Our 2026 Candidates
2026 Democratic Candidates
US Senator for New Jersey
Cory Booker
US House of Representatives - NJ 6
Frank Pallone
Monmouth County Commissioners
Chelsey Tanner and Sofia J. Ugarte
What is the Board of Commissioners?
The Board is empowered with a broad scope of authority, some of which is designated to them by the State of New Jersey. Its diverse and important responsibilities include both legislative and executive functions including the oversight and regulation of county property and finances. This includes the upkeep of 380 miles of county roads and nearly 1,000 bridges, maintenance of more than 15,000 acres of county park lands, providing the largest circulating library system in the state, and maintaining a AAA bond rating.
Generally, the Commissioner Board's duties include:
Preparing and adopting the County budget.
Authorizing expenditures and bonds.
Appointing county officials and members to boards, commissions and authorities.
Supervising the administration of county government.
The actual day-to-day operation of county departments is supervised by the county administrator.
About Frank Pallone
As a tenant lawyer, city councilman, mayor, and now U.S. senator, Cory has spent his life bringing people together to take on the problems we face. And what he’s learned is that the support of a loving community can overcome even the most insurmountable challenges. His vision for our country is one in which we are measured by our ability to love and to come together to create a more fair and just nation for every New Jerseyan.
Who is Chelsey Tanner?
Dr. Chelsey Tanner is a Neptune native, public servant, fiscal strategist, and mother of five dedicated to advancing accountability and affordability across Monmouth County. After returning home in 2016 following a family tragedy, what began as a personal reset became a public calling to serve and lead in the community that raised her.
With more than 15 years of executive leadership experience, Dr. Tanner has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, managed over $20 million annually in funding, and advised on asset portfolios exceeding $100 million. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Mercer County Reentry Coalition and holds senior financial leadership roles supporting public safety and community initiatives across New Jersey.
Her work spans cities including Trenton, Newark, and Jersey City, where she has led housing strategy, workforce development, and compliance efforts. As Founder of a Certified Community Housing Development Organization, she promotes redevelopment that prioritizes stability and long-term economic growth.
Dr. Tanner holds a Doctor of Education from Saint Peter’s University. Above all, she loves God and fears God, and her leadership is rooted in faith, servant leadership, transparency, and fiscal integrity as she works to strengthen communities for future generations.
Who is Sofia J. Ugarte?
Sofia J. Ugarte is a working mother and community advocate who has called Monmouth County home since 2021 and is running for Monmouth County Commissioner. With professional experience in energy efficiency and program coordination, Sofia has helped residents and businesses lower costs and navigate complex systems.
Bilingual in English and Portuguese and active in her local Democratic community, Sofia is committed to responsible spending, accessible county services, and ethical leadership that puts residents first, not special interests.
Monmouth County Surrogate
Anthony L. Cherry
Who is Anthony L Cherry?
Anthony L. Cherry, Jr., Esq. is a Monmouth County criminal defense attorney and founder of Cherry Law Firm, where he represents individuals and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. With over six years of courtroom experience, Anthony has built his practice on clear communication, accessibility, and relentless advocacy for his clients.
He earned his Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grambling State University. Anthony began his legal career as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, where he advocated for indigent clients and developed strong skills in trial advocacy, negotiation, and motion practice. His experience shaped his commitment to fairness and justice.
Through his work, Anthony has seen how legal challenges affect entire families. He has guided clients through complex situations, reinforcing his belief in the importance of clarity, preparation, and access to the legal system. This perspective drives his commitment to public service.
A proud Monmouth County resident, Anthony is active in community and faith-based organizations. He lives with his wife and children and remains dedicated to serving others with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
What is the Monmouth County Surrogate?
According to the Monmouth County Surrogate Web page:
The Surrogate’s Court is a department of county government, as well as a branch of the Superior Court of New Jersey in the Chancery Division. The Surrogate serves as Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part, and Chancery Division, Family Part for adoptions, as well as Judge of the Surrogate’s Court. The Surrogate is a constitutional officer who is elected to the position by county voters every five years.
The County Surrogate has the authority to qualify executors and trustees named in wills, to appoint administrators for those who die without wills, and to appoint guardians for minors and legally incapacitated persons. The Surrogate’s office is also responsible for overseeing the procedure in contested estate matters, in the declaration of incapacitation, in appointment of guardians, and in the granting of adoptions in the Superior Court of New Jersey.
The Surrogate is the custodian of the records of such estates, wills, guardianships, and adoptions. Permanent records of all wills and other estate administration papers dating back to the late 1700’s are filed in the Surrogate’s Court on microfilm or microfiche, providing an important source of information for title searchers, genealogists, and local historians. The Surrogate places adoption records under seal and maintains these records.
The Surrogate’s Court is also custodian of funds awarded to minors through settlements, inheritances, or as beneficiaries of life insurance proceeds. Nearly 500 such accounts totaling more than $20 million is held in the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund.
About Cory Booker
As a tenant lawyer, city councilman, mayor, and now U.S. senator, Cory has spent his life bringing people together to take on the problems we face. And what he’s learned is that the support of a loving community can overcome even the most insurmountable challenges. His vision for our country is one in which we are measured by our ability to love and to come together to create a more fair and just nation for every New Jerseyan.