Democracy Takes a Hit in New Jersey: A Call for Reflection and Reform
On Election Day, America faced a stark choice in its two-party system—a referendum on democracy that ultimately saw democracy falter. The implications of this defeat resonate deeply within the Democratic Party, particularly in traditionally blue states like New Jersey, where Vice President Kamala Harris barely secured a five-point victory. This narrow margin has sparked urgent calls for introspection among Democratic leaders, including Governor Phil Murphy, who recently urged party officials to “look in the mirror” following Harris’s disappointing performance.
However, the question remains: will anyone actually take that hard look? If the party fails to confront its shortcomings, New Jersey risks losing its status as a Democratic stronghold, a situation that could endanger countless lives as the specter of fascism looms ever closer.
Nationally, Harris’s struggles have been attributed to a significant shift in the Latino vote, with Latino men swinging a staggering 25 points toward Trump. As analysts dissect the aftermath of the Harris campaign, many will likely fall into the same traps as before—assuming the Latino vote is a monolith and overlooking the failures of local Democratic organizations to engage communities of color.
In New Jersey, the responsibility for this disconnect lies squarely with the Democratic Party. Harris’s vote share plummeted in the state’s most diverse counties, including Camden and Hudson. In Camden County, she underperformed compared to Joe Biden, while Hudson County saw a dramatic 26-point drop in support for Harris compared to the previous election. This decline is particularly alarming given Hudson County’s reputation as a hub of Democratic corruption, where the party’s entrenched power structure has stifled genuine democratic engagement.
The recent rise of Rep. Andy Kim, who successfully challenged the corrupt political machine in Hudson County, highlights the potential for change. Kim’s victory came despite minimal support from the establishment, demonstrating that voters are hungry for a system that prioritizes their needs over the whims of corrupt party leaders. His success underscores a critical truth: if Democrats want to regain the trust of voters, they must dismantle the very structures that have disenfranchised them.
The apathy among Democratic voters in these counties stems from a long history of disenfranchisement. When elections feel predetermined, why bother to participate? This disillusionment has created fertile ground for Trump’s appeal, as his rhetoric offers a stark alternative to the status quo. Voter disenfranchisement breeds apathy, which in turn fosters resentment—a dangerous cycle that can lead to the rise of authoritarianism.
To rebuild their base, New Jersey Democrats must commit to genuine engagement with their constituents. This means moving beyond the outdated practices of boss politics and instead fostering a system that values every vote. The Assembly Select Committee on Ballot Design must resist the temptation to reestablish the power of county Democratic chairs and instead prioritize transparency and accountability.
The time for complacency is over. The Democratic Party must hold itself accountable for its losses and take decisive action to reform its practices. This includes demanding resignations from those in leadership positions who have failed to deliver results.
For the sake of democracy—and the fight against the rising tide of fascism—New Jersey Democrats can no longer take their voters for granted. They must actively work to create a political environment that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all constituents. Only then can they hope to restore faith in the democratic process and ensure a brighter future for the state and the nation.
David Guirgis, a speechwriter and progressive political strategist, emphasizes that the path forward requires a commitment to real change. As a lifelong resident of Jersey City, he understands the stakes involved and the urgent need for a renewed focus on democracy in New Jersey.
As we reflect on the recent election results, let us hope that the Democratic Party heeds this call for reform and recommits to the principles of democracy that are essential for a healthy political landscape.
