Brittany Claybrooks

Brittany Claybrooks (Democratic Party) ran for election to the New Jersey General Assembly to represent District 34. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 10, 2025.

Claybrooks completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Brittany Claybrooks was born in Michigan. She earned an associate degree from Tallahassee Community College in 2011, a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University in 2014, and a graduate degree from New York University in 2019. Her career experience includes working in city planning. As of 2025, Claybrooks was affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and the Greater East Orange Tenants Association.^[1]

Elections

2025

General election

General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)

Incumbent Carmen Morales, incumbent Michael Venezia, Demetrius Eley, and Lorenzo Marchese Jr. are running in the general election for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Carmen Morales (D)
	Submit photo	Michael Venezia (D)
	Submit photo	Demetrius Eley (R)
		Lorenzo Marchese Jr. (R)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)

Incumbent Carmen Morales and incumbent Michael Venezia defeated Brittany Claybrooks and Frank Velez III in the Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 on June 10, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Carmen Morales	33.6	13,108
✔	Submit photo	Michael Venezia	26.5	10,362
		Brittany Claybrooks	24.3	9,499
	Submit photo	Frank Velez III	15.6	6,091

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 39,060
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Ralph Caputo (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)

Lorenzo Marchese Jr. and Demetrius Eley advanced from the Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 on June 10, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lorenzo Marchese Jr.	60.7	2,821
✔	Submit photo	Demetrius Eley	39.3	1,827

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,648
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

General election

Special general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

LaMonica McIver defeated Carmen Bucco, Russell Jenkins, and Rayfield Morton in the special general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 10 on September 18, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	LaMonica McIver (D)	81.4	27,402
	Carmen Bucco (R)	15.6	5,258
	Russell Jenkins (One for All)	1.6	530
	Rayfield Morton (Creating Real Progress)	1.4	476

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 33,666
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

The following candidates ran in the special Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10 on July 16, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		LaMonica McIver	47.4	12,507
		Derek Armstead	13.6	3,596
	Submit photo	Jerry Walker	9.7	2,568
	Submit photo	Darryl Godfrey	6.9	1,815
		Brittany Claybrooks	5.2	1,377
	Submit photo	Shana Melius	4.5	1,196
		Sheila Montague	3.7	966
		Alberta Gordon	2.9	756
		John J. Flora	2.6	684
		Eugene Mazo	2.2	586
	Submit photo	Debra Salters	1.2	316

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 26,367
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Carmen Bucco advanced from the special Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10 on July 16, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Carmen Bucco	100.0	2,015

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,015
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Claybrooks in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Brittany Claybrooks completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Claybrooks' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brittany Claybrooks is a dedicated public servant and community advocate with a strong background in urban planning and public policy. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Development from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and Administration from Florida A&M University. Her professional experience includes roles in various government and public service institutions, such as the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Department of Health, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and Young Invincibles—a national nonprofit advocating for millennials in areas like higher education, health, and economic development.

Fulop For Governor

Claybrooks has served as a Councilwoman in East Orange and as the Director of the Division of Planning for the City of Plainfield. She also worked as the North Jersey Political Director for Congressman Andy Kim during his Senate campaign. Her commitment to public service is deeply rooted in her faith and her upbringing in Detroit, driving her to hold public systems accountable and empower others to do the same. She believes that government has a responsibility to improve people's lives and remains steadfast in her pursuit of that mission.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Proven Public Service and Policy Experience With a strong background in urban planning, public health, and political leadership, Brittany Claybrooks brings real-world experience from local government, state agencies, and congressional campaigns—demonstrating she knows how to navigate complex systems and deliver results for New Jersey residents.
Champion for Equity and Community Empowerment Brittany’s career has centered on holding public systems accountable and advocating for underserved communities, especially young people, families, and working-class residents. She believes in government that truly serves its people.
Vision for Smarter, Fairer Development As a city planner and former councilwoman, Brittany understands how policy and development impact everyday life. She’s committed to equitable economic growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure that reflects the needs of all constituents—not just the wealthy or well-connected.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing and Community Development

Brittany Claybrooks is passionate about smart, equitable development—making sure housing, infrastructure, and public spaces serve the needs of all residents, especially marginalized communities.

Health Equity and Public Health
Brittany Claybrooks has a strong foundation in health equity. She is strong advocate for accessible, affordable healthcare that addresses racial disparities and supports mental and physical wellness.

Government Transparency and Accountability

Brittany Claybrooks is committed to restoring trust in public institutions by increasing transparency, engaging communities in decision-making, and holding leaders accountable for real results!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and empathy. Leaders must tell the truth, even when it’s hard, and make decisions based on what’s right—not what’s politically convenient. They must be transparent with the people they serve and take responsibility for the outcomes of their policies. And most importantly, they must lead with empathy—truly listening to the lived experiences of their constituents and understanding how policy affects real people. Public service is not about power—it’s about purpose, and I’m committed to always leading with the community in mind.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As a State Assemblymember, I believe the core responsibilities are to advocate, legislate, and remain accountable to the people we serve. That means writing and supporting laws that improve the daily lives of working families, ensuring public resources are allocated equitably, and fighting for communities that have been historically overlooked—especially Black and brown communities. It also means showing up: being present in the district, listening to constituents, and bringing their concerns directly to the State House. Transparency, accessibility, and results—not rhetoric—are what people deserve from their elected officials.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of impact, integrity, and empowerment. I want people to say that I used my time in public office to make real, measurable change—especially for communities that have been historically ignored or underestimated. Whether it’s through equitable housing, stronger schools, fairer systems, or transparent government, I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just talk about change, but delivered it.

But beyond policy, I want to inspire others—especially young Black women—to know that their voice belongs in every room where decisions are made. My legacy should be a trail of doors opened, systems challenged, and lives improved. That’s why I serve.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be one of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility to serve the people of New Jersey. While we may not always agree on every issue, both branches must be committed to honest dialogue, transparency, and putting policy over politics. As a legislator, I believe it’s our role to hold the executive branch accountable, but also to work in partnership when it means delivering real results—whether that’s expanding housing, improving education, or ensuring public safety. At the end of the day, we are all stewards of the public trust, and the people deserve leaders who can work together to get things done.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

New Jersey faces a number of serious challenges in the next decade—but at the core, I believe they center around affordability, equity, and trust in government.

We must address the rising cost of living—especially housing, healthcare, and education—which is forcing too many families, particularly in Black and working-class communities, to struggle or leave the state entirely. We also need to confront racial and economic inequities embedded in our public systems, from school funding to transportation to environmental justice.

And perhaps most importantly, we need to rebuild public trust by making government more transparent, accessible, and accountable. People need to know their voices matter, that their tax dollars are well-spent, and that their leaders are working for them—not for special interests.

Meeting these challenges will take bold policy, honest leadership, and a deep commitment to the people—not politics as usual.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes—but with a caveat. I believe experience in government or politics can be incredibly valuable if it’s grounded in public service, not personal ambition. Understanding how systems work—how policy is shaped, how budgets are built, how to move legislation—is important for getting things done effectively and avoiding the pitfalls that stall progress.

That said, experience alone isn’t enough. What matters just as much—if not more—is having a clear connection to the community, lived experience, and a commitment to equity and accountability. We need leaders who know the process and the people. That’s why I bring both: professional experience in government planning and advocacy, and a lifelong mission to serve and uplift those too often left out of the process.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce would focus on affordable housing and equitable development—specifically a measure to create a statewide fund and technical assistance program to support municipalities in building and preserving affordable housing that prioritizes Black and brown communities historically excluded from wealth-building opportunities.

This bill would incentivize mixed-income developments near transit, streamline zoning reform for affordability, and ensure that state investments are tied to equity goals—including local hiring, anti-displacement protections, and community-driven planning.

As a city planning professional and public servant, I’ve seen how housing policy shapes everything from health to education to economic opportunity. If we want to build a stronger New Jersey, we have to start by making sure people can afford to live here with dignity and stability.

What committees interest you?

Housing Committee.

Health Committee,
Education Committee,

Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent and whether it’s truly benefiting their communities. That means clear reporting, public access to information, and strong oversight of how funds are allocated—especially in areas like housing, education, and economic development. As someone who has worked inside government, I’ve seen how critical it is for leaders to be honest stewards of public resources. I will always fight to make government more transparent, more accessible, and more accountable to the people it serves.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

A ballot initiative process could be a powerful tool for direct democracy—giving residents more say in shaping the laws that govern them. In theory, it promotes civic engagement and empowers voters to take action when they feel their elected officials are not responding. However, it also carries risks—especially when well-funded special interests can dominate campaigns and oversimplify complex policy decisions through emotional or misleading ballot language.

If New Jersey were to adopt such a process, it would need strong safeguards: transparency, public education, and equity in access to the process. Ultimately, I support any reform that brings people closer to power—but only if it’s done thoughtfully and protects the voices of everyday residents, not just those with the biggest platform.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2024

Brittany Claybrooks did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Brittany Claybrooks campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House New Jersey District 10	Lost primary	$15,471	$15,183
Grand total			$15,471	$15,183
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 13, 2025

[show]

Current members of the New Jersey General Assembly

Leadership

Representatives

District 1

Antwan McClellan (R)

Erik Simonsen (R)

District 2

Don Guardian (R)

Claire Swift (R)

District 3

Dave Bailey (D)

Heather Simmons (D)

District 4

Dan Hutchison (D)

Cody Miller (D)

District 5

William Moen (D)

William Spearman (D)

District 6

Louis Greenwald (D)

Melinda Kane (D)

District 7

Carol Murphy (D)

Balvir Singh (D)

District 8

Andrea Katz (D)

Michael Torrissi (R)

District 9

Gregory Myhre (R)

Brian Rumpf (R)

District 10

Paul Kanitra (R)

Gregory McGuckin (R)

District 11

Margie Donlon (D)

Luanne Peterpaul (D)

District 12

Robert Clifton (R)

Alex Sauickie (R)

District 13

Victoria Flynn (R)

Gerard Scharfenberger (R)

District 14

Wayne DeAngelo (D)

Tennille McCoy (D)

District 15

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)

Anthony Verrelli (D)

District 16

Mitchelle Drulis (D)

Roy Freiman (D)

District 17

Joseph Danielsen (D)

Kevin Egan (D)

District 18

Robert Karabinchak (D)

Sterley Stanley (D)

District 19

Craig Coughlin (D)

Yvonne Lopez (D)

District 20

Reginald Atkins (D)

Annette Quijano (D)

District 21

Michele Matsikoudis (R)

Nancy Muñoz (R)

District 22

Linda Carter (D)

James Kennedy (D)

District 23

John DiMaio (R)

Erik Peterson (R)

District 24

Dawn Fantasia (R)

Michael Inganamort (R)

District 25

Christian Barranco (R)

Aura Dunn (R)

District 26

Brian Bergen (R)

Jay Webber (R)

District 27

Rosy Bagolie (D)

Alixon Collazos-Gill (D)

District 28

Garnet Hall (D)

Cleopatra Tucker (D)

District 29

Eliana Marin (D)

Shanique Speight (D)

District 30

Sean Kean (R)

Avi Schnall (D)

District 31

William Sampson (D)

Barbara Stamato (D)

District 32

John Allen (D)

Jessica Ramirez (D)

District 33

Julio Marenco (D)

Gabriel Rodriguez (D)

District 34

Carmen Morales (D)

Michael Venezia (D)

District 35

Alaa Abdelaziz (D)

Shavonda Sumter (D)

District 36

Clinton Calabrese (D)

Gary Schaer (D)

District 37

Shama Haider (D)

Ellen Park (D)

District 38

Lisa Swain (D)

Chris Tully (D)

District 39

Robert Auth (R)

John Azzariti (R)

District 40

Al Barlas (R)

Christopher DePhillips (R)

Democratic Party (52)

Republican Party (28)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 13, 2025

[1]

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Brittany Claybrooks

Contents

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Jersey General Assembly District 34 (2 seats)

Endorsements

2024

General election

Special general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 10

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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