1983 New Jersey Senate election

none September 2023 November 8, 1983 23 Carmen A. Orechio Carmen A. Orechio Democratic Party (United States) Senate President 2 17 19 18 22nd (Warren Township) January 12, 1982 Donald DiFrancesco Republican Party (United States) 2 21 New Jersey 22 13th (Nutley) January 10, 1978 Carmen A. Orechio Democratic Party (United States) legislative no 48%https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/other/2022-1925-general-election-data.pdf General Election Data - 1924 to 2022 NJ.gov ( 16pp) 1987 New Jersey State Senate election 1987 1981 New Jersey State Senate election 1981 All 40 seats in the New Jersey State Senate 21 1983 New Jersey Senate elections Democratic Party (United States) 1983_New_Jersey_State_Senate_election.svg x300px Results by district#92C5DE Democratic hold #0671B0 Democratic gain#F48882 Republican hold #CA0120 Republican gain The 1983 New Jersey Senate election was held on November 8. The election took place mid-way through the first term of Governor Thomas Kean. Democrats gained a net of two seats after flipping the 11th, 13th, and 38th districts. Meanwhile, Republicans flipped the 18th. Contents Incumbents not running • Summary of resultsBy District: 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 • 26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 • 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 • 38 • 39 • 40 __NOTOC__ Incumbents not running for re-election Democratic Herman T. Costello (District 7) Frank E. Rodgers (District 32) Nicholas LaRocca (District 33) (ran for Assembly) Summary of results by State Senate district DistrictIncumbentPartyElected SenatorParty1st Legislative DistrictJames R. HurleyRepJames R. HurleyRep2nd Legislative DistrictWilliam GormleyGormley won a September 1982 special election to complete the unexpired term of Senator Steven P. Perskie, who resigned to become a judge of the New Jersey Superior Court.RepWilliam GormleyRep3rd Legislative DistrictRaymond ZaneDemRaymond ZaneDem4th Legislative DistrictDaniel DaltonDemDaniel DaltonDem5th Legislative DistrictWalter RandDemWalter RandDem6th Legislative DistrictLee LaskinRepLee LaskinRep7th Legislative DistrictHerman T. CostelloDemCatherine A. CostaDem8th Legislative District Jim SaxtonRepJim SaxtonRep9th Legislative DistrictLeonard T. ConnorsRepLeonard T. ConnorsRep10th Legislative DistrictJohn F. RussoDemJohn F. RussoDem11th Legislative DistrictBrian T. KennedyRepFrank PalloneDem12th Legislative DistrictS. Thomas GaglianoRepS. Thomas GaglianoRep13th Legislative DistrictJohn P. GallagherRepRichard Van WagnerDem14th Legislative DistrictFrancis J. McManimonDemFrancis J. McManimonDem15th Legislative DistrictGerald R. StockmanDemGerald R. StockmanDem16th Legislative DistrictJohn H. EwingRepJohn H. EwingRep17th Legislative DistrictJohn A. Lynch Jr.DemJohn A. Lynch Jr.Dem18th Legislative DistrictJames BornheimerDemPeter P. GaribaldiRep19th Legislative DistrictLaurence WeissDemLaurence WeissDem20th Legislative DistrictRaymond LesniakDemRaymond LesniakDem21st Legislative DistrictC. Louis BassanoRepC. Louis BassanoRep22nd Legislative DistrictDonald DiFrancescoRepDonald DiFrancescoRep23rd Legislative DistrictWalter E. ForanRepWalter E. ForanRep24th Legislative DistrictWayne DumontRepWayne DumontRep25th Legislative DistrictJohn H. DorseyRepJohn H. DorseyRep26th Legislative DistrictJames P. VreelandRepLeanna BrownRep27th Legislative DistrictRichard CodeyDemRichard CodeyDem28th Legislative DistrictJohn P. CaufieldDemJohn P. CaufieldDem29th Legislative DistrictWynona LipmanDemWynona LipmanDem30th Legislative DistrictCarmen OrechioDemCarmen OrechioDem31st Legislative DistrictEdward T. O'Connor Jr.DemEdward T. O'Connor Jr.Dem32nd Legislative DistrictFrank E. RodgersDemThomas F. CowanDem33rd Legislative DistrictNicholas LaRoccaDemChristopher JackmanDem34th Legislative DistrictJoseph BubbaRepJoseph BubbaRep35th Legislative DistrictFrank X. Graves Jr.DemFrank X. Graves Jr.Dem36th Legislative DistrictJoseph HirkalaDemJoseph HirkalaDem37th Legislative DistrictMatthew FeldmanDemMatthew FeldmanDem38th Legislative DistrictJohn PaolellaRepPaul ContilloDem39th Legislative DistrictGerald CardinaleRepGerald CardinaleRep40th Legislative DistrictGarrett HagedornRepGarrett HagedornRep Close races Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%: red District 21, 1.0% red District 18, 1.2% gain blue District 38, 1.4% gain red District 12, 1.8% blue District 11, 1.9% gain red District 34, 2.0% red District 39, 2.4% blue District 13, 8.2% gain blue District 30, 9.6% District 1 General election Candidates James R. Hurley, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Christopher H. Riley (Democratic) Results 1983 general electionCandidates for the Offices of State Senate and General Assembly https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1983/1983-general-results-senate-gen-assembly.pdf 26 June 2021 Republican Party (United States) James R. Hurley (incumbent) 30,141 59.8% 6.0 Democratic Party (United States) Christopher H. Riley 20,232 40.2% 6.0 50,373 100.00% District 2 Democratic primary Candidates Arlene Groch, lawyerSardella Carlo M. 1983-07-24 A 'LAST HURRAH' FOR ATLANTIC COUNTY'S REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/24/nyregion/a-last-hurrah-for-atlantic-countys-republican-committee.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Declined Steven P. Perskie, former Senator (accepted Superior Court judgeship) General election Candidates William Gormley, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Arlene Groch, lawyer (Democratic) James T. Hagen (Senate Independent) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) William Gormley (incumbent) 27,616 56.8% 15.5 Democratic Party (United States) Arlene Groch 19,937 41.0% 16.0 Independent politician James T. Hagen 1,062 2.2% 1.3 48,615 100.00% District 3 General election Candidates Mary Ruth Talley (Republican) Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Raymond Zane (incumbent) 30,179 63.0% 0.2 Republican Party (United States) Mary Ruth Talley 17,743 37.0% 0.2 47,922 100.00% District 4 General election Candidates Daniel Dalton, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Democratic) Christopher Michaele (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Daniel Dalton (incumbent) 21,891 63.9% 0.6 Republican Party (United States) Christopher Michaele 12,379 36.1% 0.6 34,270 100.00% District 5 General election Candidates Gregory B. Montgomery (Democratic) Walter Rand, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Walter Rand (incumbent) 23,446 66.0% 6.0 Republican Party (United States) Gregory B. Montgomery 12,090 34.0% 6.0 35,536 100.00% District 6 General election Candidates Lee B. Laskin, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Francis J. Ward (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Lee B. Laskin (incumbent) 29,783 63.3% 6.6 Democratic Party (United States) Francis J. Ward 17,235 36.7% 6.6 47,018 100.00% District 7 Democratic primary Candidates Catherine A. Costa, Assemblywoman from Willingboro and Burlington County Freeholder Barbara Kalik, Assemblywoman from Willingboro Campaign The race between Costa and Kalik, both Assemblywomen from Willingboro, was expected to be among the most competitive in the state. Though Kalik, who had served since 1977, was better known in Trenton, Costa also served as a Freeholder and was the top vote-getter on the 1981 ticket.Joseph F.Sullivan 1983-03-27 Primary Enlivened https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/27/nyregion/primary-enlivened.html 2016-11-21 The New York Times General election Candidates Catherine A. Costa, Assemblywoman from Willingboro and Burlington County Freeholder (Democratic) Henry W. Metzger (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Catherine A. Costa 26,697 63.1% 6.0 Republican Party (United States) Henry W. Metzger 15,616 36.9% 6.0 42,313 100.00% District 8 General election Candidates Charles H. Ryan (Democratic) Jim Saxton, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Jim Saxton (incumbent) 22,714 63.1% 2.6 Democratic Party (United States) Charles H. Ryan 13,303 36.9% 2.6 36,017 100.00% District 9 General election Candidates Leonard T. Connors, incumbent Senator since 1982 and mayor of Surf City (Republican) Anthony M. Sellitto Jr. (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Leonard T. Connors (incumbent) 31,028 63.3 1.1 Democratic Party (United States) Anthony M. Sellitto, Jr. 17,989 36.7 1.1 49,017 100.00% District 10 General election Candidates Bob Fall (Republican) John F. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) John F. Russo (incumbent) 31,807 63.3 4.7 Republican Party (United States) Bob Fall 18,413 36.7 4.7 50,220 100.00% District 11 General election Candidates Brian T. Kennedy, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Frank Pallone, member of the Long Branch City Council (Democratic) Edgar Van Houten (Bull Moose) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Frank Pallone 24,339 50.4% 9.3 Republican Party (United States) Brian T. Kennedy (incumbent) 23,412 48.5% 9.3 Bull Moose Edgar Van Houten 508 1.1% N/A 48,259 100.00% District 12 General election Candidates S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Alexander D. Lehrer, Monmouth County ProsecutorSullivan Joseph F. 1983-08-28 PROSECUTOR IS FACING A DILEMMA https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/28/nyregion/prosecutor-is-facing-a-dilemma.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Democratic) Withdrew Robert Morgan, doctor (Democratic) Campaign Robert Morgan, the original Democratic nominee, withdrew from the race, citing the pressure of his medical practice. County Prosecutor Alexander Lehrer, the most prominent public official in the county, was initially reluctant to run, worrying that a political campaign had little chance of success and could imperil his ambitions for the state judiciary. Party chair John Fiorino and U.S. Representative James J. Howard recruited him into the race through a draft movement; their support would also be critical to any judicial appointment. Gagliano denied reports that he had implied Lehrer's campaign would threaten his confirmation to the judiciary in the Senate. Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) S. Thomas Gagliano (incumbent) 24,294 50.9% 8.2 Democratic Party (United States) Alexander D. Lehrer 23,414 49.1% 8.2 47,708 100.00% District 13 General election Candidates John P. Gallagher, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Richard Van Wagner, Assemblyman from Middletown TownshipSullivan Joseph F. 1983-11-01 Jersey Voting To Decide Who Runs Legislature https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/01/nyregion/jersey-voting-to-decide-who-runs-legislature.html 2016-12-04 NYTimes.com (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Richard Van Wagner 26,522 54.1% 5.7 Republican Party (United States) John P. Gallagher (incumbent) 22,508 45.9% 5.7 49,030 100.00% District 14 General election Candidates Charles B. W. Durand, former mayor of Franklin TownshipWildstein David 26 Mar 2020 Franny McManimon, former state senator, dies at 93 https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/franny-mcmanimon-former-state-senator-dies-at-93/ New Jersey Globe (Republican) Francis J. McManimon, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Francis J. McManimon (incumbent) 30,376 63.5% 5.8 Republican Party (United States) Charles B. W. Durand 17,448 36.5% 5.8 47,824 100.00% District 15 General election Candidates Robert A. Gladstone (Republican) Gerald R. Stockman, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Gerald R. Stockman (incumbent) 29,967 67.3% 10.9 Republican Party (United States) Robert A. Gladstone 14,543 32.7% 10.9 44,510 100.00% District 16 General election Candidates John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Alfred A. Wicklund (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) John H. Ewing (incumbent) 27,383 67.4% 1.9 Democratic Party (United States) Alfred A. Wicklund 13,242 32.6% 1.9 40,625 100.00% District 17 General election Candidates John A. Lynch Jr., incumbent Senator since 1982 and mayor of New Brunswick (Democratic) Frank A. Santoro (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) John A. Lynch Jr. (incumbent) 19,703 65.3% 4.7 Republican Party (United States) Frank A. Santoro 10,449 34.7% 1.2 30,152 100.00% District 18 General election Candidates James Bornheimer, incumbent Senator since 1982 Peter P. Garibaldi, former Assemblyman and mayor of Monroe Township (Republican) Robert S. Maurer, Edison residentSullivan Joseph F. 1983-11-06 POLITICS; ELECTION WILL CAST LONG SHADOW https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/06/nyregion/politics-election-will-cast-long-shadow.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Sullivan Joseph F. 1983-10-28 KEAN CAMPAIGNS FOR A G.O.P. SENATE https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/28/nyregion/kean-campaigns-for-a-gop-senate.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Independent) Campaign Garibaldi stressed the issue of auto insurance premiums, which he said remained unsatisfactorily high despite recent legislation to slow rate increases. He also cited his opposition to property revaluation programs in several towns, including Monroe and East Brunswick, which shifted local property tax burdens from commercial to residential property owners. Garibaldi said he had gone to court to stop the Monroe revaluation over disagreements with the group hired to conduct the survey. Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Peter P. Garibaldi 24,397 47.9% 0.0 Democratic Party (United States) James W. Bornheimer (incumbent) 23,814 46.7% 5.4 Independent politician Robert S. Maurer 2,769 5.4% N/A 50,980 100.00% District 19 General election Candidates James W. Inman (Republican) Laurence S. Weiss, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Laurence S. Weiss (incumbent) 28,251 59.0 1.4 Republican Party (United States) James W. Inman 19,603 41.0 1.4 47,854 100.00% District 20 Democratic primary Candidates John Brady, Elizabeth residentSullivan Joseph F. 1983-06-06 JERSEY PRIMARIES TOMORROW BEAR ON LEGISLATIVE CONTROL https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/06/nyregion/jersey-primaries-tomorrow-bear-on-legislative-control.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Rocco Gallo, Elizabeth resident Joseph M. Hartnett, Rahway resident Raymond Lesniak, Assemblyman from Elizabeth Results Alongside the primary election, Lesniak won a special election to complete the unexpired term of John T. Gregorio, who had been convicted of conspiring to conceal his ownership of two Linden taverns. General election Candidates Raymond Lesniak, incumbent Senator since June 1983 (Democratic) Rose Zeidwerg Monyek, Rahway resident (Inflation Fighting Housewife) Alfred D. Palermo, Linden Republican chairman and real estate businessman (Republican) Joseph P. Scanlon (Beam the Bomb) Harold J. Young, Rahway resident (Independent) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Raymond Lesniak (incumbent) 23,246 64.5% 0.6 Republican Party (United States) Alfred D. Palermo 11,868 32.9% 5.4 Inflation Fighting Housewife Rose Zeidwerg Monyek 389 1.1% 2.4 Beam the Bomb Joseph P. Scanlon 305 0.8% N/A Independent politician Harold J. Young 217 0.6% 3.3 36,025 100.00% District 21 General election Candidates C. Louis Bassano, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Anthony E. Russo, former Senator (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) C. Louis Bassano (incumbent) 29,300 50.5% 1.4 Democratic Party (United States) Anthony E. Russo 28,734 49.5% 1.4 58,034 100.00% District 22 General election Candidates Donald DiFrancesco, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Republican) Thomas M. McCormack (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Donald DiFrancesco (incumbent) 29,005 66.6% 1.3 Democratic Party (United States) Thomas M. McCormack 14,576 33.4% 1.3 43,581 100.00% District 23 General election Candidates Walter E. Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Republican) William Martin Jr. (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Walter E. Foran (incumbent) 27,224 69.2% 5.9 Democratic Party (United States) William Martin, Jr. 12,101 30.8% 5.9 39,325 100.00% District 24 General election Candidates Wayne Dumont, incumbent Senator since 1968Dumont previously served in the Senate from 1952 to 1966. (Republican) Clarence W. Sickles (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Wayne Dumont (incumbent) 29,279 75.6% 1.8 Democratic Party (United States) Clarence W. Sickles 9,431 24.4% 1.8 38,710 100.00% District 25 General election Candidates John H. Dorsey, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Allen Hantman (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) John H. Dorsey (incumbent) 25,529 65.4% 2.6 Democratic Party (United States) Allen Hantman 13,524 34.6% 2.6 39,053 100.0 District 26 Republican primary Campaign Leanna Brown, Assemblywoman from Chatham Township James P. Vreeland, incumbent Senator since 1974 Campaign Brown announced her campaign in March, claiming that she was running on economic issues rather than in opposition to Vreeland, who had been her running mate since 1980. The seat had been expected to go to Assemblyman Dean Gallo of Parsippany on Vreeland's retirement. Brown called for "new ideas", a veiled jab at the 73-year old Vreeland. Her campaign out-raised and out-advertised Vreeland. General election Candidates Leanna Brown, Assemblywoman from Chatham Township (Republican) Anthony Calvino (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Leanna Brown 24,348 68.2% 1.7 Democratic Party (United States) Anthony Calvino 11,342 31.8% 1.7 35,690 100.00% District 27 Democratic primary Candidates Alan Bowser, East Orange resident Richard Codey, incumbent Senator since 1982 Russell Fox, East Orange resident Joel Shain, mayor of Orange Thelma I. Tyree, East Orange resident Campaign In the primary, each candidate accused the other of conflicts of interest. Shain charged that Codey sponsored multiple bills relating to the insurance industry while earning money as a consultant from insurance companies. Codey charged that Shain earned large dividends from stock in a cable television company which was awarded a franchise to operate in Orange. Shain had abstained from voting on the contract and sold his shares before the primary election. Shain spent close to $250,000 on radio commercials and telephone banking, while Codey spent over $115,000, setting a record for campaign spending. General election Candidates James J. Brown (Democratic) Richard Codey, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Richard Codey (incumbent) 18,943 75.2% 1.3 Republican Party (United States) James J. Brown 6,255 24.8% 1.3 25,198 100.00% District 28 Democratic primary Candidates Anthony Carrino, Newark City Councilman John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 and Newark Fire Director Campaign Carrino challenged Caufield, who had served two terms and was a close ally of Newark mayor Kenneth A. Gibson. During the prior legislative session, Caufield had blocked a bill supported by the city council that would have reformed school board elections in Newark. The contest was framed as a struggle between the mayor and the city council for power. General election Candidates John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 and Newark Fire Director (Democratic) Joseph N. Mastrangelo (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) John P. Caufield (incumbent) 11,829 72.9% 2.1 Republican Party (United States) Joseph N. Mastrangelo 4,392 27.1% 2.1 16,221 100.00% District 29 General election Candidates Willie M. Brascher (Republican) Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Wynona Lipman (incumbent) 12,906 85.5 2.8 Republican Party (United States) Willie M. Brascher 2,182 14.5 2.8 15,088 100.00% District 30 General election Candidates Carmen A. Orechio, incumbent Senator since 1974, President of the New Jersey Senate, and mayor of Nutley (Democratic) Ralph J. Salerno, Bloomfield lawyerSullivan Joseph F. 1983-11-09 JERSEY DEMOCRATS KEEP CONTROL OF LEGISLATURE; SENATE LEADERS RE-ELECTED https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/09/nyregion/jersey-democrats-keep-control-of-legislature-senate-leaders-re-elected.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Republican) Martin G. Scaturo, former Essex County FreeholderTimes Alfonso A. Narvaez Special to The New York 1978-05-30 Essex Freeholder Races to Shape New County Rule https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/30/archives/new-jersey-pages-essex-freeholder-races-to-shape-new-county-rule.html 2025-01-22 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Regular Organization) Campaign The 30th district in suburban Essex County was among the most highly contested in the state, due to Orechio's position as President of the New Jersey Senate and the most powerful Democrat in Trenton. Governor Thomas Kean, a native of Essex, had carried the district by more than 3,000 votes in 1981, while Orechio was re-elected by slightly more than 1,000. Orechio, who was also the mayor of Nutley, hoped that the increased attention on the Senate race in an off-year and a special election for Nutley council would boost his vote. Salerno, a first-time candidate for office, campaigned on a strong anti-crime position including tougher prison sentences, support of the Governor's proposed infrastructure bank, and opposition to the Mount Laurel doctrine of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Though he now lived in Bloomfield, he stressed his working class roots in Belleville. Down the stretch, the Republican campaign turned negative, attacking Orechio in personal terms while trying to establish Salerno's credentials for office. Among the issues cited was Orechio's control of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, which his brother Carl, a former Republican Assemblyman, chaired at a salary of $6,000 per year. Another Orechio brother, Frank, received a $54,000 salary as program director for the Wanaque South Water Project. Orechio called the attacks on his brothers "sleazy" and disclaimed any role in their work, noting that appointments were made by the Governor. (The appointments were also confirmed by the Senate.) He refused to appear on a campaign platform with Salerno until he received an apology. Salerno spent over $110,000 by late October, while Orechio spent over $87,000. Former Democratic Freeholder Martin G. Scaturo ran in the race as an independent candidate.Wildstein David 2019-07-22 Shapiro and Cryan split the '78 races for Essex freeholder https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/how-shapiro-and-cryan-split-the-78-races-for-essex-freeholder/ 2025-01-22 New Jersey Globe en-US Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Carmen A. Orechio (incumbent) 28,613 53.8% 4.4 Republican Party (United States) Ralph J. Salerno 23,523 44.2% 3.5 Regular Organization Martin G. Scaturo 1,061 2.0% N/A 53,197 100.00% Reacting to the results, Orechio said, "They had the money, the big money. But we had the people, and that's what really counted."Sullivan Joseph F. 1983-11-09 JERSEY DEMOCRATS KEEP CONTROL OF LEGISLATURE; SENATE LEADERS RE-ELECTED https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/09/nyregion/jersey-democrats-keep-control-of-legislature-senate-leaders-re-elected.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 District 31 General election Candidates Helen Kozak (Republican) Edward T. O'Connor Jr., incumbent Senator since 1982 (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Edward T. O'Connor Jr. (incumbent) 23,894 80.7% 5.3 Republican Party (United States) Helen Kozak 5,698 19.3% 5.3 29,592 100.00% District 32 Democratic primary Candidates Thomas F. Cowan, Assemblyman from Jersey City Anthony R. Cucci, former Jersey City councilman Campaign The three Hudson County district primaries were part of a struggle for power between Jersey City mayor Gerald McCann and former mayor Thomas F. X. Smith, who ran for Hudson County Executive against incumbent Edward F. Clark. Cowan was backed by McCann, replacing incumbent Francis E. Rodgers on his slate. Cucci was backed by Smith. Late in the campaign, Cucci was endorsed by U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, whom he had supported in 1982. General election Candidates Thomas F. Cowan, Assemblyman from Jersey City (Democratic) Joseph A. Plonski (Republican) Herbert H. Shaw, perennial candidate from North Bergen (Politicians Are Crooks) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Thomas F. Cowan 23,510 63.8% 0.4 Republican Party (United States) Joseph A. Plonski 11,997 32.6% 1.8 Politicians Are Crooks Herbert H. Shaw 1,318 3.6 1.4 36,825 100.00% District 33 Democratic primary Candidates Christopher Jackman, Speaker of the General Assembly from West New York Joseph Simunovich, Hudson County Freeholder from West New York Campaign The three Hudson County district primaries were part of a struggle for power between Jersey City mayor Gerald McCann and former mayor Thomas F. X. Smith, who ran for Hudson County Executive against incumbent Edward F. Clark. Jackman was backed by Smith, while Simunovich was backed by McCann. The race was considered "a tight one" by The New York Times. Late in the campaign, Jackman was endorsed by U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, whom he had supported in 1982. General election Candidates Christopher Jackman, Speaker of the General Assembly from West New York (Democratic) Carlos E. Munoz, candidate for General Assembly in 1981 (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Christopher Jackman 18,916 66.5% 15.7 Republican Party (United States) Carlos E. Munoz 9,532 33.5% 15.7(23.4) 28,448 100.00% District 34 Republican primary Candidates Joseph Bubba, incumbent Senator since 1982 S.M. Terry LaCorte, Assemblyman from Clifton Campaign Given the Democratic lean of the district and a potential match-up with James W. Roe, Republican leaders feared a lingering split in the party could lead to a loss in November. General election Candidates Joseph Bubba, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) James W. Roe, Passaic County Freeholder and brother of U.S. Representative Robert A. RoeSullivan Joseph F. 1983-10-30 WHO'S ON WHICH SIDE IN THE CAMPAIGN? https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/30/nyregion/who-s-on-which-side-in-the-campaign.html 2025-01-21 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Democratic) Campaign Bubba campaigned on a claim that he had single-handedly blocked efforts by Governor Kean for a 5-cent per gallon gas tax in 1982. Despite this, Kean supported his campaign. Roe was likewise critical of his own party, referring to the "foot-dragging Legislature" and criticizing the slow pace of legislative negotiations on automobile insurance. He avoided criticism of Kean, who remained popular in the district. Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Joseph Bubba (incumbent) 23,993 51.0% 1.7 Democratic Party (United States) James W. Roe 23,019 49.0% 1.7 47,012 100.00% District 35 General election Candidates Richard Fontanella (Republican) Frank X. Graves Jr., incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Paterson (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Frank X. Graves Jr. (incumbent) 23,646 74.3% 0.3 Republican Party (United States) Richard Fontanella 8,161 25.7% 0.3 31,807 100.00% District 36 General election Candidates Joseph Hirkala, incumbent Senator since 1972 and Passaic City Clerk (Democratic) Joseph F. Job, former Bergen County Sheriff (Republican) Campaign Both candidates had switched parties in the past. Job, who had been a Republican in the 1960s, had spent the last decade as a member of the Democratic Party and served as the campaign manager for the Democratic Assembly ticket in 1981. As a result, he stayed out of the Assembly race, claiming that voters "[were] fortunate in having four good men to choose from." In radio commercials, Hirkala highlighted Job's penchant for switching parties. With party loyalties blurred, the campaign turned bitterly personal, despite the friendship between the two candidates. Job referred to Hirkala as a "do-nothing" clerk, and Hirkala charged that Job had failed to prevent prison escapes and drug use by inmates as Bergen County Sheriff. Hirkala planned to raise and spend $45,000, most of it from the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Both candidates utilized radio commercials. Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Joseph Hirkala (incumbent) 28,325 58.3% 2.9 Republican Party (United States) Joseph F. Job 20,222 41.7% 0.3 48,547 100.00% District 37 General election Candidates Matthew Feldman, incumbent Senator since 1974 and former Senate PresidentFeldman previously served in the Senate from 1966 to 1968. (Democratic) Michael L. Kingman (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Matthew Feldman (incumbent) 32,645 64.3% 2.6 Republican Party (United States) Michael L. Kingman 18,143 35.7% 2.6 50,788 100.00% District 38 Democratic primary Candidates Paul Contillo, former Assemblyman from Paramus John Skevin, former Senator from Hackensack General election Candidates Paul Contillo, former Assemblyman from Paramus (Democratic) John B. Paolella, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Results 1983 general election Democratic Party (United States) Paul Contillo 22,422 50.7% 4.2 Republican Party (United States) John B. Paolella (incumbent) 21,827 49.3% 1.7 44,249 100.00% District 39 General election Candidates Gerald Cardinale, incumbent Senator since 1982 (Republican) Francis Herbert, former Senator from Waldwick (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Gerald Cardinale (incumbent) 27,199 51.2% 7.0 Democratic Party (United States) Francis Herbert 25,942 48.8% 7.0 53,141 100.0 District 40 General election Candidates Garrett W. Hagedorn, incumbent Senator since 1968 (Republican) Charles F. Ryan (Democratic) Results 1983 general election Republican Party (United States) Garrett W. Hagedorn (incumbent) 28,755 65.5% 1.3 Democratic Party (United States) Charles F. Ryan 15,152 34.5% 1.3 43,907 100.00% Notes References Category:1983 New Jersey elections New Jersey State Senate Category:New Jersey Senate elections Category:November 1983 in the United States