TOMS RIVER, NJ – Toms River Democrat Zach Dougherty has announced Ben Dziobek, a climate activist and champion of New Jersey’s affordable housing initiatives will serve as his political campaign manager.
Dougherty, a former staffer of U.S. Senator Cory Booker, is running for council in Toms River against Republican candidate William Byrnes.
Dziobek’s experience includes being the executive director of Climate Revolution, a New Jersey-based organization that specializes in “Coordinating and mobilizing youth voices in New Jersey to ferociously fight the climate crisis with federal, state, county, and local actions. Responsible for advancing youth climate advocacy in New Jersey.”
Last year, Dziobek worked for Governor Phil Murphy, serving as his personal assistant after interning in the office. He also works for New Jersey Future, a left-wing organization that advocates for New Jersey communities to continue building more high-density affordable housing.
Dougherty, a progressive Democrat, is hoping to inspire a blue wave this November and turn the table on the Republican party, running on the line with former President Donald J. Trump.
Democrat operatives have been going door to door in Toms River, rallying residents in the predominantly Republican town to vote against the Republican party at the local level.
Dougherty has found some Republican support as the “Mo Hill Team” has publicly endorsed Dougherty in hopes that he will fight against Mayor Dan Rodrick’s plan to stop high density overdevelopment and affordable housing projects in Toms River, an agenda being forced upon the township by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the progressive housing agenda.
Dougherty, a D.C. college student, does not own a home in Toms River and lives at home with his parents.