Your handy breakdown of the national, county, and local races for Tuesday’s primary elections.
By Matt Skoufalos | June 4, 2024
The chief function of New Jersey primary elections is to determine which candidates from each of New Jersey’s political parties will represent them in the general election November 5, 2024.
In addition, the primaries also decide which members of various factions within a given party will join their respective state and county organizing committees.
New Jersey has closed primaries, which means voters must declare their affiliations for a party in order to participate. Registered, unaffiliated voters may participate, provided they have never previously declared a party affiliation, or are first-time primary election voters.
Photo by Parker Johnson on Unsplash – https://goo.gl/yFknSf.
What’s at Stake
In this election, New Jersey voters will select the candidates who will represent them in major national races this fall, including the U.S. presidential, senatorial, and congressional races.
Camden County voters will also select candidates for three seats on the Board of County Commissioners, as well as for the offices of Camden County Sheriff and Camden County Clerk.
Primary ballots also include nominations of committee members to the state and local Democratic and Republican parties.
U.S. Presidential Race
On the Democratic ticket, incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden faces challenges from anti-abortion activist Terrisa Bukovinac as well as an option to vote “Uncommitted” on the office from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). DSA ran no candidate, only the slogan “Justice for Palestine, Permanent Ceasefire Now.” This breakdown by the New Jersey Monitor has more.
Republican Donald Trump faces no balloted opposition within his own party in New Jersey.
U.S. Senate Race
On the Democratic ticket, U.S. Representative Andy Kim (NJ-03) of Moorestown, labor policy expert Patricia Campos-Medina of Califon, and activist Lawrence Hamm of Newark are all vying for the U.S. Senate seat held since 2006 by Robert Menendez, who is currently on trial for federal corruption charges.
On Monday, The New Jersey Globe reported that Menendez will seek to defend his seat as an independent, pending the outcome of his trial.
On the Republican ticket, hopefuls include energy consultant Justin Murphy of Tabernacle, Mendham mayor Christine Serrano-Glassner, landscaper Albert Harshaw of Jackson, and hotelier Curtis Bashaw of Cape May.
U.S. Representative Race
Attorney Theodore “Teddy” Liddell of Gloucester Township, sales consultant Claire Gustafson of Collingswood, and union carpenter Damon Galdo of West Deptford all hope to win the Republican nomination for New Jersey’s First Congressional District.
On the Democratic ticket, incumbent U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) faces no primary opposition.
Camden County Sheriff Race
On the Democratic ticket, former Camden County Sheriff Chuck Billingham is seeking to return to an office he once held, and which has been filled by Gilbert “Whip” Wilson for the past three terms. He’ll face Republican Sean Williams in the fall general election. Neither man faces balloted opposition for the position.
Camden County Clerk Race
On the Democratic ticket, long-serving New Jersey Sixth District Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt of Cherry Hill and marketing executive Rebecca Holloway of Clementon will pursue the county clerk position vacated by the retiring Joseph Ripa, who has held it since 2009.
On the Republican ticket, compliance auditor Jennifer Exler of Audubon and Lisa Chambers of Waterford will vie for the opportunity to appear on the ballot in the general election.
Camden County Commissioners Race
Three seats are up for grabs on the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
Incumbents Jeff Nash of Winslow, Melinda Kane of Cherry Hill, and Al Dyer of Pennsauken face challenges from South Jersey Progressive Democrats Kyle Irwin, a Rowan University master’s degree student from Collingswood; ESL teacher Susan Druckenbrod of Cherry Hill, and treatment specialist Elton Custis of Camden City.
On the Camden County Regular Republican Party ticket candidates Danielle Barry, a social worker from Haddonfield, Norman C. Rebel, Jr., and IT consultant Donald J. Smith of Lindenwold face off against USMC veteran Denise Gonzalez of Sicklerville, Jennifer Moore, a confidential aide from Haddon Heights, and EMT Ian Gill, all of whom are running under the slogan “Real Republicans.”
Local Races
In Audubon Park, Democrats Cathleen Lowe and Amy Paratore face no balloted opposition from within their own party for two seats on the local government council. No Republican has filed a petition seeking office.
In Cherry Hill, Democratic Councilwoman Jill Hulnick will defend her unexpired term against Republican challenger and Countrywide Home Care CEO Anna R. Adler in the general election.
Her fellow Democratic Councilman Daniel V. DiRenzo, Jr. squares off against Blackwood Animal Hospital manager Judi L. Giacoboni-Russo on the Republican ticket.
In Haddon Heights, incumbent Democratic Council President Christopher Morgan, an attorney, and incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Kathryn Russo, a civil engineer, face no balloted opposition.
In the November general election, they’ll face Republican challengers Kevin Ehret and Denise Bolognese in the general election.
In Merchantville, incumbent Democratic council members Daniel Sperrazza and Eric P. Benjamin face no balloted opposition from within their own party; neither has any Republican filed a petition seeking office.
In Oaklyn, incumbent Democratic council members Nancy MacGregor and David T. Wright are seeking re-election to office. No Republican has filed a petition seeking any local office.
In Pennsauken, incumbent Democratic Committee members Marco DiBattista and Jessica Rafeh will seek re-election in the November general election. No Republican has filed a petition seeking any local office.
Voter Information
Scroll down for links to your local sample ballot. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide on Tuesday, June 4. After you vote, come back and check with NJ Pen for the results as they come in.
- Not sure which is your polling place? Here’s how to find your polling place by address.
- Not sure if you’re registered to vote? This tool can help you determine if you’re ready to head to the booth.
- Polling place problem? Questions? Call the Board of Elections at 856-401-8683.
