New Jersey’s 2019 election day featured a race for 80 state Assembly seats, one state Senate seat, a statewide public question pertaining to veterans, and a question for Jersey City voters about Airbnb regulations.
What voters were most closely watching, though, was the state Assembly race in the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 11th, 16th, 21st and 25th legislative districts. Democrats held on to a majority of the seats here, defending the trifecta of governorship and state legislature. However, Republic candidates did end up taking seats in the 8th district, which had turned increasingly blue in the last few years. Among the other districts, there were many tight races, where calling was delayed due to a large surge in mail-in ballots. About 240,000 ballots were sent by mail, which is about 150% higher than it was in 2015. In the days leading up to the race, Governor Murphy and his wife visited those districts where Democrats would have a more difficult chance of winning. In the end, those visits did not cause any upset in the races, but did gain some traction for the candidates he was fighting for.
Only one seat in the state Senate was up for grabs this election day in the first legislative district (parts of Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties). Democrat Jeff Van Drew was elected last year to move up to the U.S. House of Representatives and Democratic Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak was a temporary fill in, expecting to be elected for the final two years of the term. District 1 is a notoriously purple district and Republic Mike Testa came out on top 27,163 votes to 23,636.
As for the statewide question about whether New Jersey should extend property tax deductions to military veterans who live continuing care retirement communities, the vote was 75.6% yes. This new extension will cost New Jersey taxpayers less than $1 million a year, which seems minimal compared to the $38.6 million state budget.
Overall, not too much has changed post-election day. The results features many close races and Republican victories over previously Democratic seats. However, Democrats continue to hold a majority in the state legislature.
As we move toward our next election on June 2, 2020, stay informed on the important issues in New Jersey and candidates in the races. For more election and New Jersey political updates, stay up-to-date on our blog.