At a special convention tonight, Democrats could not immediately select a winner between Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35) and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-35) to succeed Nellie Pou as the 35th District State Senator.
On a first ballot, Sumter received 78 votes and Wimberly received 78 votes.
This campaign collision course triggered when U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9) died in August, and the party turned to then-state Senator Pou as its candidate for Congress. Pou narrowly won the seat in November, even as Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris in Passaic County.
Wimberly and Sumter – both serving in the Assembly since 2012 – subsequently squared off for the seat Pou left behind, which serves North Haledon, Paterson, Haledon and Prospect Park.
Democratic committee members will vote again to try to break the tie.
Stay tuned…
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The race for the New Jersey State Assembly in the 35th Legislative District is heating up as incumbent Democrat Shavonda Sumter and Republican challenger William Wimberly find themselves deadlocked, according to a recent report by Insider NJ.
Sumter, who has served in the Assembly since 2012, is facing a tough challenge from Wimberly, a political newcomer who is hoping to unseat her in the upcoming election. The race has garnered significant attention from both parties, as the outcome could have a major impact on the balance of power in the state legislature.
According to Insider NJ, polling data shows that Sumter and Wimberly are currently in a dead heat, with both candidates polling within the margin of error. This has led to increased campaign spending and efforts by both candidates to rally support from voters in the district.
Sumter, a former councilwoman and healthcare executive, has touted her record of fighting for affordable healthcare, education funding, and economic development in the district. She has also highlighted her experience and relationships in Trenton as reasons why she should be re-elected.
Wimberly, a small business owner and community activist, has positioned himself as a political outsider who will bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the Assembly. He has focused his campaign on issues such as property taxes, job creation, and public safety, promising to be a voice for change in Trenton.
With the race too close to call, both candidates are ramping up their efforts to win over undecided voters and turn out their base on Election Day. The outcome of the Sumter-Wimberly race could have far-reaching implications for the 35th Legislative District and the state as a whole.
As the November election approaches, all eyes will be on LD-35 to see which candidate will come out on top in this closely contested race. Stay tuned for updates as the campaign unfolds.
