SCDC Celebrates Historic Momentum and Groundbreaking Midterm Victories

HIGHLAND LAKES, NJ — Following Tuesday’s 2026 general election, the Sussex County Democratic Committee (SCDC) is celebrating historic turnout, decisive victories, and unprecedented momentum as Sussex County voters turned out in force to demand accountability, economic relief, and responsive leadership.

Alongside federal momentum that saw Democrat Rebecca Bennett flip New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer win re-election in the 5th District, local voters delivered a historic council victory in Hopatcong Borough and the re-election of Democratic Councilman Anthony Riccardi in Stanhope.

“Democrats across the country are witnessing historic victories and incredible margins,” said Zoe Heath, SCDC Chairwoman. “And Sussex County was a part of that history, playing our part delivering Rebecca Bennett to the House. The incredible work of volunteers in towns like Sparta, Byram, Stanhope and Hopatcong meant that Rebecca got 49% of the vote in Sussex County, a historic margin.”

Key Federal & Statewide Highlights

NJ-7: Democrat Rebecca Bennett won election to the U.S. House, defeating incumbent Republican Thomas H. Kean Jr. in one of the state's most competitive battleground districts.

NJ-5: Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer won reelection, continuing his work for middle-class tax relief, infrastructure upgrades, and local community investments.

U.S. Senate: Incumbent U.S. Senator Cory Booker secured reelection to the Senate.

Key Local & County Highlights

Historic Hopatcong Breakthrough: In one of the most closely watched municipal contests in northern New Jersey, Democratic councilwoman-elect Barbara "Bobbi" Fernandez won a seat on the Hopatcong Borough Council. Fernandez edged out former Council President John Young to capture the second available seat, officially ending the Republican Party’s long-standing control of all six council seats.

Stanhope Re-Election: Councilman Anthony J. Riccardi secured re-election to the Stanhope Borough Council. Councilman Riccardi's continued service ensures dedicated, experienced advocacy for local infrastructure, public safety, and responsive community government in Stanhope.

Historic County Commission Margins: In the races for the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners and County Clerk, Democratic nominees Phil DeStefano and Clare Golden dramatically outperformed historical benchmarks, surpassing 45% of the vote countywide.

Heath continued: “Phil and Clare exceeded expectations, going past not only 40%, which would have been cause for celebration, but 45%, which is a victory for all Democrats in Sussex County, and sets us up for future successes in 2027. To everyone who ran: Phil, Clare, Michele, Tom, Amy, Bill, Ken, Katie, Nicole, Anthony, Bobbi and Miguel, thank you. Your efforts and tireless work contribute to a future where Sussex County has a diverse group of voices.”

To get involved with grassroots efforts in Sussex County, please visit www.sussexdems.com.