In the 3rd Legislative District, Democrats are poised to select former State Assemblyman John Burzichelli to run for Senate, and for Assembly will be Gloucester County Board of Commissioners Deputy Director Heather Simmons and Dave Bailey Jr. from Salem County, who serves as CEO of Ranch Hope, Inc., a faith-based non-profit that transforms the lives of children, youth and families in South Jersey.

Former State Assemblyman John Burzichelli, a local small business owner, understands the importance of growing the economy in South Jersey, and fought to make the Paulsboro Marine Port and Lower Alloways Creek Wind Logistic Port a reality, which are bringing good paying jobs to the region. As a champion of tax reform, Burzichelli led efforts to eliminate the estate tax, reduced income taxes on retirees & veterans, and helped deliver the largest small business tax cut in New Jersey’s history.

“We are facing a dangerous crossroads in our country, state and communities as politicians have trampled on the priorities and values we have long fought to protect,” said Burzichelli. “Both sides risk undermining the fundamental job at hand to serve the people. We are facing an affordability crisis, attempts to erode healthcare protections, reckless taxation and spending, and we need serious lawmakers more now than ever to tackle serious problems. I’m reinvigorated to return to public office with a fresh perspective because the stakes have never been higher for South Jersey.”

Gloucester County Commissioner Deputy Director Heather Simmons is an accomplished small business owner, who currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Rowan University, and has been recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners, SJ Chapter as “Business Advocate of the Year.” As a commissioner, Simmons has a strong record of fiscal responsibility as she initiated a freeze in government spending, slashed the tax rate, brought in substantial new business investments and thousands of new local jobs.

“Running a small business, we operate on tight margins, and I have taken that approach in government and will as a state lawmaker, I will fight to incorporate similar policies to freeze government spending and make New Jersey more affordable by imposing real fiscal accountability,” said Simmons. “We must hold the line on taxes and spending, while making sure
South Jersey priorities are funded to support our schools, healthcare, veterans, seniors and small businesses.”

Dave Bailey Jr. as the CEO of Ranch Hope, Inc. leads a dynamic team of 200 staff which includes licensed clinicians, educators, health care and management professionals, volunteers and support staff to support children, youth and families in South Jersey. His work includes advocating for public policies and funding to assist children, youth & families, along with extensive civic, community and charitable volunteer efforts.

“Giving back to the community and helping lift up those needing a path to succeed has always driven me to make a difference,” said Bailey Jr. “Serving as a state lawmaker, would expand upon that mission to advocate for both a region of our state often forgotten at the State Capitol and provide so many needing assistance to have a champion on their side. Specifically, when you look at Salem County we know that there are many challenges we face from support for our
agricultural industry, the need to grow economic opportunities, technology infrastructure and giving a lifeline to communities that just need a chance to succeed.”