defining political moment.

From the moment the doors opened, the building pulsed with anticipation as more than 400 Irvington residents packed the venue, joined by 37 additional guests and elected officials from across the State of New Jersey. The atmosphere felt both intimate and immense at once, as supporters filled every corner of the hall with enthusiasm, pride, and anticipation.

Signs we love our mayor waved above the crowd. Neighbors embraced like family. Supporters sang, danced, prayed, and chanted together as music echoed through the building. The room swelled with cheers and applause that rolled through the venue like thunder. Witnesses described the energy as a “Niagara of sound”—an overwhelming wave of excitement rarely seen at a municipal political gathering.

The evening was hosted by legendary radio personality Lenny Green of 107.5 WBLS, whose presence brought warmth, rhythm, and charisma to the celebration. DJ Antoine Qua, also of 107.5 WBLS, kept the crowd energized with a soundtrack blending classic soul, hip-hop, and celebration anthems that had supporters dancing and singing throughout the night.

The excitement reached another level when Bells 2.0 delivered a special guest performance that electrified the crowd and transformed the rally into a joyful celebration of Irvington’s spirit and community pride.

Yet the most extraordinary aspect of the evening was the remarkable convergence of political leadership rarely seen at a municipal campaign kickoff.

Standing alongside Mayor Vauss were three of the most influential figures in New Jersey politics:

Governor Mikie Sherrill
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
New Jersey Democratic State Chairman Leroy J. Jones

The simultaneous presence of these leaders—each offering their endorsement—created what observers described as an exceptionally rare and powerful moment of political unity. It is extraordinarily uncommon for a sitting Governor, a long-serving County Executive, and the Chairman of a major state political party to appear together to endorse a local mayor and his team.

Their joint appearance underscored the remarkable respect and confidence Mayor Tony Vauss has earned throughout New Jersey’s political landscape.

The excitement intensified when Governor Mikie Sherrill entered the room with a Mayor Tony Vauss T-shirt on to deliver her endorsement. Rather than simply walking to the stage, the governor mingled through the crowd, danced with supporters, and greeted residents throughout the hall, creating a moment of genuine connection that electrified the entire venue. For the hundreds of Irvington residents present, the governor’s presence felt personal and energizing.

When Mayor Tony Vauss took the stage, the response from the crowd was immediate and overwhelming. Phones lifted into the air. Signs waved high above the audience. Supporters cheered, chanted, and applauded with a force that filled the building.

Mayor Vauss delivered remarks grounded in humility, gratitude, and belief in the people of Irvington.

“This campaign is not about one person,” Vauss told the crowd as applause thundered through the hall.
“It’s about the people of Irvington—our families, our neighborhoods, our faith, and our belief that when we stand together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”

The message resonated deeply because it reflected the spirit of the evening itself—a community united across generations, neighborhoods, and institutions.

The rally also showcased an extraordinary coalition of elected officials from across New Jersey, reflecting a level of support rarely seen for a municipal campaign kickoff. So many leaders attended that observers noted it was difficult to keep track of every endorsement offered throughout the evening.

Among those present were:

   Senator Renee Burgess (D-28)

• City of Plainfield Council Member-at-Large Richard Wyatt
  • Township of Hillside Mayor Andrea Hyatt
• Hillside Council President Angela Garretson
  • Mayor Shawn R. Klein of Livingston, New Jersey
  • Mayor Dwayne D. Warren of Orange, New Jersey
  • Mayor Theodore “Ted” R. Green of East Orange, New Jersey
  • Abdur R. Yasin, Chairman of the West Orange Democratic Party
  • Christine McGrath, Councilwoman from Verona, New Jersey

They joined many other elected officials, mayors, council members, and community leaders from Essex County, Union County, and municipalities throughout New Jersey, creating a powerful demonstration of statewide support for Team Irvington Strong.

Irvington’s own leadership was also strongly represented.

Members of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners in attendance included:

• Vice President A’Dorian Murray-Thomas (District 2)
  • Commissioner-At-Large Romaine Graham
  • Commissioner-At-Large Brendan W. Gill
  • Commissioner-At-Large Wayne Richardson
  • Commissioner Leonard M. Luciano (District 4)

Members of the Irvington Municipal Council present included:

• Council President Jamillah Z. Beasley (South Ward)
  • Council First Vice President October Hudley (East Ward)
  • Council Member Luis Antilus (West Ward)

The event also reflected strong support from Irvington’s educational leadership, with members of the Irvington Board of Education.

Grassroots leadership was equally visible throughout the evening. Irvington Democratic Chairwoman Annette Beasley, along with district leaders, party organizers, and community advocates, joined the celebration—demonstrating the deep local support behind Mayor Tony Vauss, Darlene Brown, Anthony Vauss Jr., and Dr. Charnette Frederic — Team Irvington Strong.

Speaker after speaker praised the transformation Irvington has experienced under Mayor Vauss’ leadership—progress many once believed impossible.

One of the most striking examples highlighted throughout the evening was public safety. Prior to the Vauss administration, Irvington frequently experienced double-digit homicide totals each year. In the most recent year, however, the township recorded only one homicide, reflecting a dramatic reduction in violent crime and a powerful example of the impact of coordinated leadership, community partnerships, and strategic investment.

Supporters described the progress as evidence that Irvington is experiencing a true civic renaissance.

Mayor Vauss and Team Irvington Strong have built a reputation for transformative municipal leadership—one defined by a strong bias for action, a commitment to bridging communities, strengthening institutions, and delivering measurable results that improve everyday life for residents.

That spirit was visible throughout the evening.

Residents prayed together. Families danced together. Neighbors celebrated side by side. What began as a campaign kickoff became something deeper—a celebration of community resilience, progress, and shared purpose.

For many who attended, the night felt historic—the kind of rally that signals the beginning of something larger than a campaign.

As music continued and supporters lingered long after the formal program concluded, one message echoed across the hall again and again:

The campaign has begun.
The community is united.

And for Irvington — Game On.