MORRISTOWN - There's something about standing on a roof overlooking your surroundings that breeds confidence.

And so it was Wednesday evening for the two Democratic Assembly candidates in District 25 - Marisa Sweeney and Steven Pylypchuk.

"We have a real opportunity to take these seats in this election," observed Tim Dougherty, the town's Democratic mayor.

The mayor, the candidates, and about 75 or so supporters were on the roof of the chic, 1776 Restaurant, sampling cocktails and treats. Downtown and the iconic Morristown Green were just below.

The district includes western and northern Morris County and one town - one very significant town in Passaic County - West Milford.

The 2023 state legislative race in the district was closer than many probably remember.

Republican incumbent Aura Dunn won by a bit more than 2,000 votes. The other district incumbent,  Assemblyman Christian Barranco, won by less than 2,000. Both Republicans were bolstered by nearly 2-1 wins in West Milford. In fact, without West Milford, Barranco would have lost.

It's always hard to figure out how people vote, but Mikie Sherrill represents part of the district in Congress, meaning she likely will do well here. That could boost the Democratic Assembly candidates down ballot. Maybe.

Sweeney told the crowd that in light of federal budget cuts by the Trump Administration in healthcare and other areas, New Jersey needs to fight back.

"We need Democrats in the Statehouse who are strong now," she said.

Sherrill, of course, makes the same point.

Neither candidate offered harsh criticism of the incumbents, other to say they often just vote "no," which doesn't accomplish anything.

In fairness, it is common for those in the minority to vote in opposition to what the majority party is doing on philosophical grounds. For the same reason, Democrats in Congress normally vote "no" on major Republican initiatives.

Pylypchuk said it is imperative to understand what the public wants from state government, which he said he can do.

"I show up. I listen, I get things done," he explained.

On hand to support the Assembly hopefuls were state Sen. Joe Cryan and Assemblywoman Alizon Collazos-Gill from Union and Essex counties respectively.

Sweeney said before addressing the crowd that the candidates will work with Democrats in West Milford in hopes of holding the Republican margin down.

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