Fanwood's Tai Cooper to Face Linden's Jimmy Diaz in Union County Clerk Race

Tai Cooper of Fanwood and Jimmy Diaz of Linden are the candidates for Union County Clerk in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The race was triggered by the death of longtime County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi on July 16 at age 78. Rajoppi had served as county clerk for more than 30 years and was the first woman elected to the office.

Tai Cooper — Democratic Candidate (Fanwood)

Tai Cooper serves as chief community development officer for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Her public service background spans state and local government. She previously served as deputy chief policy adviser to Governor Phil Murphy and chief policy adviser to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. She also worked as a senior aide to the late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg and as chief of staff to the mayor of Orange.

Cooper holds degrees in urban planning from Rutgers University and New York University. Her educational background in urban planning reflects focus on community development and municipal planning expertise.

The Fanwood Democratic Committee publicly backed Cooper, citing her "promise to continue the legacy of professionalism, access to elections, and many other services championed by the late Joanne Rajoppi."

Jimmy Diaz — Republican Candidate (Linden)

Jimmy Diaz of Linden is the Republican candidate. Diaz won the GOP primary nomination for mayor of Linden in June but withdrew from that race. "I am withdrawing as a candidate for Mayor of Linden," he posted on Facebook. "Because of my love for Linden and the need for change, I feel that it is in Linden's best interest to remove myself from the ballot."

Joanne Rajoppi's Legacy and Service

Rajoppi was first elected to the county clerk position in 1995 and had taken the oath of office seven times during her tenure. Her more than 30 years of service established her as a county institution. As the first woman elected to the office, Rajoppi broke gender barriers in county government leadership.

Union County Life covers Union County elections, government, and local news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

County Clerk Office and Duties

The clerk's office administers elections, processes passport applications, and maintains property, business, and other public records. The county clerk position affects all Union County residents through election administration and public records access.

Electoral Process and Term

Under New Jersey law, the successor elected following a county clerk vacancy receives a new five-year term rather than serving the remainder of the former clerk's term. The election on November 3 will determine the next five-year term.

Interim Administration

Deputy County Clerk Clara Fernández is carrying out the clerk's duties during the vacancy. Interim leadership ensures continuity of county clerk office operations and services.

Union County Elections and Voter Participation

County-wide elections provide opportunity for Union County residents to elect leadership for all 21 municipalities. Voters across the county will determine the next county clerk.

For Union County Residents and Voters

The November 3 general election provides opportunity to vote for the next Union County Clerk. Residents should learn about candidates' backgrounds, platforms, and qualifications to make informed voting decisions. Election information and voting locations will be available through municipal clerk offices and county election administration.

Find more Union County elections, government, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Jimmy Diaz Fanwood Democatic

FAQ

Q: Who is running for Union County Clerk?
A: Tai Cooper (Fanwood, Democratic) and Jimmy Diaz (Linden, Republican) are the candidates for Union County Clerk in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Q: When is the Union County Clerk election?
A: The election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Q: Why is there a Union County Clerk race?
A: The race was triggered by the death of longtime County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi on July 16, 2026, at age 78. She had served as county clerk for more than 30 years.

Q: What is Tai Cooper's background?
A: Cooper is chief community development officer for the NJ Economic Development Authority. She previously served as deputy chief policy adviser to Governor Phil Murphy, chief policy adviser to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and senior aide to U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg. She holds degrees in urban planning.

Q: What is Jimmy Diaz's background?
A: Diaz is from Linden. He won the GOP primary for Linden mayor in June 2026 but withdrew from that race, stating it was in Linden's best interest.

Q: What does the Union County Clerk do?
A: The county clerk administers elections, processes passport applications, and maintains property, business, and other public records. The position affects all 21 Union County municipalities.

Q: How long is the Union County Clerk term?
A: The successor elected in November 2026 will receive a new five-year term under New Jersey law.

Q: Who was Joanne Rajoppi?
A: Rajoppi was the longtime Union County Clerk who served for more than 30 years. She was the first woman elected to the office, first elected in 1995, and passed away on July 16, 2026, at age 78.

Q: Who is handling clerk duties during the vacancy?
A: Deputy County Clerk Clara Fernández is carrying out the clerk's duties during the vacancy.