Montclair Democrats Hold Reorganization Meeting

Brendan Gill Reelected as Chair, Tanya Poteat Reelected as Vice Chair

Montclair, NJ — The Montclair Democratic County Committee (MDCC) held its biennial reorganization meeting on Monday, June 15, unanimously reelecting Brendan Gill as Chair and Tanya Poteat as Vice Chair.

The meeting brought together Democratic committee members from across Montclair to elect party leadership and discuss priorities for the next two years. Committee members voted unanimously to return Gill and Poteat to their leadership roles.

"It is an honor to continue serving as Chair of the Montclair Democratic County Committee," said Gill. "Montclair Democrats have built one of the strongest local Democratic organizations in New Jersey, and I am grateful for the confidence our committee members have placed in me. Together, we will continue to organize, register voters, support Democratic candidates, and fight for the values that make Montclair a welcoming and vibrant community."

Poteat thanked committee members for their support and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening civic engagement and uplifting diverse voices throughout the township.

"Montclair Democrats are powered by dedicated volunteers and community leaders who care deeply about our town, our state, and our democracy," said Poteat. "I look forward to continuing our work to grow our party, elect Democratic candidates, and ensure every voice is heard."

Both Gill and Poteat have served in these roles for more than a decade.  Gill, a current Essex County Commissioner, also served in senior roles for Governor Frank Lautenberg, Senator Cory Booker, Governor Phil Murphy, and Congressman Bill Pascrell.  Gill is a lifelong Montclair resident.

The committee also recognized outgoing Reporting Secretary Elsie Barrick for her years of dedicated service. Thaddeaus Diggs was elected Reporting Secretary, while Cary Chevat was reelected Corresponding Secretary and Jordan Hirshhorn was reelected Treasurer.

During the meeting, committee members discussed the launch of the 12 By 28 Campaign, an initiative encouraging New Jersey leaders to pursue congressional redistricting before the 2028 election cycle. Members also emphasized the importance of expanding voter engagement and strengthening Democratic organizing efforts both locally and nationally.

Montclair Democrats will continue to focus on voter engagement, grassroots organizing, community outreach, and supporting Democratic candidates who share the community's values. The Montclair Dems and allied partner organizations have built a network of 14,000+ volunteers from NJ and across the country. Since 2020, Montclair Dems have hosted over 1,200 phone banks, mailed over 250,000 postcards, knocked on thousands of doors, and shared hundreds of thousands of social media posts. In 2024, Montclair Dems sent 29 Buses and 50+ carpools sending over 2,000 volunteers to Pennsylvania for Harris/Walz. The Montclair Dems has hosted some of the largest No Kings/Hands Off Rallies in the Northeast with over 40,000 total attendees.

About the Montclair Democratic County Committee

The Montclair Democratic County Committee (MDCC) is a grassroots political organization dedicated to supporting Democratic candidates at the local, county, state, and federal levels. Through year-round organizing, voter engagement, and leadership development, the organization mobilizes thousands of volunteers to advocate for progressive issues and increase voter participation. MDCC is chaired by Brendan Gill and serves under the leadership of Vice Chair Tanya Poteat.

For more information, visit www.montclairdems.com.