Commissioner Jack DeGroot Announces Re-Election Campaign for Sussex County Commissioner

Sussex County, New Jersey – Sussex County Commissioner Jack DeGroot has officially announced his campaign for re-election, pointing to a record of farmland preservation, enhanced senior services, and continued support for educational initiatives that benefit Sussex County residents.

First elected as a political newcomer, DeGroot quickly earned recognition as one of the youngest commissioners in county and state history. Running a grassroots campaign rooted in faith, hard work, and local values, he secured an unexpected victory and has since focused on delivering practical, results-driven leadership. DeGroot is currently serving as the Board of County Commissioners’ Deputy Director for 2026.

“Since taking office, my priority has been simple: deliver real results for Sussex County families while protecting what makes our community special,” said DeGroot. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m ready to continue that work.”

During his term, DeGroot helped lead efforts that invested more than $1 million to preserve over 300 acres of family farmland, with additional preservation projects underway. He also played a key role in securing a 10-year reauthorization of the Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund, ensuring long-term support for Sussex County’s agricultural heritage.

Under his leadership, Sussex County launched the Sussex County Seed Library, an innovative initiative designed to help seniors grow their own food, remain active, and promote healthier lifestyles. DeGroot also supported the expansion of partnerships with Sussex County Community College and county technical schools, creating educational and workforce development opportunities for local students in fields including agriculture and cybersecurity.

Additionally, DeGroot worked to strengthen Sussex County’s four-season agritourism program, providing new support for local farms and small businesses while contributing to the county’s economic vitality — all while maintaining a commitment to fiscal responsibility and balanced budgeting.

Beyond his public service, DeGroot continues to build his life in Sussex County. A lifelong Wantage resident and farmer, he has expanded his family’s dairy farm operations into produce and floriculture and is preparing to plant a new apple orchard this spring. He is also a mathematics and statistics instructor at NJIT and Rutgers–Newark.

“I’m not making decisions from somewhere else — I’m making them right here, where I live, work, and plan to raise a family,” DeGroot said. “Sussex County is my home, and serving this community is an honor.”

DeGroot enters the re-election campaign with strong support from Republican leaders across Sussex County and the State of New Jersey.

Endorsements include:

State Legislature

State Senator Parker Space
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia
Assemblyman Mike Inganamort

Sussex County Officials
Commissioner Director Jill Space
Sheriff Mike Strada
Commissioner Chris Carney
Commissioner Dave Silverthorne

Mayors of Sussex County
Andover Borough Mayor John Morgan
Andover Township Mayor Thomas Walsh Jr.
Byram Township Mayor Alex Rubenstein
Frankford Mayor Edwin Risdon Jr.
Franklin Borough Mayor John Sowden IV
Fredon Mayor Chris Nichols
Green Township Mayor Virginia “Ginnie” Raffay
Hamburg Mayor Richard Krasnomowitz
Hampton Mayor Timothy Dooley
Hardyston Mayor Stan Kula
Hopatcong Mayor Marie Galate
Lafayette Mayor Richard Hughes
Montague Mayor George Zitone
Sandyston Mayor George Harper
Stanhope Mayor Eugene Wronko
Stillwater Mayor Lisa Chammings
Sussex Borough Mayor Robert “Bob” Holowach
Vernon Mayor Anthony Rossi
Wantage Mayor Justin VanderGroef

Sussex County Republican Organization
Chairman Joe LaBarbera
Vice Chairman Billy Marotta

DeGroot is seeking re-election to continue advancing policies that protect farmland, support seniors, strengthen local education, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Residents of Sussex County are encouraged to learn more about the campaign by visiting www.jackdegrootforcommissioner.com.

Announcement Video Link: https://youtu.be/rW9A33oQ3TA