Zach Dougherty, a rising figure in Toms River politics, has become a prominent voice for gun control activism in New Jersey. A 2019 graduate of Toms River High School North, Dougherty is deeply committed to addressing gun violence, a passion sparked by witnessing tragic school shootings across the country. His activism gained momentum when he co-founded the New Jersey chapter of Students Demand Action, a youth-led movement advocating for stronger gun laws.
Dougherty’s push for change was evident in his support for the state’s expanding gun control measures under Governor Phil Murphy. In fact, Dougherty, still a teenager at the time, praised new legislation that aimed to tighten firearm restrictions, particularly laws focused on preventing individuals deemed dangerous from accessing guns. His advocacy is rooted in the belief that his generation shouldn’t live in fear of gun violence at school or in their communities.
“The fight for gun safety is one we are in together. I am proud to stand with Zach Dougherty, David Hogg, and Emma González to work together for common sense gun safety laws,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “The students leading the March For Our Lives movement have inspired the nation with their strength and courage.”
As a candidate for the Toms River Township Council, Dougherty continues to emphasize gun control as part of his broader platform of community safety and progressive change. His efforts align with a larger movement in New Jersey, where stricter gun laws have been a priority in recent years.
“I came away inspired that we can effectuate change if we come together, drop the rhetoric and name-calling, and stop participating in the politics of division,” Dougherty said at an anti-gun rally outside the Ocean County Library in Downtown Toms River. “I vow to do my part to honor those whose lives have been stolen by gun violence and will continue to work with leaders in our community to make sure we are all doing what we can to keep our children safe.”
In 2018, Dougherty called for a ban on “assault weapons” in New Jersey.
“Bob Hugin’s support of Kavanaugh and his gun record should alarm New Jersey voters, though it shouldn’t come as a surprise when Hugin has donated hundreds of thousands to NRA-backed candidates and failed during a recent press conference to take a clear stance on banning assault weapons and weapons of mass murder,” he said at the time.
When it comes to stricter gun control laws, Dougherty said, “We will push for this until the end.”
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