New Jersey: Phillipsburg Mayor facing recall effort

Mayor Stephen Ellis (D) is facing a recall effort over vague claims of incompetence and misuse of office. Ellis is claiming the recall is a stunt timed to the election of three council seats. Ellis won in 2015, beating a Republican incumbent looking for a fifth term.

One of the lead petitioners, Blaine Fehley, accused the mayor of assault for yelling at him over "crudely manipulated photos."

Petitioners need 2054 signatures in 160 days (25% of registered voters).