Mahwah School Board Member Named NJ Assemblyman's Chief Of Staff

MAHWAH, NJ — Newly sworn-in Mahwah Board of Education member Christopher Hughes will add "chief of staff" for a local District office to his résumé.

Hughes will serve as chief of staff for District 40 Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-Bergen), according to a news release from the legislator's office.

“Chris has a proven track record of fighting for what is in the best interest of our community as one of the youngest members of a school board in the state. I am proud to bring him on as my chief of staff," DePhillips said. "Together, we will continue to step up to the plate to bring residents the dedicated public service they deserve."

A lifelong resident of Mahwah, Hughes was elected to the Mahwah school board in November 2022 at 24 years old, polling 25.2% of the vote to defeat incumbent Brett Coplin. Hughes was the second-highest vote getter in a four-candidate race for three open seats, and was sworn in at the Jan. 4 reorganization meeting.

The political newcomer is active in the Mahwah and Bergen County Republican organizations, and was a member of College Republicans at Ramapo, where he graduated in 2022 with a political science degree.

He also volunteered on Republican Frank Pallotta's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

“Working alongside Assemblyman DePhillips is a great honor and privilege,” Hughes said. “His legislative, professional and public experience has bettered the lives of New Jerseyans and I look forward to helping him accomplish his goals in the Statehouse as well as the district office.”

DePhillips is seeking re-election to the 40th District on a ticket with state Sen. Kristin Corrado and Essex County Republican Chairman Al Barlas, who is set to replace retiring Assemblyman Kevin Rooney.