May 1, 2026 • TOMS RIVER, NJ — Ocean Democrats For Progress today announced its endorsed leadership slate for the upcoming Ocean County Democratic Party reorganization meeting, backing candidates for chair, vice chair, treasurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, and sergeant-at-arms. Together, the slate reflects the group’s vision for a more transparent, active, and effective county party that supports local committees, strengthens candidate recruitment, and organizes year-round. Ocean Democrats For Progress also took the unconventional approach of democratically selecting a nominee for sergeant-at-arms, a position traditionally handpicked by the Chair.

Ocean Democrats For Progress launched earlier this month as a grassroots reform effort within the Ocean County Democratic Party, focused on strengthening local infrastructure, improving communication, and helping Democrats compete more effectively across the county. Today’s leadership announcement marks an important next step in that effort and highlights a team the group believes is well-positioned to help lead the party into a stronger, more connected, and more energized future.

“Ocean County Democrats deserve a county party that communicates clearly, supports local candidates, and does the steady work of organizing year-round,” said Alison Miller, who is endorsed by Ocean Democrats For Progress for chair. “This slate reflects a shared commitment to stronger leadership, broader participation, and a party structure that works for the people it represents.”

Ocean Democrats For Progress is endorsing the following candidates for county party leadership:

Alison Miller of Stafford Township for Chair. Miller currently serves as president of the Stafford Democratic Club. Ocean Democrats For Progress says she brings the kind of vision, experience, and collaborative leadership the county party needs at this moment. She says “the party must become more open, more active in the community, and more committed to giving local Democrats the support they need to organize, participate, and compete.”

Owen Bros of Point Pleasant Borough for Vice Chair. Bros is a member of the Point Pleasant Democrats. A recent Monmouth University graduate and incoming Rutgers Law student, he represents a new generation of Democratic leadership and brings energy, organizing experience, and a clear belief that young people in Ocean County deserve a stronger voice and a real place in party leadership. Bros is taking on this role “because young people in Ocean County are dismissed and left out of politics altogether.”

Casey Bailey of Toms River Township for Treasurer. Bailey is a member of Toms River Democrats and brings a professional background in insurance adjusting and mortgage processing and closing. Ocean Democrats For Progress says her candidacy reflects the group’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of party resources. On representing this movement Bailey said “in a place where Democrats have historically faced challenges, I believe it’s critical to stay engaged and show that our voices matter.”

Evan Phalon of Beachwood Borough for Recording Secretary. Phalon is a Beachwood Democrat and works as a public affairs and social impact consultant focused on government relations and global sustainable development. Locally he has spearheaded the Ocean County Democrats LGBTQ+ Caucus and Toms River Pride Festival. Ocean Democrats For Progress says his background in strategic communications, cross-sector partnerships, and community organizing will help strengthen both the party’s internal operations and its public-facing work. “Ocean County deserves an effective, solutions-focused opposition that wins races and delivers for constituents yearning for meaningful, systemic change,” said Phalon.

Pat Trotter of Long Beach Township for Corresponding Secretary. Trotter is president of Democratic Action Network LBI and vice chair of the Long Beach Township Democratic Committee. Ocean Democrats For Progress says she brings a strong record of community engagement and a clear commitment to building a party that informs, engages, and activates Democrats across Ocean County. She seeks to help lead Ocean County Democrats “because it is time for a change and there is energy and action that we haven't seen before.”

Kaitlyn Beacham of Brick Township for Sergeant-at-Arms. Beacham is a Brick Democrat focused on outreach, education, and community engagement. Ocean Democrats For Progress says her selection reflects the group’s commitment to broader participation, grassroots energy, and a more inclusive leadership process. Beacham frequently attends protest actions and would like to see more allies and activists brought into the fold saying “We can be louder together. We can advocate for our communities together. Together we can support a welcoming and inclusive Ocean County that focuses on meeting the needs of all its residents.”

According to the group, the slate is united by a shared goal: building a county party that is more transparent, more responsive to members, better connected across municipalities, and more serious about contesting races and supporting Democratic candidates over the long term. Ocean Democrats For Progress says the team combines organizing experience, professional skill, fresh energy, and a shared belief that Ocean County Democrats deserve a party that is visible, accountable, and built to grow.

Ocean Democrats For Progress is a grassroots movement based in Ocean County, New Jersey, focused on outreach, recruitment, and coalition-building to strengthen local committees and build a more effective countywide operation. For more information, visit www.oceandemocratsforprogress.org, email oceandemocratsforprogress@gmail.com, and follow @ocean.democrats.for.progress. Press Contact: Maggie Doucette