Politics & Government

Christine Clarke Running As Democrat Against Pennacchio In NJ-26

An environmental advocate with a passion for renewable energy has thrown her hat into the ring against a Republican state senator.

Christine Clarke is running as a Democrat against Republican Sen. Joseph Pennacchio in New Jersey's 26th District.
Christine Clarke is running as a Democrat against Republican Sen. Joseph Pennacchio in New Jersey's 26th District. (Photo: Derek Boen)

NEW JERSEY — A New Jersey environmental advocate with a passion for renewable energy has officially thrown her hat into the ring against veteran Republican state senator, Joe Pennacchio.

On Wednesday, Christine Clarke announced that she’s running as a Democrat against Pennacchio in the state’s 26th District.

Clarke describes herself as “an environmental advocate, a grassroots organizer and a mother-of-four running to advance clean energy jobs, protect clean air and water, improve health care and legislate with empathy and fiscal responsibility.”

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Clarke says she’s campaigning for “job growth, new revenue and exponential economic gains of the booming renewable energy market to thrive here and benefit New Jersey.”

Learn more about her platform here.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Clarke ran for state assembly in 2019 alongside Democratic peer, Laura Fortgang, against incumbents Jay Webber and BettyLou DeCroce, both Republicans, who eventually triumphed and held onto their seats.

Recently, Pennacchio, Webber and DeCroce announced their re-election bids for the New Jersey Legislature in the 26th District.

The 26th District includes the following municipalities in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties: Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell and West Milford.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Caldwells Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Caldwells