Essex County Democrats’ Listening Tour: Orange

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to spend time in the City of Orange Township as part of the Essex County Democratic Committee’s listening tour alongside the Orange Democratic Committee, my running mates, and Senator Timberlake, Assemblyman Venezia, and Mayor Warren. Together, we went door to door speaking with residents, listening to their concerns, and hearing directly about what matters most to families across our community.

What made Saturday especially meaningful was seeing generations of Orange residents come together. We were joined by some of our youngest residents, students who will be voting for the very first time, and one of our oldest, a 75-year-old senior who came out to knock doors with us, cane in hand.

That’s Orange. It is a community where generations show up for one another. Where neighbors look out for neighbors. Where people understand that our communities are strongest when we work together. From first-time voters to longtime residents, everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of our community.

For me, that is one of the most powerful parts of being on the doors. Campaigning is not just about asking for a vote. It is about listening, learning, building relationships, and understanding the hopes and concerns that people carry with them every day.

I am grateful to every resident who opened their door and took the time to speak with us. I’m grateful to the volunteers who knocked alongside us, to the community leaders who helped bring people together, and to the young people who are preparing to participate in our democracy for the first time. I am grateful for our district leaders; they are the boots on the ground in our neighborhoods. Most of all, I’m grateful for the reminder that civic engagement does not belong to one generation. It belongs to all of us.

As we approach Election Day, I remain committed to meeting residents where they are, listening to their stories, and earning every vote in District 3. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with in-person early voting scheduled for October 24th through November 1st. 

I hope to earn your vote for Essex County Commissioner in District 3.