The contest to replace Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District is rapidly taking shape, with candidates racing to meet the looming December 1 filing deadline for nominating petitions. Among the contenders is Donald Cresitello, the former mayor of Morristown, who has already stirred the political waters by filing a lawsuit seeking an extension of the deadline. Cresitello argues that the current timetable gives an unfair advantage to Brendan Gill, the Essex County Commissioner, who secured Governor Phil Murphy’s endorsement prior to the announcement of the election schedule. For coverage on the broader political landscape in the Garden State, Explore New Jersey’s politics section provides in-depth insights and updates.
The lawsuit, filed in state Superior Court in Morristown, highlights several issues Cresitello says make the December 1 cutoff especially challenging. The deadline falls immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a period that Cresitello contends is impractical for gathering the 500 signatures required to qualify for the ballot. He asserts that the compressed timeline disproportionately favors Gill, who was already positioned to launch his campaign and secure endorsements before the election dates were publicly announced. The primary for CD-11 is scheduled for February 5, with the general election set for April 16, leaving candidates little room to maneuver.
Cresitello’s candidacy itself has garnered attention, in part due to his colorful and multifaceted political career. A longtime figure in Morris County politics, he served two separate stints as mayor of Morristown as a Democrat but also briefly ran for office as a Republican, including an unsuccessful bid for Morris County freeholder and a 2008 challenge to Senator Frank Lautenberg in the Democratic primary. More recently, Cresitello attempted another mayoral run but was barred from the ballot due to a residency dispute—a restriction that does not apply to congressional races, giving him a clear path to enter the contest.
With a background in both government and construction, Cresitello emphasizes his experience in public service and community development, particularly in building low-income housing, as a distinguishing factor in a crowded field. He maintains that his hands-on work and years of political leadership make him one of the most qualified candidates in the race. In a recent interview, he noted that voter awareness is still limited in some areas, including Montclair, where many residents he spoke with were unfamiliar with Gill despite the Commissioner’s party backing.
Other prominent figures competing for the CD-11 seat include Gill, former Representative Thomas Malinowski from CD-7, and two Morris County officials: Councilman Juston Strickland of Chatham and Deputy Mayor Jeff Grayzel of Morris Township. While Gill is often viewed as the frontrunner due to his home base in Essex County—a Democratic stronghold—and his network of party endorsements, Cresitello’s campaign is banking on grassroots outreach and a message focused on experience, local leadership, and constituent engagement.
As the filing deadline approaches, Cresitello’s legal challenge adds another layer of uncertainty to an already high-stakes race. Whether the court grants the extension or the original timeline stands, candidates in CD-11 are under pressure to mobilize quickly, collect signatures, and solidify voter support. With so many well-known figures entering the fray, the contest promises to be closely watched both locally and nationally, reflecting the broader dynamics of New Jersey’s evolving political landscape.
