Morris Democrats Remove Dover Committee After 2025 Election Review

Mariana Simioni
22 hours ago
3 min read

Members who backed Republican candidates were ousted; T.C. McCourt chosen to lead new committee.

T.C. McCourt has been chosen to lead the next iteration of the Dover Democratic Committee. (Photo courtesy, T.C. McCourt)

The Morris County Democratic Committee has voted overwhelmingly to remove all members of the Dover Democratic Committee from their party positions, concluding a months-long disciplinary process that centered on the conduct of Dover Democrats during the 2025 general election cycle.

Of 608 eligible MCDC members, 408 participated in the vote — held over a 48-hour period in March — with 96 percent supporting removal, well above the two-thirds threshold required under party bylaws. Each Dover member was considered individually. Notably, only eight of Dover’s 24 MCDC members participated in the vote, the lowest turnout of any municipality in the county at 33 percent.

The removals, which include Mayor James P. Dodd, apply only to party committee positions and carry no effect on any public offices the individuals may hold.

The action stems from allegations that Dover committee members actively worked against Democratic candidates during the 2025 elections. Members were cited for backing Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli over Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill, supporting Republican Christian Barranco over Democratic primary winners in Legislative District 25, and promoting write-in and Republican candidates over Democratic primary winners in Dover’s own ward races — including backing candidates over primary winners Daniella Mendez, Judith Rugg, and Christopher Almada.

Perhaps most pointed was the allegation involving Daniella Mendez, a Democratic primary winner in a Dover ward race. Committee members were found to have created and distributed materials targeting Mendez that the MCDC described as offensive, intimidating, and demeaning. In violation of the county party’s anti-harassment policy. Mendez, along with Rugg and Almada, won seats on the Town Council.

The MCDC Executive Board first raised concerns in December 2025, notifying Dover members of the specific allegations and offering each the opportunity to appear before the board, present testimony, submit documentation, and bring a representative. None chose to participate.

MCDC Chair Darcy Draeger said the vote reflected the party’s core principles. “This decision reflects our commitment to accountability, unity, and the integrity of the Democratic Party in Morris County,” she said. “Our bylaws exist to ensure that all members support Democratic candidates and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with our shared values.”

Dover Town Council Member Sandra Wittner praised the move. "This decisive vote is a mandate and a message: Those who seek to use the Democratic Party for their own personal gain while actively working to undermine its mission will be held accountable," she said. "It is a clear call to action for all who wish to contribute to rebuilding our local Party and strengthening our community. I look forward to continuing to work with the Democratic Party to elect Democrats who truly care about Dover."

Draeger approved these people to Dover's municipal Democratic committee:

Ward One, District One: Eli Harris & Council Member Sandra Wittner
Ward One, District Two: Yonatan Lazo & Lori Ricco
Ward One, District Three: T.C. McCourt & Council Member Daniella Mendez
Ward Two, District One: Jenni Cordero & Dr. Krista Seanor
Ward Two, District Two: Jackie Rial & Council Member Judy Rugg
Ward Two, District Three: Lorenna Garcia & Jamie Frisk
Ward Three, District One: Maria Chacon & The Hon. Carolyn Blackman
Ward Three, District Two: Karol Ruiz & Patricia Webster
Ward Three, District Three: Council Member Chris Almada & Alice Plastoris
Ward Four, District One: Fred Philips & Kim Philips
Ward Four, District Two: Megan Dowling & Elizabeth Tapia
Ward Four, District Three: Alexander Algarra & Terry McKenna

In addition, the new committee reorganized, electing T.C. McCourt as the new chair.

"I am honored to step into this role," McCourt said. "It won't be easy, but I hope to provide the leadership Dover's Democrats have long desired. We have a lot of bridges to repair and a lot of hard work to do. But I am here for that work, and so is the rest of the committee."

The new Executive Board appointees will serve until June 2027. They are: