Kamala Devi Harris is our candidate for President. an attorney who is the 49th and current vice president of the United States since 2021, under President Joe Biden. She is the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first South Asian American vice president.She served as a U.S. senator and as attorney general of California..
After years of activism and community service, Matt is ready to represent NJ-04 and tackle today’s problems. Matt is fighting for justice and opportunity for all Americans. This is why we pledge to not accept the money of corporate PACs, big pharma, or fossil fuel execs. Our movement to create elect leaders who represent the values of those they serve is just beginning.
Zach Dougherty is a dedicated community organizer. An Eagle Scout and dedicated scouting mentor, Zach has always been passionate about leadership, community engagement, and public service. He served as a community organizer with the League of Women Voters, and played a pivotal role in establishing the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council. As a national student leader on school safety, Zach gained valuable experience working in both houses of the United States Congress as well as the New Jersey State Legislature. A lifelong resident of Toms River, and the brother of a police officer, he is committed to standing up against political corruption and threats against public safety. Zach holds a degree in History and Political Science from Monmouth University and is pursuing a Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.
Claire Edelstein is a dedicated community volunteer. She is a retired English Arts Middle School Teacher/Librarian, also serving as a tutor and student mentor. Earlier in her career, she was a Bond Market Research Analyst. Her volunteer work includes serving as a Board member for the Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, and as a member of several committees in her active adult community. She’s also a member of the Barnegat Democratic Club and was elected to the Barnegat Democratic Committee. Claire is committed to ensuring government transparency and accountability, tackling construction delays, livestreaming access to township meetings, and focusing on fiscal responsibility and better maintenance of recreational facilities. A resident of Barnegat with her husband since 2011, Claire received her B.A Degree in Literature (cum laude) from Brooklyn College, earned an M.S. Degree in Secondary Education from the College of Staten Island, and continued her postgraduate education at NYU.
Cathy Sogorka is a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability and community involvement in Point Pleasant Beach. She served over 30 years as a physical education teacher in Middletown before transitioning into public service. As a Commissioner on the Environmental Commission, she worked tirelessly to promote eco-friendly practices. She also played a key role in creating an Open Space Committee in town. As Vice President of the Point Beach Democratic Club and a member of the Ocean County Democratic Municipal Committee, Cathy is committed to transparency, sustainability, and inclusive governance for all residents. A nearly 50-year resident of Point Pleasant Beach, Cathy is a graduate of Paterson State College.
Denise Davis is a retired English Language Arts Special Education Teacher, and an advocate for students with special needs. In addition to her leadership role as president of the Lakeview Crossing Board of Directors and membership in NAACP, she serves as an adult and elementary level reading tutor. Denise is committed to supporting fellow Democrat campaigns and organizations, and is committed to serving with the South Toms River Borough Council to improve the community. Her retirement plan brought her to South Toms River in 2020, where she is passionate about small business development, childcare, homelessness, and responsible local government. Denise will also continue to advocate for special education students and their families, and has a Masters Degree in Special Education from New Jersey City University.
Carla Lounsbury is a former high school teacher and college instructor. She currently volunteers at Edwin B. Forsythe national wildlife refuge and Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, and is a member of the Waretown Democratic Club where she served as vice president. Carla is committed to curbing local development and taxes until appropriate and unbiased needs assessments are completed. A firm believer in diversity everywhere, including on the ballot, Carla has resided in Waretown since 2016.
Dennis O’Leary is a retired finance executive, and an advocate for financial responsibility. As a volunteer for AARP, he helps senior citizens prepare their taxes annually. Dennis is committed to managing property taxes to ensure adequate funding for borough needs and pursuing grants to reduce the burden on the local community, and seeks to reduce costs by looking for opportunities to share services with nearby towns. A lifelong presence in Ocean Gate, he and his wife have lived in the borough for 21 years. Dennis has a BA degree in Mathematics from Mount St. Mary’s University, and an MBA in Finance from Seton Hall.
Bill Stemmle is a dedicated public servant who retired from the Ocean County Board of Social Services after a 37 year career. Active in politics since the mid-‘70s, he was a member of the Young Republicans. His community involvement led to leadership roles in the Toms River Jaycees, the Cub Scouts, and his union local. As a former Republican, having joined the Democratic Party several years ago, he is dedicated to restoring responsible two party government in Lacey Township. A resident of Forked River with his wife for over 40 years, Bill has a degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from Rider College.
Maggie Doucette is a dedicated public servant with over 15 years of experience in government affairs and grassroots advocacy. She is actively involved in her community, particularly the ECA Beach Association, the Elizabeth-Blodgett Lake Association, and the Point Beach Democratic Club. Dedicated to restoring trust in local government through transparency, integrity, and open communication, Maggie is committed to a platform that prioritizes preserving natural resources, responsible fiscal management, and promoting eco-friendly development. A 30-year resident of Point Pleasant Beach, Maggie earned a master’s degree in public policy from Monmouth University.
Ron Naples is a lifelong Democrat, dedicated to community service. He has always worked to support democratic candidates throughout his corporate career and his 33 years as an Associate Professor of Hospitality at New York University. He was a summer intern in the office of Congresswoman Helen Meyner and assisted in her re-election campaign, and managed the congressional campaign of David Stickel. He has served on the Hopatcong Borough Council, an Ocean County Democratic committee person, Vice-Chairperson of the Barnegat Democratic Committee, president of the Barnegat Democratic Club, and Vice-Chairperson of the Ocean County LGBTQIA+ Caucus. Ron is committed to bringing two party government to Barnegat and restoring transparency, and believes that Democracy is giving voice to everyone in society. A resident of Barnegat for 10 years, Ron received a degree in Speech and Theatre with a minor in Political Science from Montclair State University.
EJ Geiger is a dedicated community member with a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement in Point Pleasant Beach. With over 27 years of experience in an Acute Care Hospital, EJ has a deep understanding of the importance of accountability and integrity in public service. He has served as the President of the Point Pleasant Beach Democratic Club and has volunteered with the Best Day Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation. He is dedicated to transparent governance and community welfare, as well as environmental stewardship. Married and a resident of Point Pleasant Beach since 2017, EJ has an Associate Degree in Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy.
Tom Joseph is a retired National Defense and Commercial Technology executive who developed and managed $1B in programs and products, and served on the Board of Directors for an emerging technology company. Internationally recognized, he’s a published author in the fields of Acoustics, Fiber Optics, and Semiconductors. Tom volunteered with the Sierra Club as a mountaineering instructor and certified trip leader. He is committed to encouraging transparency in governing and decision-making, developing a practical strategy to mitigate bayfront flooding, and finding the best use of land the town acquired through condemnation rather than redevelopment. He and his wife have lived in Seaside Park for seven years. Tom has a BS in Applied Physics from Caltech, and an MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from USC.
David Dolan is currently Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Avi Schnall and previously worked in electrical products account management. Several years ago, he served as an intern for Andy Kim. He is a member of the ReClam the Bay organization, and is a leader in the Ocean County Young Democrats organization. David seeks to restore two-party rule in the township to effectively plan and manage its construction projects, ensure transparency from Holtec in its decommissioning of Oyster Creek, and pursue the site’s beneficial use as a solar farm and transmission site for offshore wind power generation. A resident of Lacey Township since he was a young boy, David has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stockton University.
Gigi Esparza is a dedicated community leader, having served on both the South Toms River Borough Council as interim mayor, and the Toms River School Board as chair of several important committees. She also served as Ocean Inc. Head Start Policy Council Chair. Active in her church, she’s volunteered for the past 12 years as Superintendent of the Sunday School at Bethel Spanish Pentecostal Church, and as a teacher at the Spanish Eastern District Bible Institute. Gigi is committed to meeting the needs of South Toms River residents and businesses through greater transparency and fiscal responsibility. An 18 year resident of South Toms River with her husband and 3 children, Gigi attended the Assembly of God Bible Institute.
Dr. Michael Spadafino retired after 32 years treating patients as a chiropractic physician. While pursuing his health care education, he taught high school science, and coached football and track. Active in the Knights of Columbus, he is also a food pantry volunteer. Having served for 7 years on the East Brunswick Township Council, Michael is committed to governmental transparency and responsible redevelopment transactions, and he plans to focus on bay front flood mitigation. Homeowners in Seaside Park since 2009, he and his wife have been fulltime residents since 2020. Michael earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic, and a BA in Biological Science from the University of Northern Colorado.
Karen Sugden is an experienced Financial Administrator who has worked for one of the largest marketing companies in the country. Previously, she worked as a paralegal for the Monmouth County Superior Court and served as the Vice President of the Brookdale Paralegal Association. As a taxpayer advocate, Karen volunteered her time to help local homeowners with their tax appeals to help lower their property taxes. Karen is committed to keeping Ocean county affordable, and i has successfully advocated for a rent control ordinance in her home community of Manchester. She has degrees in political science, legal studies and journalism
