Controversial Freeholder Resigns Burlington County Seat

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ - A Burlington County Freeholder who was elected despite withdrawing his name from consideration during the 2018 midterm elections has resigned, county officials announced on Wednesday.

George Youngkin submitted his letter of resignation effective immediately on Wednesday, Burlington County Freeholder Director Tom Pullion announced.

“I have received and accepted George Youngkin’s letter of resignation, and he will no longer be serving on the Board of Chosen Freeholders,” Pullion said. “We wish George the best in his future endeavors.”

The Burlington County Democratic Party will now appoint a replacement to serve in that seat until a special election to fill the seat can be held in November. The winner of that election will fill the remaining two years of the three-year term.

In November, Youngkin and running mate Felicia Hopson unseated incumbent Republicans Kate Gibbs and Linda Hughes. Hopson and Youngkin won with 27.98 percent of the vote and 25.64 percent of the vote, respectively.

During the election, allegations of domestic abuse emerged against Youngkin emerged, prompting him to drop out of the race. However, he dropped out too late for his name to be removed from the ballot. After the election, he said he would accept the results of the election, but would resign after being sworn in.

Youngkin and Hopson were sworn in on Tuesday. Hopson joins Pullion and Balvir Singh in the majority. Latham Tiver is the only remaining Republican on the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Democrats seized a 4-1 majority in the elections, giving Democrats control of the board for the first time in 44 years, according to nj.com. After the party chooses a replacement for Youngkin, it will maintain that hold until at least November.

Democrats gained a lot of power in the county in 2018. The so-called "blue wave," saw Democrat Andy Kim unseat Republican Tom MacArthur in New Jersey's Third Congressional District, which covers Burlington and Ocean counties. Democrat Joanne Schwartz defeated Republican incumbent Tim Tyler to take the Burlington County Clerk's seat.

See related:

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Cinnaminson Democratic Party Grows

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