DiVincenzo Is Running For Another Term At Helm Of Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ – There will be a familiar name on the ballot for the next Essex County executive election: Joseph DiVincenzo Jr.

On Friday, DiVincenzo announced that he is seeking re-election to his seventh term at the helm of Essex County in 2026. He will be running as a Democrat in the June 2 primary election.

“Over the last 23 years, we have improved the landscape of Essex County, literally and figuratively,” DiVincenzo said.

“I put a lot of work into representing our 850,000 residents and I still bring the same amount of enthusiasm and passion as when I was first elected,” he said.

According to DiVincenzo, the county is facing some stiff challenges, such as rising health care and pension costs and inflation.

“With the framework we have put in place over the years, I know that I am the best person to lead Essex in overcoming these hurdles,” he said.

DiVincenzo’s campaign team pointed to the following accomplishments that took place during his recent terms:

FINANCE – “[DiVincenzo] raised the bond ratings from junk level to their highest level in Essex County’s history, eliminated unnecessary contracts, cut expenses, reduced the size of the county’s workforce and increased revenue.”

DEVELOPMENT – “[DiVincenzo] guided the restoration of the Historic Courthouse, and completely overhauled the Government Complex, including building the Wynona Lipman Family Courthouse, Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building, Veterans Memorial Park, two parking garages and landscaped plazas and statues of people important in Essex County history. Totally new jury quarters plus the LeRoy Smith Public Safety Building, converted from an old jail into a revenue-producing office building, complete the government complex.”

PANDEMIC – “During the COVID-19 pandemic, DiVincenzo spearheaded a comprehensive program to provide easily accessible vaccination and testing opportunities, and assistance to residents affected by the pandemic. Mass vaccination and testing sites were set up in central locations within the county and mobile clinics were scheduled in schools, community centers, houses of worship and retail centers. In addition, the County Executive has offered two programs that helped small businesses pay for expenses, payroll and leases, a rental and utility assistance program for individuals and families, and a mortgage assistance program for homeowners.”

PARKS – “The Essex County Parks System has been improved for the public’s benefit. Rubberized playground surfaces, upgraded basketball and tennis courts, and synthetic grass surfaces and rubberized running tracks were installed. A current initiative includes the construction of modern community center buildings to provide park visitors with up-to-date accommodations that meet the growing usage of the parks. Six new parks were added to the historic Parks System, and more than 5,300 new cherry blossom trees were planted to replenish the glorious orchards in Essex County Branch Brook Park. He also developed the Essex County South Mountain Recreational Complex by building the Treetop Adventure Course, McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurant, miniGOLF Safari, Park-N-Ride, Regatta Playground, Clipper Pavilion and paddle boats on the Reservoir, modernizing the Codey Ice Arena and vastly improving Turtle Back Zoo.”

DiVincenzo first took office in 2002. His current term ends on Jan. 1, 2027.

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