OntheWilderSide

There is nothing I hate more than a ballot with only one candidate on it!

There are so many ways that the two major parties make it hard for regular people, third parties, and independent candidates to run for office. So, it makes me so mad when — after partisan leaders have glommed the power and made ballot access difficult — one of the parties does not even run someone.

I have a great fear that for the 2026 congressional elections, the Democratic Party and its leadership will play games and target only certain races and go so far as to have no candidate in some places. Or, maybe they will just have an unfunded “sacrificial lamb” candidate on the ballot because they count the beans and figure a Democrat can’t win.

In order to remind Democratic leaders that the voters deserve other choices, and that the voters have other choices, I was very determined to fix the situation when our local Democratic Party did not bother to run an “Assessor” candidate, nor a “Superintendent of Highway” candidate.

I am so happy to report that in our town of Riverhead, a new, fresh, independent candidate has stepped up to the plate to run for Superintendent of Highway. Now, instead of just a Republican incumbent on the ballot, you will find a community minded and progressive alternative: Jessica Werner.

I have to say that I am her friend and part of the energy of gathering her run together.

Below is a short biography of Jessica and a few photos.

If you want to help Jessica Werner petition, please get in touch ASAP at her FaceBook page and/or contact her campaign email!

FaceBook:
J. Werner for Riverhead Highway Superintendent
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575855362268

Campaign email:
JW4Riverhead AT gmail DOT com

Jessica Werner’s bio:

Jessica, a working mom and trades professional, has deep roots in the local community and a commitment to hands-on service. With years of experience in plumbing and heating, she possesses a profound understanding of infrastructure and is ready to bring that expertise to the Highway Department. As an independent voice, Jessica is not tied to partisan politics; she is dedicated to serving the people, improving roads, and providing smart, responsive leadership.

Filed under: activism, congress, election, elections, grassroots democracy, independent politics, long island, Long Island Politics, progressive politics Tagged: | ballot access, Ballot choice, Congress 2026, Democratic Party Reform, How can the Democrats win?, independent candidates, Jessica Werner, Jessica Werner for Riverhead Superintendent of Highway, Jessica Werner for Riverhead Superintendent of Highways, Jessica Werner of Riverhead, Long Island Politics, progressive candidates, progressive politics, Riverhead politics, Voter choice, Who is Jessica Werner Riverhead, Who is running in Riverhead 2025?, Who is the Superintendent of Highways in Riverhead?