Progressives Gain Power in Cherry Hill Election

A recent court decision has shifted the political balance in Cherry Hill, giving a trio of progressive candidates new influence over local party decisions. The appeal court overturned an earlier ruling that had changed the outcome of a June primary, allowing the three winners to choose 71 of the 74 spots on the Camden County Democratic Committee. This committee is responsible for endorsing candidates in the area, and the decision marks a notable move away from the long‑standing dominance of the party’s traditional machine. The case began when the county committee, backed by long‑time political figure George E. Norcross III, sued the progressive candidates after they won a surprising majority of the votes—62% out of 5, 547 ballots cast. The lawsuit argued that because only three progressives appeared on the ballot instead of a full slate of 74, they should be required to fill the remaining seats with members from the losing list. A county judge agreed, but the appellate panel reversed that decision.Now, the three progressives can pick any candidates they wish to fill the open seats. This change is expected to diversify the committee’s composition and reduce the influence of the established political machine that has historically limited who could serve. One of the newly elected committee members, Susan Druckenbrod, expressed excitement about the opportunity to work and bring fresh ideas. The outcome reflects a broader trend of progressive movements challenging entrenched party structures, and it may inspire similar efforts in other localities. The case was handled by attorney Yael Bromberg, who praised the court’s decision as a victory against what she described as an attempted power grab.