Numerous Republicans have declared their plans to run against two Democratic incumbents in the 3rd legislative district, opening the floodgates.
Attorney and former judge Jason Witcher announced on Facebook Tuesday night that he and former Assemblywoman Beth Sawyer would run for the GOP nomination. Lawrence Moore, a fire commissioner and Harrison’s deputy mayor, is also getting involved.
This autumn, Republicans intend to present Assemblywoman Heather Simmons (D-Glassboro) and Assemblyman Dave Bailey (D-Woodstown) with a formidable challenge. In 2023, the two barely won seats in the lower house after defeating incumbent Bethanne McCarthy Patrick and other Republican candidates by just over 1,000 votes.
Ed Ramsayan, a Salem County Commissioner, declared his intention to run for office on Tuesday morning.
According to his announcement, Witcher, who is now an attorney with Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, has served as a jail chaplain, professor at Rutgers Law School, and municipal judge.
He added, “As a servant leader, I strive to be a presence in their place and amplify their voices because I have always been the underdog and my heart identifies with those who feel overlooked and whose voices often seem unheard.”
Sawyer was hoping to return to the Assembly, according to a report published last month by the New Jersey Globe. Sawyer defeated then-state Sen. Ed Durr in the 2023 primary for the district’s state senate seat after winning her Assembly seat in 2021. Durr lost the general election to state Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro), but he defeated Sawyer’s primary opponent.
Sawyer’s campaign has not yet been formally announced.
Moore, a former Sawyer aide, stated that his agenda prioritizes nuclear energy, public safety, and reducing unnecessary taxes and spending.
Moore stated in a press release that too many politicians are more concerned with moving up the political ladder than with protecting their own interests. Climbing ladders to extinguish fires is more appealing to me. And Trenton is burning now.
Arthur Marchand, a commissioner for Cumberland County, seems to have left.
The majority of the district’s voters are from Gloucester County. The district includes all of Salem County and portions of Cumberland County.
