Woodland Park Mayor Considering Running Against Frelinghuysen, Forms Committee

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark emerged Tuesday as a potential challenger to Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen next year.

Kazmark announced the formation of an exploratory campaign committee to run to represent New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.

"Washington is broken," Kazmark said in a statement. "As a small town mayor, you can't hide from challenges. You face them head on and find solutions. That's what public service is all about. Rodney Frelinghuysen seems to have forgotten that."

Kazmark criticized Frelinghuysen's vote to repeal Obamacare. Frelinghuysen, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, also made headlines earlier this year when he championed a plan that included $1.6 billion to fund a wall along the United States-Mexico border.

Kazmark said 11th District residents "expect a member of Congress who will put their interests first and is willing to tackle the serious challenges we face."

Kazmark grew up in Woodland Park. He was elected mayor in 2011 and again in 2014. Before that, he served three terms on the Borough Council, becoming its youngest elected member ever at 23.

Kazmark, a married father with two children, said he will hold a series of town hall meetings throughout the 11th District so residents can share their concerns with him. Frelinghuysen has not held a town hall-style meeting in more than four years.

"Unlike Congressman Frelinghuysen, I believe answering to your constituents, in person, is part of the job," Kazmark said.

Others have announced they are running against Frelinghuysen, who has run without a serious threat to his post for decades.

Mikie Sherrill, a Montclair resident, former Navy pilot and ex-federal prosecutor, announced her candidacy in May. Passaic County Freeholder John Bartlett announced his candidacy in July. He lives in Wayne.

Watch Kazmark's announcement video here:

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Photo: Keith Kazmark speaks with a constituent/Courtesy of Matt Krayton