Retired Federal Defense Worker Is Running For Sherrill's Old Congress Seat In NJ-11

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated with additional context about Vincent Matrisciano’s ballot status. He is running as a write-in candidate, not an independent, as previously reported.

A retired Department of Defense employee who worked for more than three decades at a military base in North Jersey is running for Congress as a write-in candidate in New Jersey’s 11^th district.

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Vince Matrisciano has thrown his hat into the ring for Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s former U.S. House of Representatives seat for the general election in November. Learn more about his campaign platform here.

A lifelong North Jersey resident, Matrisciano spent more than 30 years at Picatinny Arsenal – one of the largest employers in the district – and held a Department of Defense secret clearance throughout his federal career.

Now, Matrisciano is looking to parlay that experience into his campaign in NJ-11, which includes several towns in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties (see list below).

According to his campaign website, Matrisciano and his wife owned a martial arts studio. He now runs his own consulting company as a small business owner.

Matrisciano volunteers at outreach events through his church, participation in the Big Brothers program, serving as vice president of his local Lake Association and via membership on his town’s Economic Development Committee.

According to Matrisciano’s campaign team, his plans if elected include:

• Health Care Affordability – “Health care reform should focus on fixing what's broken, not rebuilding the system from scratch. Vince supports practical solutions that lower costs, improve access, and keep patients, not corporations or middlemen, at the center of care while preserving innovation.”
• Border Security and Immigration – “America needs a secure border and an immigration system that is fair, functional, and humane. Vince supports strong enforcement against violent criminals while creating realistic pathways for law-abiding individuals who contribute to our economy and communities.”
• Energy Independence – “Vince supports an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy that includes nuclear, natural gas, renewables, and emerging technologies. Energy independence strengthens national security, while responsible environmental policies can protect our future and create jobs.”
• Economic Growth – “Small businesses and working families drive our economy and deserve policies that promote growth, opportunity, and job creation. Vince supports reducing unnecessary regulations, expanding workforce training, and encouraging responsible economic development.”
• Public Transportation – “New Jersey needs reliable, modern transportation infrastructure that serves commuters and strengthens the economy. Federal transportation dollars should be spent transparently and efficiently on roads, bridges, rail systems, and public transit projects.”
• Education – “Every child deserves access to a high-quality education focused on academic fundamentals and real-world success. Vince supports greater accountability, stronger special-needs resources, and increased involvement from parents, teachers, and local communities.”

“I believe we have lost our way in how we are governing our country - and I believe many people agree with me,” Matrisciano said about his decision to run for a Congress seat.

“People are frustrated with both parties and feel like they have no one to vote for,” Matrisciano said.

Matrisciano was recently removed from the ballot as an independent candidate due to objections over his use of homemade nominating petitions instead of the state’s official form.

Matrisciano told Patch that he is now running as a write-in candidate.

The general election takes place on Nov. 3. Candidates will include U.S. Rep. Analilia Mejia, who won the Democratic primary election in June, and Joe Hathaway, who ran uncontested for the Republican nomination.

>> RELATED: Mejia, Hathaway Will Have Rematch In NJ-11

New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District includes the following municipalities:

Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell

Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Twp (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens

Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part), Woodland Park

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