In an increasingly crowded field, Saddle River Councilman Jon Kurpis endorsed the two incumbents and withdrew from the Republican primary for State Assembly in the 39th district today.
Kurpis claimed that after examining more than 5,400 pieces of legislation, one thing became very evident: Assemblymen Bob Auth and John Azzariti are the epitome of America First leadership.
He asserted that it is impossible to minimize or dismiss their commitment to our district, their steadfast focus on policies that put American residents first, and their legislative output. Because of this, I have decided to respectfully withdraw from this contest and wholeheartedly support Assemblymen Auth and Azzariti.
In November, Kurpis entered the contest.
“I don’t regret anything,” he replied. I stand by the choices I’ve made along the road, and I’m proud of how I’ve handled the situation.
The remaining contenders facing Auth and Azzariti are Mahwah Councilman Ward Donigian, Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo, and investment banker and former congressional candidate Frank Pallotta.
Kurpis, the son of Saddle River Mayor Albert Kurpis, ran alongside Azzariti, a Saddle River councilman at the time, for the Republican candidacy for Assembly in 2021. They lost by more than 3,000 votes against two incumbents, Auth and DeAnne DeFuccio (R-Upper Saddle River).
Kurpis sought party support for the seat in 2023 when DeFuccio declined to run again, but he withdrew after Republicans backed Azzariti.
Kurpis criticized Auth for backing State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) in the Republican race for governor last November.
“I’m fighting for the average person and will stop at nothing to help the people, including running sell-out Republicans over,” Kurpis stated, putting the NJ GOP’s loser Bramnick wing on notice.
