Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) issued a statement in response to the announcement released by Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19).

“I know who my supporters are in the Assembly Democratic caucus based on my direct conversations with them and from working closely with them for years,” Prieto said. “At this time I believe our party should be focused on helping Phil Murphy secure the Democratic nomination and ultimately become our next Governor by winning in November, not on an internal leadership decision. As we all know, the entire Assembly will also be on the ballot soon and the current Democratic caucus will be different from the one that will be deciding on leadership in January. Until the voters make their decision and we know who will have the privilege of serving in the Assembly, an announcement of this type is premature.”