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.

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.”
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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.
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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.
- See related article: Progressive Groups Back Clarke, Fortgang In NJ-26
Recently, Pennacchio, Webber and DeCroce announced their re-election bids for the New Jersey Legislature in the 26th District.
- See related article: 3 Republicans In Essex County Announce Re-Election Campaigns
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.
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