Dyese Davis, a 31-year-old rising star in the state's Democratic politics, was elected tonight as chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Party, replacing David G. Brown II, who did not seek re-election after nearly eight years at the helm of the county party organization.

Deana Gunn, chairwoman of the Matawan Democratic Township Council and political organizer for the New Jersey State Laborers PAC, was elected vice chair.

Davis is chief of staff to State Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) and Representatives Margie Donlon (D-Ocean) and Luanne Peterpaul (D-Long Branch) and vice chair of the Neptune Planning Board. Governor Phil Murphy appointed her to the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees.

“I am committed to leading Monmouth County Democrats into a new chapter – and to a bright future of success and prosperity for our movement,” she said. “I and my Vice Chair, Deana Gunn, will lead with the primary goal of activating the county's Democratic base and laying a foundation for expansion, revitalization and change.”

Davis is the first black woman to serve as county chair since Verlina Reynolds Jackson (D-Trenton) resigned as Democratic chairwoman in Mercer after winning a special convention for the state Assembly in 2018.

Brown was elected district chairman in early 2017 when Gopal left the post to focus on his attempt to unseat State Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Red Bank) in the 11th Congressional District.