Political Newcomer Upsets Long-time Incumbent

It was a stunning local political story. A young newcomer beat an 11-year incumbent against all odds.

June 7 was primary election day in New Jersey for state, county and local offices. Primary elections are notorious for inattention. People care little for this elementary refining process, and a “Who cares?” attitude is sadly typical. I try to vote in every election, no matter how obscure, because it is my patriotic and spiritual duty. In America, citizens are the ultimate government, and voting is rendering to Caesar his due as the Lord commanded (Matt. 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25).

This year was amazing in the race for Morris County freeholder. A young man named William “Hank” Lyon sought to defeat an 11-year incumbent in the Republican primary. He was a political nothing from nowhere, except that his home since boyhood is my hometown of Towaco, NJ.

Hank mounted a fantastic visitation and roadside sign campaign. Weeks before the election, his father visited every house on our street leaving a campaign folder. He explained that Hank had never run for any office, but, on graduating from college, he had a growing passion to serve in politics. The ad folder quoted Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln. Further examination of his folder said, “Hank attends the Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park. One of his favorite activities is meeting with his small group from church in Pompton Plains. Here he has an opportunity for fellowship and friendship….”

Here was a vibrant, committed conservative with forthright Christian faith blended in an obscure candidate. Since his values and ideas reflected ours, we voted for him. I confess I thought that, humanly speaking, his chances were slim to none as he was up against a formidable opponent.

But the day following the election, the results published in the newspaper showed 23-year old Hank Lyon winning 12,234 to 12,228. That’s a winning margin of just six votes out of 24,462 votes cast. What a surprise, and what a breakthrough for a political novice whose raw commitment and courage challenged the establishment. And he didn’t hide his Christianity under the proverbial bushel basket. Six votes out of 24,462! Amazing!

The final tally held up even a bit better. After some late returns were in and an election challenge defeated, the final percentages were staggering. Hank won 49.95 percent to 49.91 percent – by 4/10 of one percent! (Lyon’s opponent has contested the results, but no results are available as of June 24.)

A few people could have stayed home that day and sunk Hank’s political fortunes. The “overwhelming minority” voted and altered Morris county politics with an upset win.

I don’t know the names of some others who voted for Hank but I know I will know them someday when the Lord will likely say, “Well done, good and faithful political servant. You took seriously my words about rendering to Ceasar what is his. You put a church-going, Christ-honoring dedicated Christian in office. Well done, enter in the joy of your Lord.” (My expanded paraphrase of Matt. 25:23)

With the presidential political season already coming to a boil, our prayers are needed even for the primary candidates of both parties (I Timothy 2:2). All obedient believers should plan on voting in both the primaries and general election. If we do less, the old adage is doubly sad: “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.”

Dave Virkler