Party Outsiders Score Upset In Collingswood Democratic Primary

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — Despite scoring a majority of the victories across Camden County, there was one town that produced some surprising results during Tuesday night’s Democratic primary elections.

In Collingswood, 16 Democrats of Camden County defeated the Camden County Democratic Party with more than 51 percent of the vote. The challengers collected 904 total votes, edging the incumbents who had 838 votes, according to the county website. Results remain unofficial until certified.

“This victory underscores the appetite for change in Camden County,” newly elected committeeman Chris Emrich said. “Residents are hungry for control over their democracy. People are clamoring to be heard, and are sick and tired of machine control. We are poised and ready to represent our neighbors and friends in the committee and look forward to creating a progressive vision in our town and our county.”

The party credits their win with a “fresh, clever social media campaign” and a “well-organized ground campaign.” They also said people took to their pro-good government message, which they said is in contrast to recent news of possible corruption and subpoenas issued to businesses affiliated with South Jersey power broker George Norcross.

“This win shows what happens when candidates, already part of a thriving grassroots organization, take time to explain the issues to voters,” said Danie Moss-Velasco, who ran as a candidate for both County Committee and State Assembly. “The more people learn about why democracy is broken in NJ, the more they want to fight for change. Our conversations with our neighbors were inspired. To quote AOC, ‘we met the machine with a movement.’”

While the party made in-roads in Collingswood, it lost in the majority of the county. It failed to pick up municipal seats in Gloucester Township and Cherry Hill, as well as the county level seats it challenged for. The team that won in Collingswood is already making plans to change things in the boro, though.

“We plan on holding regular meetings, listening to our constituents, and passing progressive solutions,” said Kate Delany, lead organizer of the Collingswood Progressive Democrats. “These basic things should not be revolutionary. We are building towards real, lasting change, based on issues and progressive ideals. Change happens one victory at a time, and tonight represents a true turning point in Camden County.”