New Jersey Local Election: Itir Cole, a 40-year-old former federal worker, has won a seat on the Haddonfield Borough Commission in New Jersey. Cole’s victory comes after she resigned from the U.S. Digital Service, a federal agency rebranded as the United States DOGE Service under the Trump administration. Her decision to run for office was sparked by her husband’s casual mention of an open seat on the commission.
Cole’s journey into politics began when her husband mentioned the available seat on the commission. Despite having no prior experience in politics, Cole decided to take the leap. She won her mid-May race by a narrow margin of 49 votes, demonstrating her determination and commitment to public service. Her ceremonial swearing-in took place on May 27, marking the beginning of her tenure as a commissioner.
Why She Left Her Government Job
Cole worked with the Centers for Disease Control to improve a cross-state infectious disease surveillance system after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the arrival of DOGE employees transformed the nonpartisan tech agency, and Cole said the job changed “pretty much overnight.” The shift in the agency’s culture and priorities led to a change in the type of questions asked during interviews, which Cole described as feeling like loyalty tests to the new administration. This shift prompted her to resign, as she could no longer continue in a role that no longer aligned with her values.
Still on New Jersey Local Election
Cole’s Vision for Her New Role
As a member of the Haddonfield Borough Commission, Cole plans to focus on local issues that matter most to her constituents. Affordable housing, crowded schools, and new soccer fields are among the key areas she intends to address. The part-time commissioner job pays $6,000 a year, which Cole expects to mostly go toward expenses related to the role. She’s still looking for a full-time job and doesn’t intend to hold the position past a single four-year term, demonstrating her commitment to serving the community without long-term ambition.
A New Trend in Politics?
Cole’s victory places her at the forefront of a flood of federal workers looking to run for public office. Many say they want to continue serving Americans after leaving the government, either voluntarily or through mass layoffs. Cole hopes to inspire others to run for office, saying she wants to show people that running for office is a “very doable job.” By serving her community and demonstrating the impact one person can have, Cole aims to encourage others to take the leap and pursue a career in public service.
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