Chris Durkin

Since taking office in January 2006, Christopher J. Durkin has led the Essex County Clerk’s Office with a focus on efficient, resident-centered service. A graduate of Rutgers University, where he studied Political Science, Durkin began his career in public service teaching and assisting job placements at the North Ward Cultural Center.

He went on to become a detective with the Essex County Sheriff's Office after completing training at the Essex County Police Academy, then earned a Master’s in Human Resources, Training & Development from Seton Hall University in 2001. He’s also a graduate of the County Election Official Training Program at Rutgers’ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

Durkin’s accomplishments in office speak volumes:

• Processed 278,319 Vote-by-Mail applications and ballots

• Scanned 212,523 business trade names into the public database

• Processed 38,733 passport applications

• Organized 77 wedding ceremonies

• Visited 45 schools promoting civic engagement via events like the “My Essex County Poster Contest.”

Originally from Orange and raised in Maplewood, Durkin graduated from Columbia High School in 1987.

He currently resides in West Caldwell with his wife Danielle and their three children. Active in community service, he’s served on the Board of Directors for the Saint Patrick's Guard of Honor, held a leadership role with the American Red Cross, and was honored as Essex County’s Irishman of the Year in 2017 by County Executive DiVincenzo.