Paterson Allies Wimberly and Sumter Battle for LD-35 Senate Seat
Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly stalwartly presiding over a disparity study belies the disparity between the two of them, presumably, with a state senate seat aloft and both assembly people eminently qualified and hungry for a promotion.
They can’t both occupy the seat surrendered by Nellie Pou as the latter occupies the congressional seat
left behind by the late Bill Pascrell. A special convention on the other side of the November 5th election will decide who gets the backing of the LD-35 portion of the Passaic County Democratic Committee led by Chairman John Currie, and the go ahead to fill Pou’s unexpired senate term.
“I’ve never been shy about looking for an opportunity to serve my constituents,” Sumter told InsiderNJ earlier today when asked about the said.
Said Budget Committee veteran Wimberly, “I’m running for the seat.”
The long-time slate mates both hail from Paterson and will look to make a statement about their commitment to Silk City.
The committee that backs one or the other in a convention not yet scheduled but rumored to be in January will install that person and give him or her the advantage of incumbency, even as next year’s gubernatorial dramas against the backdrop of a watered-down county party line could play havoc with people’s political plans (more on that below).
Will others screen for the senate seat? Usually, a council person or two will toss a name in the ring. Maybe someone will have the gall to politely suggest that Paterson needs both sitting Assembly people in the assembly and, for the good of the order, posits a senate candidacy on an argument of minimal disruption and in the name of avoiding district disparity.
But that’s hardly likely.
A source familiar with the dynamics of the 35th District said the assembly contest could prove more intriguing, at least for the moment, as the assembly is up next year as part of a regularly scheduled cycle, and a candidate going for the seat caused by the vacancy of either Wimberly or Sumter moving up to the senate will have to work within the intense atmosphere of the developing gubernatorial primary and all its inevitably shifting alliances.
His work in the community is second to none!
We wish him well!
Assemblyman Wimberly is the man for the job. He has a great track record for getting things done.
Assemblyman Wimberly has been a genuine and effective advocate of the mainstream people of NJ for decades. He has my vote!
“May the work he’s done speak for him.” He’s the best person to represent the 35th district. His commitment to Paterson and his fellow towns is undeniable. He works extremely well with others to ensure the good for all is the standard. Simply, he fights for all and demands everyone has a place at the table. Let’s go #Team Wimberly
See above, THAT says it all.
The right choice at the right time
Assemblyman Wimberly without question is the right person for the job. Born leader
Wimberly has an impeccable for being a leader within his community and the state. He has impacted the lives of hundreds of constituents and is truly a dedicated public servent.
Wow, A source familiar with the dynamics of the 35th District said: It is very obvious that the source familiar with District 35 is someone who is not familiar with black on black crime, whether it is by the bullet or by the ballot. This process is not even by the public opinion or ballot, SOMEONE close to the process is trying to create a Black on-BLACK political uprise. A survey to determine who is replacing a State Senator is VERY disrespectful to all the work, All 3 of our District representatives have done.
SHAME on whomever that person/persons and NJInsiders. Everyone knows this comes down to an appointed, that has already been determined. This article has nothing to do with either current assembly members but more about whoever has been preselected to replace them or our current senator. ENOUGH is ENOUGH, STOP using our people for decisions that have been made without any input from us.
The psychology of slavery is still being used in 2024, let us all wake up, grow up, and become more consciously aware.
Let’s work together and choose the best person to represent all. Stop fighting and start working in a way to better the community and Our Country. 🙏🏾 Father God please help us to put the leaders of your choice not Ours. You know what we need more then ourselves. I pray your will be done not my will. Amen
Wimberly has not only shown an ability to lead but to listen—working tirelessly to build bridges and unite people around common goals.
Whatever happened to the concept of denying oneself for the benefit of ALL. You have the sliding or revolving vacancy of one seat as a result of another seat. The PARTY needs to get ALL candidates together to see who gets what and when. “WHY KNOWINGLY DIVIDE A COMMUNITY AT A TIME WHEN UNITY IS OF THE UTMOST ?”
Paterson is lucky to have both….either one could make a good LG pick depending on Democratic Nominee..