Warren Township Committeeman and former Deputy Mayor Daniel Croson today announced his candidacy for the New Jersey General Assembly in the 21st Legislative District, pledging to bring his experience as an educator, nonprofit leader, and local elected official to Trenton.

In addition to his service on the Warren Township Committee, Croson’s professional background includes experience as a classroom teacher, education administrator, and as the Chief of Staff at an education-based nonprofit in Newark. He also previously served as a member of the Warren Board of Education, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges facing New Jersey's public schools, educators, students, and families.

"New Jersey needs leaders who understand how decisions made in Trenton affect the lives of everyday people," said Croson. "As a local elected official and former classroom teacher, I've seen firsthand how state policies can make it harder for towns to control costs, for teachers to do their jobs, and for young families to buy a home. We can do better. I'm ready to bring my experience and a common-sense approach to the issues that matter most to New Jersey families.”

Croson was among the first local elected officials in New Jersey to champion restrictions on data centers, introducing an ordinance to prohibit them in Warren Township amid growing concerns about their impact on energy costs, infrastructure, and the environment. As a result, Warren became one of the first municipalities in the state to ban data centers outright. He has also emerged as a leading advocate for reforming New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program, arguing that the escalating cost of public employee health benefits is an increasingly significant contributor to rising property taxes and an issue that state leaders can no longer afford to ignore.

“I’m proud to support Daniel’s campaign for the New Jersey General Assembly,” said Nick Curiale, Chair of the Summit Republican Municipal Committee - one of the most highly populated municipalities in the district. “I understand the importance of having qualified, engaged leadership representing our communities in Trenton. Daniel brings a unique combination of experience, along with a demonstrated commitment to our residents and taxpayers. He understands the challenges facing our communities because he has worked on them firsthand, and I am confident he will bring that same dedication and perspective to the State Legislature.”

Having experience in both the classroom and on the school board, Croson believes New Jersey must also rethink how it funds public education. He supports reforming the state's school funding formula to better prioritize student outcomes, recognize the unique needs of individual communities, and ensure teachers have the resources and support necessary to help every student succeed.

“We can attest from personal experience that Daniel is genuinely committed to the people and communities he serves,” added Alicia Drozd, Chair of the Warren Republican Municipal Committee and Maria Dahl, Chair of the Watchung Republican Municipal Committee. “He's hardworking, approachable, dependable, and someone who doesn't hesitate to roll up his sleeves and put in the time to get things done. We know firsthand the kind of person Daniel is, and we're proud to support him as he takes this next step in public service.”

A longtime resident of the district, Croson currently resides in Warren Township with his husband and young son.

“It’s time to put people ahead of politics,” added Croson. “Together we can strengthen public education, protect our environment from overdevelopment, and make New Jersey a more affordable place to live.”

ENDORSEMENTS

Croson's campaign has received the support of the following elected officials and Republican Party leaders:

• Warren Republican Municipal Chair Alicia Drozd
• Warren Mayor Shaun Fine
• Warren Deputy Mayor Vanessa Kian
• Warren Committeeman Lance Blick
• Warren Committeeman Dan McCarey
• Watchung Republican Municipal Chair Maria Dahl
• Watchung Mayor Ron Jubin
• Watchung Councilman Curt Dahl
• Watchung Councilwoman Christine Ead
• Watchung Councilman Robert Gibbs
• Watchung Councilwoman Sonia Abi-Habib
• Watchung Councilman Paul Fischer
• Bernards Republican Municipal Chair Scott Mitzner
• Bernards Township Committeeman Andrew McNally
• Bernardsville Republican Municipal Chair Henry Kane
• Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose
• Bernardsville Councilman Ross Zazzarino
• Green Brook Mayor Jim Van Arsdale
• Long Hill Republican Municipal Chair Ed Gecht
• Long Hill Republican Club President Colette Armenti
• Long Hill Deputy Mayor Matt Dorsi
• Long Hill Committeeman Victor Verlezza
• Long Hill Committeewoman Theresa Dill Fettes
• Long Hill Committeeman Frank Liberato
• Former Berkeley Heights Councilwoman Jeanne Kingsley
• Summit Republican Municipal Chair Nick Curiale
• Former Summit Republican Municipal Chair Steve Spurr
• Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli
• Mountainside Councilwoman Donna Pacifico
• Mountainside Councilman Donald Rinaldo
• Mountainside Councilman Steve Matejek
• Mountainside Councilwoman Valerie Wass
• New Providence Councilwoman Nadine Geoffroy
• New Providence Councilwoman Lisa McKnight
• New Providence Councilman Matthew Cumiskey
• Former New Providence Councilman Alex Kogan
• Former New Providence Councilwoman Diane Bilicska
• Westfield Republican Municipal Chair Sam Della Fera
• Westfield Councilman David Kiefer
• Westfield Councilman Mike Domogala
• Westfield Councilman Mike Armento
• Westfield Councilman Todd Saunders