Essex County Democratic Endorsement for Brendan Gill: Your Complete Guide to the NJ-11 Special Election
- Marvina T.
- 7 days ago
- 11 min read
Key Information Covered in This Guide:
Essex County Democratic Convention results and endorsement details
Critical dates for the NJ-11 special primary and general elections
Voter registration deadlines and how to register
Early voting dates and locations in Essex County
Vote-by-mail ballot request and return deadlines
Where Essex County voters can find official election information and resources
How to learn more about Brendan Gill
Essex County Democrats have spoken. After a virtual convention and a swift count, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill secured the Essex County Democratic endorsement for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District with 132 votes from over 250 local Democratic committee members. This endorsement positions Gill as a leading contender in a crowded 12-candidate Democratic primary field competing to succeed Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill in Congress.
Apart from the political importance of this endorsement, voters in Essex County now face decisions and deadlines as they prepare for this special election. Brendan Gill's backing in 2026 will help voters recognize their impact on the primary and influence in Washington, D.C.
This comprehensive guide provides everything Essex County voters need to know about the endorsement, the upcoming special election, and how to participate in this critical democratic process.
The Essex County Democratic Convention: Results and What They Mean
A few weeks ago, Essex County Democratic committee members cast their votes to determine the party's endorsement for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. In the final tally of 258 votes, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill secured 132 votes to win the endorsement, while 90 committee members voted to abstain.
The remaining votes were distributed among other candidates in the 12-person field, with former Rep. Tom Malinowski receiving 17 votes, Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett and Maplewood Committeeman Dean Dafis each receiving six votes, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and Analilia Mejia each receiving three votes, and former congressional staffer Marc Chaaban receiving one vote.
The convention faced criticism for its rapid timeline—held just one day after the candidate filing deadline—but Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones defended the schedule as necessary to meet the December 4 deadline for ballot slogan changes, ensuring the endorsement would appear on February 5 primary ballots.
"I'm honored to earn the endorsement of the Essex County Democratic Organization," Gill stated following his victory. "The Essex County Democratic District Leaders are my neighbors, and they are hardworking volunteers who power our elections, helping elect leaders like Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, Senator Andy Kim, Senator Cory Booker, and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. Their work is the reason we keep New Jersey blue. I'm proud to have their trust."
This endorsement grants Gill the Essex Democratic slogan on the primary ballot and access to the county party's volunteer network of over 1,000 district leaders who organize grassroots operations across Essex County's 22 municipalities.
Critical Dates: NJ-11 Special Primary Election
Essex County voters must mark these essential dates on their calendars to ensure they can participate in the special election:
Voter Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2026
The deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration for the special primary election is January 15, 2026. If you're not yet registered or need to update your address or party affiliation, you must complete this process by January 15 to vote in the February 5 primary.
How to Register:
Online: Visit the New Jersey Voter Registration Portal - you'll need a valid NJ Driver's License, Non-Driver ID, or Social Security number
In Person: Visit the Essex County Board of Elections office at 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, room 145, Newark, NJ 07102, or the Hall of Records, 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Suite 130, Newark, NJ 07102
By Mail: Download and mail the voter registration application - it must be received by January 15, 2026
Check Your Registration Status: Verify your registration at the NJ Voter Information Portal or contact the Essex County Board of Elections at (973) 621-5070.
Vote-By-Mail Ballot Deadlines
Any registered Essex County voter can vote by mail without needing a reason. Here are the key deadlines:
Last Day to Request Vote-By-Mail Ballot by Mail: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Download the application at essexclerk.com or pick one up at your municipal clerk's office
Mail completed application to: Essex County Clerk, P.O. Box 690, Newark, NJ 07102
Last Day to Request Vote-By-Mail Ballot In Person: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by 3:00 PM
Visit the Essex County Clerk's Office at 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 130, Newark, NJ 07102
Contact the County Clerk at (973) 621-4921
Returning Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot:
You have three options to return your completed ballot by 8:00 PM on Election Day, February 5, 2026:
Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place your ballot in any Essex County secure drop box by 8:00 PM on February 5
Essex County Board of Elections: Deliver in person to 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 145, Newark, NJ 07102 by 8:00 PM
U.S. Mail: Your ballot must be postmarked by February 5 and received by the Board of Elections within 6 days after Election Day
Track Your Ballot: Visit New Jersey's ballot tracking system to confirm your vote-by-mail ballot was received and counted.
Early Voting Period: January 29 - February 3, 2026
Essex County offers six days of early in-person voting at designated locations throughout the county. You can vote at any early voting location in Essex County—you're not limited to your Election Day polling place.
Early Voting Dates:
January 29 - February 3 ( Monday-Saturday): 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday; 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Find Early Voting Locations: Visit the Essex County Board of Elections website or call (973) 621-5070 for a complete list of early voting sites near you.
What to Bring: You may be asked to show ID if you are a first-time voter or registered by mail without providing identification.
Primary Election Day: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Find Your Polling Location:
Visit Polling Page
Visit the NJ Polling Place Locator
Download the Essex Votes mobile app for voter information and polling locations
Call the Essex County Board of Elections at (973) 621-5070
Important Notes:
If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot, you must either return it or surrender it at your polling place to vote in person
If you don't have your mail ballot to surrender, you can vote by provisional ballot
Polls close at 8:00 PM—anyone in line by 8:00 PM will be allowed to vote
Special General Election Dates: April 16, 2026
After the February 5 primary, the special general election will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Here are the key dates for the general election:
Voter Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026
New voters or those updating registration must be registered by March 26
Early Voting Period: April 6-14, 2026
Nine days of early in-person voting at designated Essex County locations
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
General Election Day: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Polls open 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Why This Essex County Democratic Endorsement Matters for Voters
For Essex County voters navigating a 12-candidate Democratic primary, the party's endorsement is an important signal. The Essex County Democratic Committee is composed of over 1,000 district leaders from 574 election districts across all 22 municipalities. These are your neighbors—the volunteers who register voters, organize phone banks, and staff polling places year-round.
Their endorsement of Brendan Gill reflects their collective judgment about who can effectively serve the district and maintain this congressional seat as a Democratic voice in Washington. It grants Gill prime ballot positioning with the Essex Democratic slogan, which historically influences voter decisions, particularly in lower-turnout special elections.
However, the close nature of the convention vote—with 90 committee members abstaining—demonstrates that Essex County Democrats hold diverse views on the best path forward. Progressive activists, longtime party members, and Democrats seeking fresh voices all brought their perspectives to the convention process.
According to CNN's analysis of 2025 special House elections, Democrats in the first four special elections of the year exceeded their 2024 margins by an average of 16 points, demonstrating how engaged voter turnout in special elections can shift outcomes dramatically. This makes every vote in Essex County even more consequential.
Understanding Special Election Dynamics
Special congressional elections operate differently from regular primaries, making voter participation even more critical:
Lower Turnout: According to NYC's 2024 voter analysis, primary turnout can drop to just 6-10% of registered voters, leaving engaged voters with an outsized influence in determining outcomes.
Compressed Timeline: The February 5 primary gives candidates a few weeks to build name recognition and organize supporters across three counties, putting a premium on existing political infrastructure and endorsements.
Vote Splitting: With 12 candidates competing, the winner may need only 20-25% of votes to prevail. Every organized block of supporters becomes more valuable in a fragmented field.
Limited Media Coverage: Special elections rarely generate sustained media attention, meaning voters rely more heavily on party guidance, trusted endorsements, and information from local Democratic networks.
For Essex County, which represents nearly half of the 11th District's Democratic primary electorate, high voter turnout will be crucial not just to determining who wins, but also for ensuring the district has strong representation in Congress. We are not strangers to the process; we held a special election for our Representative, LaMonica McIver, in 2024.
Limited Media Coverage: Special elections rarely generate sustained media attention, meaning voters rely more heavily on party guidance, trusted endorsements, and information from local Democratic networks.
For Essex County, which represents nearly half of the 11th District's Democratic primary electorate, high voter turnout will be crucial not just to determining who wins, but also for ensuring the district has strong representation in Congress. We are familiar with the process; we held a special election for the seat of our beloved Congressman, Donald Payne Jr. Now, Rep. LaMonica McIver proudly serves the voters of District 10.
Connect with Brendan Gill: Learn About His Vision for NJ-11
As the Essex County Democratic endorsement focuses attention on Brendan Gill's campaign, voters have multiple ways to learn more about his background and policy positions:
Official Campaign Website: GillforNJ.com
Comprehensive information about his record as Essex County Commissioner
Detailed policy positions on affordability, gun violence prevention, environmental conservation, and more
Campaign events and volunteer opportunities
Complete list of endorsements from Democratic leaders
Key Accomplishments as Essex County Commissioner:
Led the passage of one of New Jersey's toughest gun vendor accountability laws as Chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Committee
Championed the Essex Hudson Greenway, transforming an abandoned rail line into a state park with walking and biking trails
Worked with Essex County Executive DiVincenzo to stabilize county taxes while investing in parks and infrastructure
Managed Essex County's COVID-19 response, bringing testing and vaccination sites online
Political Experience Beyond County Service:
Managed Governor Phil Murphy's historic 2017 campaign
Served as State Director for U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (2007-2013)
Senior aide to U.S. Senator Cory Booker
District Director for U.S. Congressmen Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman
Stay Updated: Follow the campaign on social media and sign up for updates through GillforNJ.com to receive information about upcoming town halls, policy announcements, and opportunities to meet Gill in person before the February 5 primary.
Use Your Voice: Why Your Vote Matters
The Essex County Democratic endorsement for Brendan Gill represents one milestone in this special election, but the ultimate decision rests with voters. With a crowded field of qualified candidates and a compressed timeline, every vote carries extra weight in determining who will represent the 11th Congressional District in Washington.
Essex County's high participation will be crucial not only in selecting a nominee but in ensuring the district maintains strong Democratic representation in Congress. The February 5 primary offers an opportunity for engaged, informed voters to shape the future of congressional leadership for communities across Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.
Whether you choose to vote by mail, take advantage of early voting, or cast your ballot on Election Day, the most important thing is that you participate. Democracy works best when citizens engage actively in the electoral process, researching candidates, asking questions, and making informed choices based on their own values and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the last day I can register to vote in the special primary?
A: The voter registration deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2026. You can register online at nj.gov/state/elections, in person at the Essex County Commissioner of Registration office, or by mail (must be received by January 15). Check your registration status at the NJ Voter Information Portal.
Q: When can I vote early in Essex County?
A: Early voting for the special primary runs from January 29 through February 3, 2026. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. You can vote at any early voting location in Essex County. Find locations at essexboardofelections.com or call (973) 621-5070.
Q: How do I request a vote-by-mail ballot?
A: Download the application at essexclerk.com or request one from your municipal clerk. The deadline to request by mail is January 29, 2026. You can also apply in person at the Essex County Clerk's Office (495 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd, Newark) until 3:00 PM on February 4, 2026. Contact the County Clerk at (973) 621-4921.
Q: When is the deadline to return my vote-by-mail ballot?
A: Your ballot must be received by the Essex County Board of Elections or placed in a secure ballot drop box by 8:00 PM on February 5, 2026. If mailing, your ballot must be postmarked by February 5 and received within 6 days. Track your ballot at nj.gov/state/elections.
Q: Where can I find my polling place for Election Day?
A: Use the NJ Polling Place Locator, download the Essex Votes mobile app, or call the Essex County Board of Elections at (973) 621-5070. Polls are open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on February 5, 2026.
Q: What if I requested a mail ballot but want to vote in person instead?
A: You can vote in person at your polling place on Election Day, but you must either: (1) bring your vote-by-mail ballot and surrender it to poll workers, or (2) vote by provisional ballot if you don't have your mail ballot. Provisional ballots are reviewed by the Board of Elections and counted if you're eligible.
Q: How can I learn more about Brendan Gill and other candidates?
A: Visit GillforNJ.com for comprehensive information about Brendan Gill's background, policy positions, and campaign events. Research other candidates through their campaign websites, attend candidate forums, and check local news coverage. The Essex County Democratic Committee may also provide information about all Democratic candidates.
Q: When is the general election if I can't vote in the Democratic primary?
A: The special general election is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026. The voter registration deadline for the general election is March 26, 2026, and early voting runs April 6-14, 2026.
Q: Can I change my party affiliation to vote in the Democratic primary?
A: The deadline to change party affiliation for the February 5 primary was December 12, 2025 (55 days before the election). If you're currently registered as an independent/unaffiliated voter, you can declare a party affiliation when voting. If you're registered with a different party, you cannot vote in the Democratic primary unless you changed your registration by the December 12 deadline.
Q: Where can I get help if I have questions about voting?
A: Contact the Essex County Board of Elections at (973) 621-5070, the Essex County Clerk at (973) 621-4921, or call the NJ Voter Hotline at 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837). You can also visit nj.gov/state/elections for comprehensive voter information.
Resources and Official Links
Essex County Election Officials:
Essex County Clerk - Christopher J. Durkin - (973) 621-4921
Essex County Board of Elections - (973) 621-5070
New Jersey State Resources:
NJ Voter Hotline: 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837)
Campaign and Candidate Information:
News Coverage of the Endorsement:
Special Election Analysis:
Ready to make your voice heard in the NJ-11 special election? Mark these critical dates on your calendar:
✅ January 15, 2026 - Voter registration deadline
✅ January 29, 2026 - Last day to request vote-by-mail ballot by mail
✅ January 29 - February 3, 2026 - Early voting period
✅ February 4, 2026 (3:00 PM) - Last day to request vote-by-mail ballot in person
✅ February 5, 2026 (6:00 AM - 8:00 PM) - SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
Visit essexclerk.com, call (973) 621-4921, or download the Essex Votes mobile app to ensure you're prepared to vote. Your participation shapes the future of congressional representation for Essex County and the entire 11th District.
We’ll see you at the polls.