Morris Township Committee candidate Stephanie Lyon believes in speaking her mind.
Will that cost her at the polls on Tuesday?
Someone found TikTok comments by Lyon describing herself as “an unapologetic, outspoken liberal and anti-capitalist” and asking viewers: “If you are afraid of the rising tide of democratic socialism in American politics, explain yourself.”
Laura Ali, chair of the Morris County Republican Committee, issued an October statement asking Lyon and her Democratic running mates, incumbent Samantha Rothman and Jeremy Godwin, to do the explaining.
“Morris Township residents deserve to know whether the socialist politics Stephanie Lyon has embraced would shape decisions about their taxes, local businesses and the future of their community. Voters have every right to ask candidates what they believe and how those beliefs would affect the way they govern,” Ali said.
Lyon, a 42-year-old clinical psychologist and professor, says the TikToks are real clips from the past year, including one from the previous October. She calls the attack campaign — which includes an anonymous website warning that socialists are headed for the Township — a frustrating distraction and a fear tactic, arguing that federal economic views are not central to a municipal election. She also stands by her opinions.
She says she is not a socialist but aligns with progressive ideals and does not consider “woke” a slur.
“The parts of democratic socialism that resonate with me are the parts that are critical of the immense wealth disparity that we have in this country, in which an elite few become richer and richer by exploiting working people who struggle to make ends meet,” Lyon told Morristown Green.
“Most people in this country are not wealthy, elite, white, cisgender, straight men. Like, that’s not who I am the most concerned about,” said Lyon, who identifies on one of the TikToks as a queer, neurodivergent parent, musician and writer who is anti-fascist, anti-capitalist, anti-racist and anti-patriarchy.
Rothman and Godwin stood by their running mate.
“Stephanie has spent many years advocating publicly for issues that are close to her heart. I respect her willingness to speak openly about her convictions,” said Rothman, appointed earlier this year to a vacancy and running to complete the unexpired term on the governing body.
“I’m proud to run with Stephanie,” said Godwin, seeking a full three-year term alongside Lyon.
“She’s upfront about what she believes, and I support diversity of thought because it makes us a better community and a better society. I’m running on the Township’s budget and services. What brought us together is a shared belief that everyone deserves a fair shot, and a plan for a Township government that is more open, more responsive and easier to work with for residents and business owners.”
ANONYMOUS ATTACK
Rothman and Godwin both said they were concerned about an anonymous website reposting Lyon’s TikToks to attack her. It declares: “Socialists are on the march, and they are headed to Morris Township.”
“Government transparency and open communication are central themes of our campaign. Anyone attempting to influence an election should be willing to identify themselves,” Rothman said.
Ali did not respond to requests for comment about that. “I am not familiar with that website,” said county GOP Executive Director Brendan Czuczuk, declining further comment.
Republican candidates John Biehl and George Talarico said they had no knowledge of the site; their running mate Joscelin Grizzetti denied Democrats’ suspicions that she might have played a role in its creation. She added:
“Regarding Stephanie Lyon’s public statements, they are relevant given the Township Committee’s authority over taxes, budgets, zoning, redevelopment, and affordable housing. A candidate’s views on business, private property, and taxation matter, particularly to our small businesses,” Grizzetti said.
Democratic socialism has become a flashpoint in key races nationally, including Senate contests in Michigan and Florida, in the wake of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election. Republican challenger Joe Hathaway has tried to pin a socialist label on Rep. Analilia Mejia, who represents Greater Morristown in the 11th Congressional District and supports single-payer healthcare and a $25 hourly wage among other progressive planks.
Morris Township Republicans are hoping to break Democrats’ lock on the local governing body, a GOP bastion until a few years ago.
Morris Township Democratic Chair George Quillan said his party’s nominating committee was aware of Lyon’s progressive views during the screening process and was not concerned. He doubts personal attacks against her will sway voters. “People know Stephanie is an upstanding person who has the interests of the Township at heart,” he said.
Two-term Democratic Committeeman Bud Ravitz bowed out when the party declined to endorse him — at least in part because of his frequent statements on national politics.
Ravitz acknowledged the irony of the situation now with Lyon.
“In a normal world, all politics is local,” Ravitz said. “Nothing is normal anymore. That’s why I got involved in politics. Now, national politics affects local politics more than ever before. I don’t think enough people realize it and act like we can ignore the national politics.”
He promised more to say when his term winds down in December.
Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
MORRIS TOWNSHIP CANDIDATES DEBATE
MORRIS TOWNSHIP CANDIDATES Q & A
Morristown has a long history of people stepping forward in pivotal moments.
When you chip in to Morristown Green, you’re helping your neighbors stay informed, strengthening our civic backbone, and carrying on the spirit that’s defined this town since its earliest days.
Rally for local news.
