Morristown Dems vote to oust chairman over anti-abortion views

On Dec 18, 2021

The Morristown Democratic committee voted online Friday night to strip A.J. Oliver of his chairmanship, Morristown Green has learned.

Oliver’s anti-abortion views and his opposition to the state Reproductive Freedom Act have brought condemnation from the Morris County Democratic organization, and from progressive groups such as NJ 11th for Change and the Morris County Democratic Women’s Caucus.

By a wide margin, the committee–believed to number between 15 and 20 members at the virtual meeting–voted No Confidence in Oliver and no longer recognize him as chair, according to sources familiar with the proceeding.

It’s anticipated the committee will request Oliver’s formal resignation.

Morris County Democratic Chairman A.J. Oliver, left, with Mayor Tim Dougherty, right, on Election Night 2021. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Morristown Green has reached out to Oliver, Vice Chair Kim Hurdman and Mayor Tim Dougherty for comment and will update this story accordingly.

Oliver, an Episcopal priest and Army veteran, has resisted prior calls to step down, asserting the Democratic party has room for divergent opinions and emphasizing his efforts to help local Democrats win re-election during his two years leading the committee.

Maria Dryer Slabaugh sees it differently.

From left, Joe Kane of the Morristown Planning Board, Rotarian Scott Marum, town Democratic Chairman A.J. Oliver, and Councilwoman Sandi Mayer at the Morristown Festival on the Green, Oct. 3, 2021. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“As bad as his personal views are for women…. it’s his activism around those anti-women views that are the issue,” the Madison resident posted on Morristown Green’s Facebook page.

“Have your private beliefs….but when you actively work against a woman’s autonomy over her own body, you don’t belong in the Democratic party leadership. Especially when you actively hid that activism,” Slabaugh said.

Oliver’s views surfaced this fall during his unsuccessful bid for Morris County Commissioner. NJ 11th for Change withdrew its endorsement after coming across a video from last December in which Oliver addressed Democrats for Life of America, an anti-abortion group that endorsed him.

Alan Bowen and Aaron Oliver at St. Peter’s 9/11 service, 2021. Photo by Bill Lescohier

NJ 11th for Change played an important role in helping Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a pro-choice candidate, flip the district from red to blue in 2018.

With congressional Democrats bracing for tough mid-term elections in 2022, having an anti-abortion chairman in one of Morris County’s few Democratic strongholds could be viewed as a political liability by some within the party.