MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Morristown Councilman Chris Russo has become the first Democrat on the Morris County Commissioners since 1973 after Tuesday's general election, projections indicate.
Russo was the underdog against Tayfun Selen, an incumbent Republican commissioner who previously served as the Mayor of Chatham.
Russo received 104,904 votes, or 55.39 percent, compared to Selen's 84,292 votes, or 44.51 percent, according to the Morris County Clerk's Office.
The Democrat led by 20,612 votes, a margin of nearly 11 percentage points.
A total of 189,395 votes were cast in the race, including 199 write-in votes.
If certified, the Governor-endorsed candidate will serve a three-year term on the Board of Commissioners come January 2027. The results remain unofficial until certified by election officials.
"As Vice President of the Morristown Council and a small business owner, Chris understands what it takes to bring people together, solve problems, and deliver results for our communities," Governor Mikie Sherrill said. "Morris County deserves leadership that puts residents first, improves our quality of life, and makes our communities more affordable for working families. Chris will bring a fresh perspective, accountability, and a commitment to making county government work for everyone."
The last Democrat to become a Morris County Commissioner was Douglas Romaine, a 30-year-old Rockaway Township Democrat who beat out Republican Freeholder James Plante by less than 600 votes in 1973. Romaine lost his reelection bid in 1976, and Republicans have held the seat ever since.
Following Russo's historic, projected win in Morris County, Republicans will retain a 6-1 majority on the seven-member board.
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