Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly stalwartly presiding over a disparity study belies the disparity between the two of them, presumably, with a state senate seat aloft and both assembly people eminently qualified and hungry for a promotion.
They can’t both occupy the seat surrendered by Nellie Pou as the latter occupies the congressional seat
left behind by the late Bill Pascrell. A special convention on the other side of the November 5th election will decide who gets the backing of the LD-35 portion of the Passaic County Democratic Committee led by Chairman John Currie, and the go ahead to fill Pou’s unexpired senate term.
“I’ve never been shy about looking for an opportunity to serve my constituents,” Sumter told InsiderNJ earlier today when asked about the said.
Said Budget Committee veteran Wimberly, “I’m running for the seat.”
The long-time slate mates both hail from Paterson and will look to make a statement about their commitment to Silk City.
The committee that backs one or the other in a convention not yet scheduled but rumored to be in January will install that person and give him or her the advantage of incumbency, even as next year’s gubernatorial dramas against the backdrop of a watered-down county party line could play havoc with people’s political plans (more on that below).
Will others screen for the senate seat? Usually, a council person or two will toss a name in the ring. Maybe someone will have the gall to politely suggest that Paterson needs both sitting Assembly people in the assembly and, for the good of the order, posits a senate candidacy on an argument of minimal disruption and in the name of avoiding district disparity.
But that’s hardly likely.
A source familiar with the dynamics of the 35th District said the assembly contest could prove more intriguing, at least for the moment, as the assembly is up next year as part of a regularly scheduled cycle, and a candidate going for the seat caused by the vacancy of either Wimberly or Sumter moving up to the senate will have to work within the intense atmosphere of the developing gubernatorial primary and all its inevitably shifting alliances.
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In a highly anticipated race, Paterson politicians Benjie Wimberly and Shavonda Sumter are vying for the LD-35 Senate seat in New Jersey. Both candidates have strong track records in public service and are well-known figures in the community, making this race one to watch for voters in the district.
Benjie Wimberly currently serves as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 35th Legislative District. He has been a vocal advocate for education reform, criminal justice reform, and economic development in Paterson and the surrounding areas. Wimberly has also been a strong supporter of affordable housing initiatives and has worked to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities.
Shavonda Sumter, on the other hand, is currently serving as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly as well, representing the 35th Legislative District alongside Wimberly. Sumter has focused her efforts on issues such as women’s health, gun violence prevention, and economic empowerment for minority communities. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing funding for public schools and expanding access to mental health services.
The LD-35 Senate seat has been left vacant following the retirement of Senator Nellie Pou, creating an opportunity for new leadership in the district. Both Wimberly and Sumter have strong support from their respective constituencies and have been actively campaigning to win over undecided voters.
The race between Wimberly and Sumter is expected to be closely contested, with both candidates touting their experience and accomplishments in public service. Voters in LD-35 will have an important decision to make come election day, as they choose who will represent them in the state Senate and advocate for their interests in Trenton.
As the campaign heats up, residents of Paterson and the surrounding areas can expect to see Wimberly and Sumter engaging in debates, town hall meetings, and other events to make their case to voters. The outcome of this race will have significant implications for the future of LD-35 and the policies that will shape the district in the years to come.
Overall, the competition between Benjie Wimberly and Shavonda Sumter for the LD-35 Senate seat promises to be an exciting and closely watched race. Both candidates bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, making it a tough decision for voters in the district. Stay tuned for updates on this important election as it unfolds.
