As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, a pair of Greater Morristown politicians are making their own declarations.
Two-term Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, spurned by the Democratic organization that had supported him since his first council term in 2007, announced Monday he will seek re-election as an Independent.
A few miles away, Morris Township Committeeman Bud Ravitz took his new Independent status a step farther, launching his own “USA2.0” party.
“We need a grassroots party to reimagine and rebuild our government and institutions—and to be in it for the long haul,” Ravitz said in a statement. “This is about creating a better version of America—one that may take generations to build, but one where the failures we see today cannot repeat themselves. The time to start is now.”
Both incumbents failed to receive endorsements from their respective party faithful, who cited a desire for fresh voices.
Their statements came on the day when Democratic and Republican candidates across the state were required to submit petitions to qualify for the June 2, 2026, primaries. As Independents, Karr and Ravitz can skip the Democratic primary and focus on the November general election.
“This isn’t about political ambition or political power. This is about doing the right thing, and I believe that taking politics out of local government couldn’t be more right than it is at this time,” Karr said in a brief video.
Video: Karr announces Independent bid for third term as Morris Plains mayor:
Karr will square off against Councilwoman Nancy Verga, endorsed for mayor this month by the borough Democratic organization. No Republican filed for the mayoral race.
Verga could not be reached for comment Monday. Borough Democratic Chair Tina Genest acknowledged Karr’s service, but added “it’s time for a change. We’ve heard that from both sides of the aisle.”
Democrats flipped the Morris Plains council last year, ending generations of GOP dominance, and they stand to improve upon their 4-2 majority.
Republican Sal Cortese has opted not to seek a fifth term, and nobody from his party came forward to run for his seat. That leaves incumbent Republican Art Bruhn to face Democratic challengers Lee Connor and Rosaria DeNova in the race for two seats.
Among the hurdles facing Karr will be overcoming his 2024 vote for a controversial McDonald’s drive-through on Speedwell Avenue. He says it was legally correct. While expressing appreciation for the Democratic committee’s past support, Karr said an Independent label places him where he functions best: In the aisle.
“I work with everybody on both sides, and I will…make my own decisions and not be told what to do by either side,” he said. “And I think that that’s going to work best moving forward.”
‘WITHOUT ANIMOSITY’
In Morris Township, Ravitz was not the only incumbent to get the cold shoulder from the local Democratic organization. Committeeman Siva Jonnada was not endorsed, either. But rather than join Ravitz’ renegade party, he chose to remain a Democrat and battle in the June primary for the right to seek a second term this fall.
“Some might believe that there is much strife within the local party,” Jonnada said in a statement. “However, this is not a civil war but a civil dispute with the emphasis on civility.”
Jonnada will be up against the party’s favored newcomers, Jeremy Godwin and Dr. Stephanie Lyon, in a three-way contest for two nominations.
George Talarico, who ran last year, and Joscelin Grizzetti, are the Republican contenders
Additionally, Democrat Samantha Rothman, named this month to an unexpired term on the Township committee, will face a challenge from Republican John Biehl in November.
Jonnada called his party’s endorsement decision “disappointing,” but said he was proceeding “without animosity” to let voters decide for themselves. He hopes his experience and environmental advocacy prove persuasive.
Ravitz cited the Township PrideFest, cannabis legislation and several proclamations among his committee accomplishments, along with a commitment to promoting unit and reducing political divisiveness over his two terms.
“We have far more in common than what divides us,” he said. “I believe I’ve helped bring people together and reduced the toxicity that too often defines politics today.”
Whether voters hold a grudge against Ravitz and Jonnada for the committee’s unanimous approval this month of large-scale affordable housing plans remains to be seen. Democrats hold all five seats on the Township committee — or at least, they did before Ravitz’s defection. As in Morris Plains, this is a reversal of GOP control that stretched back as far as anyone can remember.
Monday’s candidate filings firmed up one other race of special interest in Greater Morristown. Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, a Republican from Chatham, will face a challenge from Democrat Chris Russo, the Morristown council vice president.
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I know many Republicans and Democrats who have submitted their request to the County Clerk’s office to register themselves going forward as INDEPENDENT on record.
The goal is to disassociate from the extremes of both parties and the radicalism they both have fostered. From Pro Ice Pro Criminal lunacy on the Left and War mongering on the Right.
We want a NJ Suburb that is clean, low crime, pro-business, pro citizen, pro education. Not Pro handouts, pro affordable garbage housing and destruction to neighborhoods and suburbs.
We want the normalcy of the prior years back. Whatever this garbage is now isn’t working. This is not progress, what we have is a housing market that has exceeded double in 6 years, stagnant wages, illegals buying homes, starting businesses, saturating schools at a pace that your tax dollar cannot offset. We do not have the structure to support an invasion of millions of people in a 5 year period and everyone else is paying for it.
Aside from the skyrocketing expenses of health insurance, car insurance, taxes , housing and food- WAGES ARE STAGNANT.