Redistricting Update
Fellow Democrats,
I wanted to give you an update on the effects of redistricting on Atlantic County.
Yesterday, the New Jersey Apportionment Commission adopted the new state legislative map for this decade. Here is how the new map affects Atlantic County:
Legislative District 2 becomes an even more competitive, Atlantic County-only district. Galloway Township and Port Republic were drawn into the district while also keeping Somers Point, something for which the Somers Point Democratic Club strongly advocated. The new Legislative District 2 is now close to being a majority-minority district, which is a big victory for our county.
Buena Boro and Buena Vista Township were redrawn into the Fourth Legislative District in Gloucester County. While we’re sad to see them leave the Second District, they are in good hands with strong Democratic representatives: Senator Fred Madden, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, and Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera. These legislators will have a tough election next year, but we look forward to doing everything we can to help them.
The town of Hammonton will remain in Legislative District 8 with southern Burlington County. Joining Hammonton in District 8 are Folsom, Mullica Township, and Egg Harbor City. This is unfortunate because this map makes District 8, which has been historically competitive, more Republican. Nevertheless, we stand ready to partner with our friends in the Burlington County Democratic Committee to field strong candidates for the Legislature next year.
Corbin City, Estell Manor, and Weymouth Township will remain in the First Legislative District. It is our hope that the addition of Bridgeton in Cumberland County to this district will make it more competitive for Democrats.
In terms of county commissioner redistricting, Thelma Witherspoon and I are continuing the progress with the Atlantic County Commissioner Redistricting Commission, which is charged with redrawing our five county commissioner districts. The Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court recently appointed an independent fifth member, retired Superior Court Judge Georgia Curio, to our commission. We look forward to working with her and the other members of the Commission to draw a fair and representative map for the people of Atlantic County.
Finally, be sure to register for the 47th Annual Atlantic County Democratic Convention which will be on Sunday, March 20. If you’re interested in running for office at the county or local levels, please email us a resume to info@atlanticdemocrats.com.
Sincerely,
Chairman Michael Suleiman