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Former Montclair Mayor Exits Essex County Race
Robert J. Russo withdraws from the race for Essex County Commissioner-at-Large after disappointing convention finish.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:50am
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In a late-stage shakeup, former Montclair Mayor Robert J. Russo is preparing to withdraw from the race for Essex County Commissioner-at-Large, signaling the end of his decades-long pursuit of county office. Russo cited his wife's health and a desire to maintain a voice for Montclair on the powerful county board as reasons for his exit, which further narrows the field in the high-stakes Democratic primary.
Why it matters
Russo's withdrawal deepens concerns about Montclair losing its representation on the Essex County Board of Commissioners, as three of the four current at-large commissioners are not seeking re-election. This raises questions about the future political power and influence of Montclair at the county level.
The details
Russo wrote to the Essex County Clerk, stating that he is withdrawing his candidacy but wants 'For Montclair & all of Essex' to appear on the ballot to show his connection to the community. His anticipated exit comes after a disappointing finish at the Essex County Democratic convention, where he placed ninth out of eleven candidates competing for four at-large seats.
- Russo filed nominating petitions just days before announcing his withdrawal.
- Russo's withdrawal comes on the heels of last weekend's Essex County Democratic convention.
The players
Robert J. Russo
Former mayor of Montclair who was running for Essex County Commissioner-at-Large.
Christopher J. Durkin
Essex County Clerk.
Brendan Gill
Five-term incumbent Essex County Commissioner who is retiring.
Renee Baskerville
Mayor of Montclair who briefly entered the Essex County Commissioner race before withdrawing.
Patricia Sebold
Current Essex County Commissioner who is not seeking re-election.
Romaine Sermons
Current Essex County Commissioner who is not seeking re-election.
What they’re saying
“Chris, my wife is sending in a 6 word Designation on the petition cover page. A withdrawal letter from the ballot for Essex County Commissioner will follow by tomorrow… but we want 'For Montclair & all of Essex' to appear as officially requested to show what we stand for… a voice for Montclair missing representation & my connection to Newark & all of Essex!”
— Robert J. Russo, Former Montclair Mayor
“I came to the conclusion that I don't think the time is right. We have not had a full-time Montclair township attorney, or a consistent chief financial officer, and we are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. With this new to Montclair manager and a relatively inexperienced council, we have accomplished a lot, but the foundation has not yet been laid to the level that I would feel comfortable to leave at this time.”
— Renee Baskerville, Mayor of Montclair
What’s next
Russo is expected to formally withdraw his candidacy by submitting a withdrawal letter to the Essex County Clerk by the next day.
The takeaway
Russo's withdrawal from the Essex County Commissioner race further highlights the concerns about Montclair losing its political representation and voice at the county level, as three of the four current at-large commissioners are not seeking re-election. This raises questions about the future influence of Montclair in Essex County governance.
