Jamesburg councilman ignites firestorm with racist admission

Our Revolution activist slams ‘stupid’ publicity stunt calling for assemblywoman’s resignation

Jamesburg Councilman Bertin Lefkovic has sparked outrage after becoming the first Democratic elected official to demand Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy’s (D-Hamilton) resignation, while admitting his original vote for her was based on race.

Lefkovic called on McCoy to step down Friday amid allegations of a toxic workplace and ethics violations, but his stunning confession about his own voting record sent shockwaves through New Jersey’s 14th Legislative District.

“I am embarrassed to admit that I allowed my preference for a woman of color over a white male candidate to be the main reason that I voted the way that I did, which was a disservice to both candidates,” said Lefkovic in a report published on a political gossip blog.

The admission came as Lefkovic apologized for supporting McCoy at the Middlesex County Democratic Convention, where she won the endorsement by just four votes. He acknowledged he had not done enough due diligence before casting his ballot.

Lefkovic framed his call for resignation as constituent service, but a progressive activist claims he’s seeking publicity as his term ends.

“For the good of Jamesburg Borough and the other towns that are part of New Jersey’s 14th legislative district, it is my opinion and my opinion alone that Assemblywoman McCoy should resign her office immediately and allow the Democratic committee persons in our legislative district to choose a replacement as soon as possible,” he said.

The resignation demand follows a bombshell report on a political gossip blog detailing allegations that McCoy created a toxic workplace, verbally abused and intimidated employees, retaliated against staffers, and used taxpayer-funded legislative employees for personal errands and fundraising activities.

The gossip-mongering reporter interviewed 22 former staffers and reviewed emails, text messages, and police body camera footage documenting a 911 response to her legislative office.

Former employees described being routinely berated, threatened with disciplinary action, and pressured to perform duties unrelated to their government jobs. McCoy has had six or seven chiefs of staff since taking office in January 2024.

“Her legislative office, her non-profits, and her personal life had a single wallet,” one former staffer alleged.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s office said he “takes these allegations very seriously” and will let the investigative process play out.

State Sen. Linda Greenstein and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, who share the 14th district with McCoy, said in a joint statement that they believe “every employee deserves a safe and respectful workplace” and are “awaiting the results of several ongoing investigations.”

McCoy has denied all wrongdoing, blaming “disgruntled former employees” for the accusations.

“I lead this office with the highest professional and ethical standards,” she said. “My office is fully cooperating with the review underway through the Office of Legislative Services and the Assembly Majority Office.”

The Office of Legislative Services and the Department of Labor are reviewing complaints, and they have referred some allegations to the Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards.

But Lefkovic’s racial admission has added a volatile new dimension to an already explosive political scandal — and drew a sharp rebuke from Our Revolution. This Bernie Sanders-aligned progressive group has already distanced itself from him.

An Our Revolution official, who previously distanced the group from Lefkovic after he invoked the organization’s name while malingering Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, said it is not surprising that the councilman judged McCoy before the inquiry into the lawmaker’s behavior is complete.

“It’s just like Bertin Lefkovic to jump to conclusions just so he can get publicity,” the Our Revolution official said. “He’s gotta be the first to get publicity at someone’s expense, but in his rush to get coverage he goes and says something stupid.”

The New Jersey chapter of Our Revolution expelled Lefkovic after he invoked the group’s name while maligning Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, further isolating the Jamesburg councilman as he plunges into an increasingly bitter, racially charged political fight.

Lefkovic’s call for McCoy’s resignation—and his admission that race was the “main reason” he backed her in the first place—has raised questions about whether his demand stems from genuine concern or something far more troubling.

For now, McCoy remains in office, the investigations continue, and Lefkovic finds himself at the center of a scandal that has turned him into a pariah within his own party and a target of progressive activists who once counted him as an ally.

Lefkovic and McCoy could not be reached for comment.