WHO’S UP

Tom Malinowski

Dogged by residency issues, the CD7 candidate this week nonetheless scored a critical 7-6 victory for the Union County Democratic Committee line, effectively eliminating rival Linda Weber (see below) from the contest. Although a devilishly energized U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7) was telling people at the Somerville St. Patrick’s Day Parade that his preferred general election opponent is Malinowski, a victory by Democrat Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania’s 18th District sent a shudder of worry through NJ Republicans.

Alex Mendez

The At-Large Paterson Councilman drew the coveted 1A ballot position earlier this week in the contest to succeed jailed Mayor Jose “Joey’ Torres.

John McCann

It’s just two towns, but the win in Passaic for a candidate who expects to also receive the Bergen GOP (such as it is) line still gives the Bergen attorney additional CD5 Republican Primary traction against former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan.

Jon Bramnick

Having had his local bell rung last year when Democrats took over the mayoralty in Westfield, the Assembly Republican Leader could seize back some GOP tax thunder on the heels of Governor Phil Murphy’s $1.5 billion in new taxes budget address.

Mike Suleiman

The Atlantic County Democratic Committee Chairman has the votes – and the backing of former Senator Colin Bell (D-2) for another tour of duty when he faces committee members in June.

Gabe Rodriguez

The West New York Commissioner (close to U.S. Rep. Albio Sires [D-8]) summoned the votes (including his own) to displace a Mayor Felix Roque functionary and take over the coveted position of director of revenue and finance.

Josh Welle

In another key convention victory giving him a 2-0 edge, the CD4 hopeful registered a 40-16 win over rival Jim Keady at last Sunday’s Ocean County Democratic Convention.

TO BE DETERMINED

Phil Murphy

Republicans appeared energized in the aftermath of the Democratic Governor’s 2019 Budget Address, while Democratic leadership melted into the foliage. Certainly the Governor – who enjoys early support among progressives – will have to contend with Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) and the senate prez’s corporate tax alternative to Murphy’s proposed millionaires’ tax. TBD.

WHO’S DOWN

Linda Weber

The CD7 Democratic hopeful – a banker from Berkeley Heights – suspended her campaign this week following her heartbreaking loss to Malinowski (see above).

CD2 Republicans

Challenged by retired teacher Tanzie Youngblood, Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-2) has his own Democratic Primary base issues to contend with, namely his pro-gun record in this environment. But the GOP cannot agree on a candidate. Former Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi has the line in Cape May. Engineer Hirsh Singh has lines in Ocean and Burlington. And Somers Point Councilman James Toto has the line in Salem.

Alex Cruz

He tried this week, and in the process pointed out that the clerk has in fact certified his candidacy, but the Paterson mayoral candidate still faces issues regarding his residency.

Susan Colacurcio

The West New York Commissioner was collateral damage in the DeGise v. Stack wars as her colleagues voted her out of the powerful director of finance commission slot as payback to Mayor Felix Roque for backing Stack and Fulop over Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise.

Jim Keady

The CD4 Democrat came up short again in his bid for the support of the Ocean County Democratic Committee. Rival Welle beat him again, a week after Keady fell in Monmouth. But all is not lost, says one wired-in CD4 source, who notes the new voter energy on the ground in the district, which Keady – running to Welle’s left – hopes to galvanize in June. At least one insider noted the potential for Democrats in CD4 this year to duplicate the dynamics of what the CD6 Republicans did in 2010, when Tea Party Atlantic Highlands Mayor Anna Little – running to the right off the line – shocked establishment favorite Diane Gooch.

Steve Lonegan

The CD5 Republican Primary candidate bit the dust in Passaic to Bergen attorney John McCann (see above) by a vote of 19-4.

Carl Hokanson

Dumped by a 21-0 committee vote from the Roselle Park Democratic line, the incumbent mayor changed party affiliation to run as an independent. The local party committee has thrown its support behind Joseph Signorello.