Low Voter Turnout Raises Concerns About Democratic Leadership in Harrison's Primary Election

Despite winning the Town of Harrison in the June 2025 Primary Election, Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari and gubernatorial hopeful Steven Fulop received little support in terms of voter mobilization from the local Democratic leadership. The Harrison Regular Democratic Organization (HRDO), under the leadership of Chairman and Councilman James Doran and Mayor James Fife, failed to generate voter enthusiasm, leading to a dismal 12.85% turnout among registered voters in this heavily Democratic municipality.

While Fulop topped the Democratic gubernatorial field in Harrison with 326 votes, that figure only represents 3.49% of Harrison's 9,345 registered voters, an indicator of just how ineffective the local party's get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts were. Sheriff Schillari also won Harrison with 603 votes in the Hudson County Sheriff’s race, but he ultimately lost the countywide contest to Bayonne Mayor James Davis.

Observers point out that this low turnout is consistent with the HRDO’s pattern of activity, ramping up operations only during contested local races. In this cycle, the only local election on the ballot was for the 4th Ward Council seat, where former Councilman Michael Dolaghan, who had stepped down and later changed his mind, ran unopposed. Despite the absence of a challenger, Dolaghan received 199 votes, but write-in votes were submitted in both the Democratic and Republican primaries. If one of those Republican write-ins accepts the nomination and files the required paperwork, Dolaghan may face a contested general election in November.

Voter Turnout by the Numbers

The highest voter turnout in Harrison was recorded in Ward 3, District 1, where 16.31% of registered voters cast ballots. The lowest turnout came from Ward 2, District 2, with only 9.57% participation. Ward 2, District 1, which has the town’s highest concentration of voters with 1,387 registered Democrats, saw 168 voters cast ballots—a 12.11% turnout, just below the town-wide average.

Even in such a heavily Democratic town, the lack of energy around Fulop’s campaign was evident. Very little signage or promotional materials tied to Fulop or Schillari were visible in the town, indicating minimal local effort from HRDO. Some critics have suggested that Fulop might have performed better had his campaign activated its own GOTV team within Harrison rather than relying on local party officials.

Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Results (Harrison)

• Steven Fulop: 326 votes
• Ras Baraka: 297 votes
• Mikie Sherrill: 215 votes
• John Gottenheimer: 74 votes
• Sean Spiller: 67 votes
• Steve Sweeney: 15 votes

Despite trailing in Harrison, Sherrill won the statewide Democratic Primary and will face Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli in the November General Election.

Republican Gubernatorial Primary Results (Harrison)

• Jack Ciattarelli: 128 votes
• Mario Kranjac: 21 votes
• Bill Spadea: 15 votes
• Justin Barbera: 12 votes
• Jon Bramnick: 4 votes

While Republicans remain a small minority in Harrison, their turnout has remained consistent. Notably, in the 2024 General Election, Donald Trump carried Harrison’s 4th Ward over Kamala Harris, despite the town’s long-standing Democratic leanings.

Hudson County Sheriff Democratic Primary Results (Harrison)

• Frank X. Schillari: 603 votes
• James M. Davis: 311 votes

While Schillari carried Harrison, Davis won countywide and will advance to the November General Election to face Republican nominee Elvis Alvare, who ran unopposed and received 131 votes.

General Assembly Primary Results (Harrison)
Democratic Side (Vote for Two):

• Eliana Pintor Marin: 702 votes
• Shanique Speight: 572 votes

Republican Side (Vote for Two):

• Noble Milton: 104 votes
• Daniela Ferreira Almeida: 94 votes

Local Election: 4th Ward Council Race
Michael Dolaghan, running unopposed to return to the seat he vacated, received 199 votes out of 2,140 registered voters in the 4th Ward.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Mayor James Fife, who initially assumed office in 2014 following the passing of longtime Mayor Raymond J. McDonough, has already announced his intention to seek re-election in 2026. What was supposed to be a temporary appointment has turned into an 11-year incumbency, during which Fife has also retained his chairmanship of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency. That election will include races for mayor and four council seats, likely prompting a full-scale HRDO mobilization effort, unlike the minimal effort seen in this year’s primary.

Until then, Harrison voters—particularly Democrats—are left to reflect on the widening gap between the town’s voter registration rolls and actual participation at the polls. Our Democracy only functions if you participate.

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