Newark Native Elected As County Commissioner: A’Dorian Murray-Thomas

NEWARK, NJ — A community leader that has been called a “symbol of hope” for young women is claiming another historic Election Day victory.

A’Dorian Murray-Thomas has declared a “landslide” victory in the race for a seat in District 2 on the Essex County Board of Commissioners in the 2023 general election, which took place Tuesday. Read More: 2023 Essex County Election Results: Commissioners, Surrogate (UPDATED)

While the results are still uncertified, she held a 10-to-1 lead over Khalil Kettles as of Friday. District 2 includes Newark’s South Ward, a large part of Newark’s Central Ward, Irvington and Maplewood.

Born and raised in Newark, Murray-Thomas is the founder and CEO of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and mentoring nonprofit that uplifts young women affected by gun violence. It was personal work to Murray-Thomas, who overcame the death of her father after he was fatally shot in her home city.

In 2017, Murray-Thomas’ work with the organization earned her a “New Jersey Hero” award, with former New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie calling her a “symbol of hope for the young women of Newark.”

• See Related: Newark Woman Rises From Tragedy To Become 'Symbol Of Hope'

Murray-Thomas eventually decided to enter local politics, making history in 2019 at the age of 23 when she became the youngest-ever elected board of education member in Newark – the state’s largest public school district.

That year, she was recognized as a President Obama White House Champion of Change, a Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the Year,” a Youth Service America “Everyday Young Hero,” ESSENCE Magazine, one of The Root Magazine’s "25 Young Futurists."

Murray-Thomas was re-elected to the Newark school board in 2022.

Now at the age of 28, her likely triumph in the 2023 election gives Murray-Thomas another title: the youngest elected member of the Essex County Board of Commissioners.

If certified as the winner, Murray-Thomas will have to resign from the Newark Board of Education. Her term expires in 2025.

However, Murray-Thomas has insisted that her new job as county commissioner won’t mean she’s ending her efforts to boost students and youth in the Brick City.

“To the contrary, it would heighten it, giving me new ways to advocate and create opportunities for our youth and families,” Murray-Thomas previously said. “From housing, to parks and recreation, to crime and safety, the issues that affect children’s lives often have roots outside the classroom, and serving in this role is a great opportunity to be a champion for improving the lives and well-being of our community.”

The Essex County Board Of County Commissioners has several powers, including approval of the annual operating and capital budgets (property taxes in New Jersey are made up of three parts: school, municipal and county). Other powers include passing ordinances and resolutions, overriding a veto of the county executive and conducting investigations.

In her new role, Murray-Thomas said she plans to “work tirelessly to expand students' access to jobs and apprenticeships, support women and minority owned businesses, improve our parks and green spaces, and increase pathways to homeownership.”

“As a school board member, I have been a champion for educational equity, youth empowerment, transparency and amplifying community voice,” she said. “As your county commissioner, I will fight to make sure Essex County remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”

Murray-Thomas, who ran on the Democratic party line, thanked Essex County Democratic Committee Chair LeRoy Jones and Mayor Ras Baraka for supporting her latest campaign.

“It is my goal to ensure that younger people also see the importance of having a seat at the table,” she said.

The grassroots campaign team who supported her – making visits to residents, staffing phones and hosting events – also deserve a shout-out, Murray-Thomas said.

Murray-Thomas – the chair of New Jersey Democratic Women Caucus and the appointed Alumni Representative KIPP Foundation board – also had some words of gratitude for the voters who have apparently signed off on her new job.

“I am so thankful to Newark voters for their continued confidence,” she said. “They have grown with me and supported me as an elected official and I am eternally grateful for each of them. I am equally excited for the voters in Maplewood and Irvington who have decided I am the best person to represent them in the commission.”

Murray-Thomas is expected to be sworn into office in January 2024.

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