2002 United States Senate election in New Jersey

none March 2026 September 2023 2002 United States Senate election in New Jersey New Jersey presidential no 1996 United States Senate election in New Jersey 1996 2008 United States Senate election in New Jersey 2008 November 5, 2002 46%https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/other/2022-1925-general-election-data.pdf General Election Data - 1924 to 2022 NJ.gov ( 26pp) File:Frank Lautenberg.jpg 150x150px Frank Lautenberg(replacing Robert Torricelli) Democratic Party (United States) 1,138,193 53.88% 3x4.svg Doug Forrester Republican Party (United States) 928,439 43.95% 280px County results 280px Congressional district results Lautenberg: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90%Forrester: #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli Democratic Party (United States) Frank Lautenberg Democratic Party (United States) The 2002 United States Senate election in New Jersey was held on November 5, 2002. Former U.S. senator Frank Lautenberg was elected over Republican businessman Doug Forrester. Democratic incumbent Robert Torricelli dropped out of the race on September 30 in the face of ethical misconduct allegations, a formal admonishment by the Senate Ethics Committee, and poor public polling. Primary elections were held on June 4. Torricelli, the target of a federal ethics probe, was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Forrester won a competitive Republican primary over state senators Diane Allen and John Matheussen. Another leading candidate, Essex County executive James W. Treffinger, dropped out on April 22 amid a federal criminal investigation for bribery. In the general election, Torricelli steadily fell behind Forrester in public polling and dropped out in late September. The New Jersey Democratic State Committee replaced him with Frank Lautenberg, who had held the state's other Senate seat from 1982 until 2001. Forrester's campaign filed legal proceedings aimed at forcing Torricelli's name to remain on the ballot, but the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously on October 2 that Lautenberg could replace Torricelli. On election day, Lautenberg defeated Forrester by a 9.9 percentage point margin to win a fourth, non-consecutive term as U.S. senator. At 78, Lautenberg became the oldest non-incumbent to win a Senate election.Would Ted Strickland be the oldest freshman senator ever elected? Here's his competition.. Vox. 25 February 2015. Lautenberg became the state's junior senator for the second time when he was sworn in on January 3, 2003, as his previous terms in the Senate were not counted for purposes of seniority. As of 2026, this is the last time a replacement nominee in a Senate race went on to win the general election. Democratic primary Candidates Robert Torricelli, incumbent U.S. senator since 1997 Results Although Torricelli would later withdraw from the race, he was unopposed for the Democratic nomination on June 4. 2002 Democratic U.S. Senate primaryhttps://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2002/2002pri-elect-senate-candidate-tally.pdf Official List: Candidates for US Senate For June 2002 Primary Election New Jersey Department of State September 9, 2026 July 23, 2002 Democratic Party (United States) Robert Torricelli (incumbent) 181,468 100.00% 181,468 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Diane Allen, state senator from Moorestown since 1998 Doug Forrester, businessman and former mayor of West Windsor (1981–82) John J. Matheussen, state senator from Mantua since 1992 Withdrew Guy R. Gregg, assemblyman from Washington Township (Morris County) and former Assembly majority whiphttps://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/06/nyregion/worth-noting-yet-another-republican-wants-to-take-on-torricelli.html WORTH NOTING; Yet Another Republican Wants to Take on Torricelli The New York Times 6 January 2002 Fitzgerald Barbara (withdrew April 8; endorsed Treffinger)https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/09/nyregion/2-quit-primary-as-the-gop-gets-ready-for-torricelli.html 2 Quit Primary as the G.O.P. Gets Ready for Torricelli The New York Times 9 April 2002 Peterson Iver Robert Ray, former Whitewater controversy special counsel (withdrew April 8) James W. Treffinger, Essex County executive and candidate for Senate in 2000https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/21/nyregion/treffinger-enters-2002-race-for-torricelli-s-senate-seat.html Treffinger Enters 2002 Race For Torricelli's Senate Seat The New York Times 2001-11-21 (withdrew April 22)https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/23/nyregion/after-us-raid-treffinger-quits-senate-race-in-new-jersey.html After U.S. Raid, Treffinger Quits Senate Race In New Jersey 2002-04-23 The New York Times Iver Peterson 2010-05-05 Declined Lewis Eisenberg, former chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Steve Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine and candidate for president in 1996 and 2000 Thomas Kean, former governor of New Jersey (1982–90) Campaign Many Republicans were eager to take on Torricelli, who was the subject of a federal investigation into his fundraising practices in his 1996 election. James W. Treffinger became the first candidate to officially announce his campaign in November 2001, shortly after the state elections which ended a decade of Republican rule. Much speculation at the time revolved around popular former Governor Thomas Kean, whom party chair Joe Kyrillos referred to as a "star player." At the April 8 filing deadline, the two trailing candidates, Assemblyman Guy Gregg and attorney Robert Ray, dropped out of the race. Gregg endorsed Treffinger, who seemingly became the front-runner for the nomination. However, Treffinger's campaign collapsed less than two weeks later, when his office was raided by federal agents as part of an investigation into his acceptance of campaign contributions in exchange for public contracts. Many state and national Republicans withdrew their support from Treffinger. Four days after the raid, he withdrew from the race.Los Angeles Times 23 Apr 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-apr-23-mn-39432-story.html registration 28 Apr 2022 Treffinger Drops Out of Senate Race After Search Results 2002 Republican U.S. Senate primary Republican Party (United States) Doug Forrester 97,275 44.56% Republican Party (United States) Diane Allen 80,476 36.87% Republican Party (United States) John J. Matheussen 40,549 18.58% 218,300 100.00% Aftermath Treffinger was arrested in October and indicted by U.S. Attorney Chris Christie on twenty counts of extortion, fraud, obstructing a federal investigation, and conspiracy.https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/29/nyregion/us-charges-essex-leader-with-extortion.html U.S. Charges Essex Leader With Extortion The New York Times 2002-10-29 Laura Mansnerus 2010-05-05 He pleaded guilty in May 2003 to one count of obstruction and one count of mail fraud.https://www.justice.gov/usao/nj/press/files/tr0530_r.htm Former Essex County Executive James Treffinger Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice, Mail Fraud 2003-05-30 United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey 2010-02-15 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100830152135/http://www.justice.gov/usao/nj/press/files/tr0530_r.htm 2010-08-30 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/31/nyregion/treffinger-pleads-guilty-to-corruption.html Treffinger Pleads Guilty To Corruption The New York Times 2003-05-31 Ronald Smothers 2010-05-05 General election Candidates Doug Forrester, businessman and former mayor of West Windsor (Republican) Ted Glick (Green) Frank Lautenberg, former U.S. senator (1982–2001) (Democratic) Elizabeth Macron (Libertarian) Greg Pason, national secretary of the Socialist Party USA and perennial candidate (Socialist) Norman E. Wahner (Conservative) Withdrew Robert Torricelli, incumbent U.S. senator since 1997 (Democratic) Campaign On July 30, the United States Senate Ethics Committee issued a letter which "severely admonished" Torricelli for failing to disclose gifts he received and accepted from a donor.Kocieniewski This article was reported by David Golden Tim Hulse Carl Golden Written By Mr 2002-07-31 ETHICS COMMITTEE FAULTS TORRICELLI ON GIFT VIOLATIONS https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/31/nyregion/ethics-committee-faults-torricelli-on-gift-violations.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130616093941/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/31/nyregion/ethics-committee-faults-torricelli-on-gift-violations.html?ref=davidchang 2013-06-16 2024-07-03 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 In late September, evidence was revealed about the relationship between Torricelli and the donor, and the donor was interviewed on WNBC in a segment dubbed "The Prisoner and the Politician".Kornacki Steve 2013-06-03 The luckiest day of Frank Lautenberg's life https://www.salon.com/2013/06/03/the_luckiest_day_of_frank_lautenbergs_life/ 2024-07-03 Salon en Torricelli dropped out of the race on September 30 due to ethical problems and poor poll numbers against Forrester, a relatively unknown opponent.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/torricelli_09-30-02.html Online NewsHour Update: Torricelli Quits Re-election Bid -- Sept. 30, 2002 PBS 2017-09-17 2012-11-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20121111165515/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/torricelli_09-30-02.html dead Replacement nominee and lawsuit Various candidates were sought after to replace Torricelli, including former U.S. senator Bill Bradley and current U.S. representatives Bob Menendez and Frank Pallone. The New Jersey Democratic State Committee eventually chose former U.S. senator Frank Lautenberg as the party's candidate. In The New Jersey Democratic Party v. Samson, 175 N.J. 178 (2002), Forrester sued to prevent Lautenberg from replacing Torricelli on the ballot. On October 2, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Democratic Party had the right to nominate Lautenberg.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2002/races/nj_senate.html Online NewsHour: Vote 2002 -- New Jersey Senate Race PBS 2017-09-17 2012-11-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20121111165525/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2002/races/nj_senate.html dead Endorsements Forrester received the endorsement of President George W. Bush.Remarks by the President at Doug Forrester for Senate Event, White House press release dated September 23, 2002 Debates Complete video of debate, September 5, 2002 Complete video of debate, September 12, 2002 Complete video of debate, October 30, 2002 Complete video of debate, November 2, 2002 Predictions SourceRankingAs ofSabato's Crystal Ballhttp://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/senate_all.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20021118115505/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/senate_all.htm November 18, 2002 Senate Races www.centerforpolitics.org en-US November 4, 2002 June 25, 2021 dead mdy-all Lean DNovember 4, 2002 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear Marginof error BobTorricelli (D) DougForrester (R) Other /Undecided QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute January 30, 2002 Torricelli At 50 Percent In First Look At Senate Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Most New Jersey Voters Say Ethics Probe Has No Impact https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=419 August 28, 2025 January 22–28, 2002 1,018 RV ±3.1% 50% 26% 22% QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute March 6, 2002 Torricelli Strong Leader, But So-So On Other Traits, New Jersey Voters Tell Quinnipiac University Poll; Diane Allen Runs Slightly Better In No-Name Pack https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=421 August 28, 2025The New York Times 10 Mar 2002 NJ2 Peterson Iver Latest Polling Figures Give Diane Allen a Ray of Hope February 28–March 4, 2002 1,005 RV ±3.1% 53% 26% 21% QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute April 24, 2002 Republican Challengers Close Gap Against Torricelli, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Torricelli, Gov. McGreevey Stuck With So-So Approvals https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=423 August 28, 2025 April 17–22, 2002 837 RV ±3.4% 47% 29% 24%Rutgers-EagletonRutgers-EagletonSeptember 2025 June 5–9, 2002 626 RV ±4.0% 43% 29% 21% QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute June 19, 2002 GOP Challenger In Striking Distance Of Torricelli, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Senate Race Pits Unknown Vs. Unliked https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=425 August 28, 2025The New York Times 22 Aug 2002 B1 Mansnerus Laura Polls Suggest Torricelli Has An Even Race June 11–17, 2002 736 RV ±3.6% 44% 36% 21% QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute August 8, 2002 Ethics Probe Leaves Torricelli In NJ Horse Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; DEM Defectors Not Moving To GOP Challenger https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=427 August 28, 2025 July 31–August 6, 2002 879 RV ±3.3% 37% 37% 28% Torricelli internal August 2002 ? LV ? 40% 40% 20% Forrester internal August 19, 2002 ? LV ? 35% 47% 18% SurveyUSA August 21, 2002 978 RV ±3.3% 37% 48% 15%Rutgers-EagletonSeptember 2025 September 3–8, 2002 537 LV ±4.0% 37% 33% 30%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute September 12, 2002 Forrester Ahead By A Nose In New Jersey Horse Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Most Vote Against Torricelli, Not For Challenger https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=428 August 28, 2025 September 3–10, 2002 1,341 LV ±2.7% 45% 41% 14% 861 LV ±3.3% 44% 48% 9%Rutgers-EagletonSeptember 2025 September 18–25, 2002 547 RV 34% 41% 26% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear Marginof error FrankLautenberg (D) DougForrester (R) Other /Undecided QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute October 7, 2002 Launtenberg Inches Ahead In Jersey Senate Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; 54% Say Democratic Candidate Swap Was Unfair https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=429 August 28, 2025 October 2–6, 2002 514 LV 4.3% 49% 45% 6%Rutgers-EagletonSeptember 2025 October 3–6, 2002801 A ±4.0% 46% 40% 14% 530 LV ±4.5% 44% 44% 12%Rutgers-EagletonSeptember 2025 October 13–17, 2002 793 RV ±3.5% 44% 35% 22% QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute October 22, 2002 Lautenberg Widens Lead In Jersey Senate Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Lead Grows Among Independents And Women Voters https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=430 August 28, 2025Lautenberg leads Forrester, poll finds Stainton Lilo H. Gannett State Bureau Camden Courier-Post 23 Oct 2002 3 https://www.newspapers.com/image/184391840/ subscription 14 Oct 2002 October 16–20, 2002 603 LV ±4.0% 52% 43% 4% NYT–CBS NewsThe New York Times 26 Oct 2002 B1 Kocieniewski David Connelly Marjorie Democrats Stronger with Lautenberg, Poll Shows October 19–24, 2002 772 RV ±? 46% 39% 21%5% were for "other candidates."SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 27–29, 2002 732 LV ±3.7% 51% 41% 8%Rutgers-EagletonSeptember 2025 October 27–31, 2002 909 RV ±3.5% 51% 34% 14% 458 LV ±3.5% 52% 40% 8% QuinnipiacQuinnipiac University Polling Institute November 4, 2002 Lautenberg Has 50-39 % Lead In Jersey Senate Race, Final Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Forrester Gains No Ground In Two Weeks https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=432 August 28, 2025 October 28–November 3, 2002 574 LV ±4.1% 50% 39% 11% Research 2000/The RecordAll the polls pointing to Lautenberg Stile Charles 3 Nov 2002 1 https://www.newspapers.com/image/499880558/ subscription 14 Oct 2022 November 1–2, 2002 600 LV ±4.0% 51% 42% 8% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); with Diane Allen Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error RobertTorricelli (D) DianeAllen (R) Undecided Quinnipiac February 28–March 4, 2002 1,005 RV ±3.1% 49% 30% 20% Quinnipiac April 17–22, 2002 837 RV ±3.4% 44% 32% 24% with Guy Gregg Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error RobertTorricelli (D) GuyGregg (R) Undecided Quinnipiac January 22–28, 2002 1,018 RV ±3.1% 51% 25% 24% Quinnipiac February 28–March 4, 2002 1,005 RV ±3.1% 52% 26% 21% with John Matheussen Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error RobertTorricelli (D) JohnMatheussen (R) Undecided Quinnipiac February 28–March 4, 2002 1,005 RV ±3.1% 52% 28% 20% Quinnipiac April 17–22, 2002 837 RV ±3.4% 46% 31% 23% with Robert Ray Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error RobertTorricelli (D) RobertRay (R) Undecided Quinnipiac February 28–March 4, 2002 1,005 RV ±3.1% 53% 28% 20% with James Treffinger Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error RobertTorricelli (D) JamesTreffinger (R) Undecided Quinnipiac January 22–28, 2002 1,018 RV ±3.1% 49% 28% 23% Quinnipiac February 28–March 4, 2002 1,005 RV ±3.1% 51% 27% 21% Quinnipiac April 17–22, 2002 837 RV ±3.4% 45% 29% 26% Results 2002 United States Senate election in New JerseyNJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml 2025-01-16 nj.gov Democratic Party (United States) Frank Lautenberg 1,138,193 53.88% +0.76% Republican Party (United States) Doug Forrester 928,439 43.95% +1.02% Green Party (United States) Ted Glick 24,308 1.15% N/A Libertarian Party (United States) Elizabeth Macron 12,558 0.59% N/A Conservative Norman E. Wahner 6,404 0.30% N/A Socialist Party USA Greg Pason 2,702 0.13% N/A 2,112,604 100.00% Democratic Party (United States) By county County2002 Senate Election (Official Returns) Commonwealth of New Jersey by county https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2002/2002gen-elect_senate-candidate_tally.pdf Frank LautenbergDecember Doug ForresterRepublican Various candidatesOther parties Margin Total votes cast # % # % # % # % Atlantic 33,277 53.85% 27,236 44.07% 1,288 2.08% 6,041 9.78% 61,801 Bergen 139,241 54.81% 110,272 43.40% 4,547 1.79% 28,969 11.41% 254,060 Burlington 61,476 51.71% 54,846 46.13% 2,563 2.16% 6,630 5.58% 118,885 Camden 77,640 63.21% 41,628 33.89% 3,564 2.90% 36,012 29.32% 122,832 Cape May 14,760 44.59% 17,751 53.63% 587 1.77% -2,991 -9.04% 33,098 Cumberland 17,020 54.64% 13,189 42.34% 943 3.03% 3,831 12.30% 31,152 Essex 114,624 71.09% 44,072 27.33% 2,541 1.58% 70,552 43.76% 161,237 Gloucester 41,009 55.47% 31,140 42.12% 1,776 2.40% 9,869 13.35% 73,925 Hudson 74,127 72.76% 25,194 24.73% 2,560 2.51% 48,933 48.03% 101,881 Hunterdon 13,890 34.57% 25,124 62.53% 1,163 2.90% -11,234 -27.96% 40,177 Mercer 53,675 57.59% 37,195 39.91% 2,338 2.51% 16,480 17.68% 93,208 Middlesex 98,019 58.64% 65,128 38.96% 4,009 2.40% 32,891 19.68% 167,156 Monmouth 79,730 46.24% 88,424 51.28% 4,278 2.48% -8,694 -5.04% 172,432 Morris 55,592 40.29% 79,984 57.97% 2,406 1.74% -29,640 -17.68% 137,982 Ocean 69,328 45.24% 80,592 52.59% 3,315 2.16% -11,264 -7.35% 153,235 Passaic 53,275 56.14% 39,822 41.96% 1,806 1.90% 13,453 14.18% 94,903 Salem 10,232 50.47% 9,487 46.79% 556 2.74% 745 3.68% 20,275 Somerset 36,476 43.42% 45,590 54.26% 1,951 2.32% -9,114 -10.84% 84,017 Sussex 13,673 34.34% 25,099 63.04% 1,045 2.62% -11,426 -28.70% 39,817 Union 70,085 57.73% 49,243 40.56% 2,074 1.71% 20,842 17.17% 121,402 Warren 11,044 36.16% 17,423 57.05% 2,074 6.79% -6,379 -20.89% 30,541Totals1,138,19353.88%928,43943.95%45,9722.17%209,7549.93%2,112,604 Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Salem (largest municipality: Pennsville Township) right 280px Swing by county 280px Trend relative to the state by county Legend #ff8080 Republican — +5−7.5% #ffaaaa Republican — +2.5−5% #ffd5d5 Republican — +0−2.5% #d5f6ff Democratic — +0−2.5% #aaeeff Democratic — +2.5−5% #77e3ff Democratic — +5−7.5% 280px County flips Legend Democratic #92c5de Hold #0671b0 Flip Republican #f48882 Hold See also 2002 United States Senate elections Notes References 2002 New Jersey Category:2002 New Jersey elections