Democrats will maintain control of both houses of the state Legislature, as Republicans in the 2023 midterm elections failed to expand their momentum from the 2021 election.
Districts 3, 4, 11, 16, 30 and 38 were widely observed to be the most intriguing legislative races. Democrats held on or picked up seats in all on Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.
“This is a big night for Democrats,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News.
Emblematic of the Democrats strong showing, in District 11, Sen. Vin Gopal became the first Democrat in the history of Monmouth County to win a third Senate term, easily defeating Republican newcomer Steve Dnistrian in an extremely contentious and expensive battle.
Democrats also flipped two Assembly seats in District 11, with Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul taking out Republican incumbents Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner.
South Jersey was anticipated to be the area in the state with most uncertainty for both parties.
But in District 3, Sen. Ed Durr, a truck driver who pulled off a shocking upset in 2021 by unseating former Senate President Steve Sweeney, was defeated by John Burzichelli – the former longtime assemblyman who was swept out of his job along with Sweeney.
In the District 4 Senate race, Democrat Paul Moriarty, the district’s current assemblyman, held off a challenge from Republican Christopher Del Borrello – ensuring that Democrats will hold that seat with the retirement of Sen. Fred Madden.
Also, Democrats Dan Hutchinson and Cody Miller were elected to the Assembly in District 4.
Ironically, Gopal, Burzichelli and Moriarty are Democrats who came out against Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed ban of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
In District 16, incumbent State Sen. Andrew Zwicker has won re-election against Republican Michael Pappas, the former congressman.
Democrat Assemblyman Roy Frieman also was re-elected in District 16, along with newcomer Mitchelle Drulis.
In District 30, Democrat Avi Schnall – a rabbi from Lakewood – pulled off a major upset over Republican Assemblyman Ned Thomson. Schnall, who had major support from the Vaad, Lakewood’s influential Orthodox leadership group, only jumped into the race a few weeks ago.
In District 38, the Democratic triumvirate of Sen. Joseph Lagana, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully appeared to be on their way to victory in a close vote against Republican Senate candidate Micheline Attieh and Assembly candidates Gail Horton and Barry Wilkes.
The 2023 midterms were fought on a new legislative map decided upon at the beginning of 2022.
The GOP, who were hoping to capitalize on a mini red wave in 2021, needed to pick up four seats to share control of the Senate, and six Assembly seats to share control of the lower chamber.
Despite strong early voting by Democrats, turnout for the 2023 midterm elections was expected to be relatively low – particularly with no gubernatorial, congressional, or presidential seats on the ballot.
Throughout the campaign, Democrats had focused on the state’s new property tax relief programs, as well as social issues like abortion. Republicans rode issues like parental rights in education and energy issues throughout the campaign.
New Jersey Republicans have not held control of a state chamber since 2001.
