Businessman Dr. Jonathan A. Marcellus Readies for his General Election Run for Atlantic County Commissioner
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Marcellus
Haiti Native His Experience of Rising from Bottom to PhD-earned Business Owner Exemplifies American Dream
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic County commissioner candidate Dr. Jonathan Marcella says his story begins the same place his motivation does — with the “little guy.”
From washing dishes as a young immigrant from Haiti to earning a php.D. and building a successful Atlantic City business, Marcella believes his lived experience mirrors the struggles facing thousands of county residents today.
And he says that is exactly why he’s running.
In a recent conversation with Front Runner New Jersey, Marcella spoke candidly about his journey, his near-upset campaign last year, and why he believes 2026 is the year Atlantic County voters are ready for change.
A Campaign Built on Hard Work — and Hard Realities
During the June 2 Democratic and Republican primaries, Marcella surprised experts by gathering the most votes out of all candidates. Marcella won 12,950 votes and his Democratic running mate Kyle Gornick received 11,793. Compared to their Republican opponents in November, John W. Risley received 9,676 votes and June Byrnes had 8,504 votes.
“We are working very hard,” Marcella said, describing long days of door?knocking and conversations with residents. “We are hoping for a positive outcome in November, but we are out there talking to the people every day.”
Marcella entered the race, he said, because too many families are being crushed by rising costs — groceries, gas, housing, energy bills, and healthcare.
“We have certain people in power for decades, and I don’t see any improvement,” he said. “People are struggling. I see it myself.”
He ran for the same office last year in one of the county’s toughest Republican districts and came within 730 votes of winning — the closest any Democrat has come in more than 30 years. “It was a surprise, but also disappointing,” he said. “I fought to win. But losing one battle doesn’t mean you stop fighting.”
From Dishwasher to Doctor: A Life That Mirrors the Community
Marcella’s biography reads like a blueprint for the American dream. After arriving from Haiti, he worked entry?level hospitality jobs in Atlantic City — washing dishes, housekeeping, food and beverage service — eventually rising to restaurant management.
He later earned three master’s degrees, a php.D. in Management with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Change, and opened JM Multi?Services, an Atlantic City firm specializing in accounting, tax preparation, business consulting, translation, and interpretation.
“I go to the grocery store myself. I see people spending $200 and walking out with almost nothing,” he said. “I know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve been there. That’s why I want to fight for them.”
A Path to Victory: Turnout, Moderates, and Young Voters
Asked what it will take to win this time, Marcella was clear: turnout and connection.
Marcella said he plans to:
*Boost turnout in Democratic strongholds like Atlantic City and Pleasantville.
*Engage younger voters, who he says are often overlooked.
*Appeal to moderate Republicans and independents, many of whom supported him last year.
“I received many Republican votes,” he said. “People who were not happy with what’s been going on came my way. I want to reach them again.”
Top Priorities: Small Business, Wages, and Jobs
If elected, Marcella says his agenda will center on three pillars:
*Small Business Growth As a small business owner himself, he believes local entrepreneurs are the backbone of the county’s economy. “If small businesses do well, they can hire more people. That helps everyone.”
*Higher Wages for Working Families “The little guy working hard should be able to get ahead,” he said. “People shouldn’t be working full?time and still struggling to survive.”
*Job Creation and Retention He wants to work with Republican colleagues to bring new jobs to the region and keep young talent from leaving Atlantic County after college.
“There is a lack of jobs,” he said. “We want to keep those talents here.”
A Community Rooted in Connection
Marcella’s ties to Atlantic County run deep. When Front Runner New Jersey mentioned its recent feature on Jackie Jean’s Creole Caribbean restaurant, Marcella lit up — Jean is a longtime friend, client, and even family by marriage.
“He’s doing good things in the community,” Marcella said. “I congratulated him right away.”
Looking Ahead
Marcella says he is grateful for the support he has received and hopes voters will continue to embrace his message.
“We ask for your prayers and support,” he said. “If people can hear us out, they can help by donating at JonathanMarcellus.com. We are working hard every day to win this election.”
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