1981 New Jersey Senate election

none September 2023 November 3, 1981 New Jersey 1981 New Jersey Senate elections 21 All 40 seats in the New Jersey State Senate 1977 1977 New Jersey State Senate election 1983 1983 New Jersey State Senate election no 64%https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/other/2022-1925-general-election-data.pdf General Election Data - 1924 to 2022 NJ.gov ( 5pp) legislative Democratic Party (United States) Carmen A. Orechio 13th (Nutley) January 10, 1978 27 24 22 2 Republican Party (United States) Garrett Hagedorn (stepped down) 40th (Midland Park) January 10, 1978 13 13 18 5 Senate President Democratic Party (United States) Joseph P. Merlino Carmen Orechio Democratic Party (United States) 1981_New_Jersey_State_Senate_election.svg x300px Results by district#92C5DE Democratic hold #0671B0 Democratic gain#F48882 Republican hold #CA0120 Republican gain 1,083,244 1,069,236 50.1% 49.5% The 1981 New Jersey Senate elections were held on November 3. The New Jersey legislature reapportioned its state legislative districts in advance of the 1981 election. The new districts resulted in many senators running for re-election in newly re-numbered districts. The election coincided with a tightly contested gubernatorial election between Thomas Kean and James Florio. Republicans gained five seats, narrowing the Democratic majority to 22–18. Democrats flipped districts 10, 14, and 15, while Republicans flipped districts 9, 12, 13, 21, 26, 34, 38, and 39. A Federal Bureau of Investigation investigation resulted in the retirements of Senators Joseph A. Maressa and Angelo Errichetti, both of whom accepted bribes from the FBI under the guise of Arab oil sheikhs. Errichetti was convicted; Maressa was not prosecuted but opted to retire.Tinney Kathleen https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20121101_Joseph_A__Maressa__89__former_state_Senator.html Joseph A. Maressa, 89, former state Senator The Philadelphia Inquirer 1 Nov 2012 26 Jun 2021 ContentsIncumbents 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 Joseph A. Maressa (District 4) Angelo Errichetti (District 5)Sullivan Joseph F. 7 June 1981 A NEW LOOK FOR THE LEGISLATURE The New York Times NJ1 Charles B. Yates (District 7) Joseph P. Merlino (District 13) (ran for governor) William J. Hamilton (District 17) (ran for governor) Frank J. Dodd (District 26) (ran for governor) James A. Galdieri (District 32) Republican James Cafiero (District 1) Barry T. Parker (District 8) (ran for governor) James Wallwork (District 25) (ran for governor) left New Jersey Legislative Districts Map (1973).svg 150 1974–82 New Jersey Legislative Districts Map (1981).svg 150 1982–1992 New Jersey Legislature before (left) and after (right) the 1981 redistricting Summary of results by State Senate district DistrictIncumbentPartyElected SenatorParty1st Legislative DistrictJames CafieroRepJames R. HurleyRep2nd Legislative DistrictSteven P. PerskieDemSteven P. PerskieDem3rd Legislative DistrictRaymond ZaneDemRaymond ZaneDem4th Legislative DistrictJoseph A. MaressaDem Daniel DaltonDem5th Legislative DistrictVacantThe seat was left vacant by the expulsion of Angelo Errichetti following his conviction for federal bribery charges.Walter RandDem6th Legislative DistrictLee LaskinRepLee LaskinRep7th Legislative DistrictCharles B. YatesDemHerman T. CostelloDem8th Legislative DistrictBarry T. ParkerRepH. James SaxtonRep9th Legislative DistrictJohn F. RussoRedistricted to 10th district.DemLeonard T. ConnorsRep10th Legislative DistrictBrian T. KennedyRedistricted to 11th district.RepJohn F. RussoDem11th Legislative DistrictS. Thomas GaglianoRedistricted to 12th district.RepBrian T. KennedyRep12th Legislative DistrictEugene BedellRedistrict to 13th district.DemS. Thomas GaglianoRep13th Legislative DistrictJoseph P. MerlinoRedistricted to 15th district.DemJohn P. GallagherRep14th Legislative DistrictWalter E. ForanRedistricted to 23rd district.RepFrancis J. McManimonDem15th Legislative DistrictWayne DumontRedistricted to 24th district.RepGerald R. StockmanDem16th Legislative DistrictJohn H. EwingRepJohn H. EwingRep17th Legislative DistrictWilliam J. HamiltonDemJohn A. Lynch Jr.Dem18th Legislative DistrictVacantThe seat had been vacant since Bernard J. Dwyer resigned to take his seat in the United States House of Representatives. James Bornheimer Dem19th Legislative DistrictLaurence WeissDemLaurence WeissDem20th Legislative DistrictAnthony E. RussoRedistricted to 21st district.Dem John Gregorio Dem21st Legislative DistrictJohn GregorioRedistricted to 20th district.DemC. Louis BassanoRep22nd Legislative DistrictDonald DiFrancescoRepDonald DiFrancescoRep23rd Legislative DistrictJohn H. DorseyRedistricted to 25th district.RepWalter E. ForanRep24th Legislative District James P. VreelandRedistricted to 26th district.RepWayne DumontRep25th Legislative DistrictJames WallworkRepJohn H. DorseyRep26th Legislative DistrictFrank J. DoddDemJames P. VreelandRep27th Legislative DistrictCarmen OrechioRedistricted to 30th district.DemRichard CodeyDem28th Legislative DistrictJohn P. CaufieldDemJohn P. CaufieldDem29th Legislative DistrictWynona LipmanDemWynona LipmanDem30th Legislative DistrictFrank E. RodgersRedistricted to 32nd district.DemCarmen OrechioDem31st Legislative DistrictWally SheilDemEdward T. O'Connor Jr.Dem32nd Legislative DistrictJames A. GaldieriDemFrank E. RodgersDem33rd Legislative DistrictWilliam MustoDem William MustoDem34th Legislative DistrictJoseph HirkalaRedistricted to 36th district.DemJoseph BubbaRep35th Legislative District Frank X. Graves Jr.DemFrank X. Graves Jr.Dem36th Legislative DistrictVacantThis seat had been vacant since the resignation of Anthony Scardino to join the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission.Joseph HirkalaDem37th Legislative DistrictMatthew FeldmanDemMatthew FeldmanDem38th Legislative DistrictJohn SkevinDemJohn PaolellaRep39th Legislative DistrictFrank HerbertDemGerald CardinaleRep40th Legislative DistrictGarrett W. HagedornRepGarrett HagedornRep Close races Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%: blue District 30, 1.7% red District 33, 3.2% blue District 2, 3.4% red District 21, 3.8% gain blue District 18, 4.2% red District 38, 4.5% gain blue District 20, 4.6% red District 34, 5.4% gain red District 1, 7.6% District 1 The first district consisted of all of Cape May County and the Cumberland municipalities of Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Upper Deerfield, Deerfield, and Maurice River. Prior to redistricting, it had contained all of Cumberland County. Incumbent Senator James Cafiero retired. Republican primary Candidates James R. Hurley, Assemblyman from Millville (Regular Organization Republican-Pat Kramer Team) Results 1981 Republican primaryCandidates for the Offices of State Senate and General Assembly https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1981/1981-primary-results-st-senate-gen-assembly.pdf 3 Aug 2023 Republican Party (United States) James R. Hurley 11,809 100.00% 11,809 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Edward H. Salmon, Cumberland County Freeholder and former mayor of Millville (Sound Off for South Jersey) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Edward H. Salmon 6,961 100.00% 6,961 100.00% General election Candidates James R. Hurley, Assemblyman from Millville (Republican) Edward H. Salmon, Cumberland County Freeholder and former mayor of Millville (Democratic) Results 1981 general electionCandidates for the Offices of State Senate and General Assembly https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1981/1981-general-results-st-senate-gen-assembly.pdf 26 June 2021 Republican Party (United States) James R. Hurley 32,443 53.8% Democratic Party (United States) Edward H. Salmon 27,862 46.2% 60,305 100.0% District 2 The second district consisted of Atlantic County except for the municipalities of Folsom, Buena, and Buena Vista, which were removed in redistricting. Redistricting also removed Bass River and Washington in Burlington County and Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor in Ocean County. Democratic primary Candidates Richard "Reds" Lavin, labor organizer and state government liaison for the Atlantic City Department of Parks and Public Property (The Alternative)Prendergast Frank J. 13 May 1981 Lavin Criticizes Perskie 40 Press of Atlantic City https://www.newspapers.com/image/921353085/ subscription 4 Aug 2023 Steven Perskie, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Endorsed By Atlantic County Democratic Convention) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Steven P. Perskie (inc.) 5,400 83.79% Democratic Party (United States) Reds Lavin 1,045 16.21% 6,445 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Joseph McGahn, former Democratic Senator (Regular Republican) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Joseph McGahn 8,941 100.00% 8,941 100.00% General election Candidates Joseph McGahn, former Democratic Senator (Republican) Steven Perskie, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Steven P. Perskie (incumbent) 29,843 51.7 Republican Party (United States) Joseph L. McGahn 27,890 48.3 57,733 100.0 District 3 Democratic primary Candidates Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Raymond Zane (inc.) 13,337 100.00% 13,337 100.00% Republican primary Candidates D. Paul McMahon Jr., owner of a Woodbury electrical contracting firmMicko Lillian 27 Oct 1981 Money becomes main issue in 3rd district race 6 Courier-Post https://www.newspapers.com/image/183544775/ subscription 4 Aug 2023 Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) D. Paul McMahon Jr. 8,015 100.00% 8,015 100.00% General election Candidates D. Paul McMahon Jr., owner of a Woodbury electrical contracting firm (Republican) Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Raymond J. Zane (incumbent) 37,613 63.2 Republican Party (United States) D. Paul McMahon, Jr. 21,903 36.8 59,516 100.0 District 4 Democratic primary Candidates Daniel J. Dalton, Assemblyman from Laurel Springs (Regular Democratic Organization) Kenneth A. Gewertz, former Assemblyman from Deptford Township (Regular Democrat Organization) This primary was a rematch of the 1979 Assembly election, in which Dalton and running mate Dennis L. Riley, who ran with the support of Congressman Jim Florio, unseated Gewertz and Francis J. Gorman, who had the support of Camden mayor and State Senator Angelo Errichetti.Staff. "County Voters Shun Primary - Heavily", Asbury Park Press, June 6, 1979. Accessed September 15, 2016. "Elsewhere in the state, candidates running on a ticket fielded by Florio won the Democratic nominations in two Camden County Assembly districts over an opposing ticket backed by Errichetti.... Four-term Assemblymen Kenneth Gewertz and Francis Gorman were upset by Florio's team of Daniel Dalton and Dennis Riley in the fourth district, which takes in parts of Gloucester and Burlington counties as well as part of Camden." Each candidate had the support of their respective county party; Dalton in Camden and Gewertz in Gloucester.3 Jun 1981 One incumbent fails to hold Senate seat 9 The Daily Register Associated Press https://www.newspapers.com/image/517395601/ subscription 4 Aug 2023 Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Daniel J. Dalton 10,448 65.63% Democratic Party (United States) Kenneth A. Gewertz 5,471 34.37% 15,919 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Connie B. Roggio, Gloucester Township councilwoman (Regular Republican Organization) Frank B. Smith (Organization of Regular Republicans) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Frank B. Smith 2,766 60.12% Republican Party (United States) Connie Roggio 1,835 39.88% 4,601 100.00% General election Candidates Daniel J. Dalton (Democratic) Frank B. Smith (Republican) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Daniel J. Dalton 32,386 63.3 Republican Party (United States) Frank B. Smith 18,755 36.7 51,141 100.0 District 5 Democratic primary Candidates Walter Rand, Assemblyman from Camden (Regular Democratic Organization) Ernest F. Schuck, Assemblyman from Barrington (Camden County Democrat Organization) Unlike the neighboring fourth district, both Assemblymen Rand and Schuck were considered allies of Errichetti and shared a legislative office. Their friendly relations were maintained throughout a "kid-gloves" campaign, despite the close margin. Ultimately, Florio struck an alliance with Rand which propelled him over the top as Florio ran up large numbers in the gubernatorial race. Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Walter Rand 9,595 54.27% Democratic Party (United States) Ernest F. Schuck 8,085 45.73% 17,680 100.00% Republican primary Candidates John H. Lyons Jr. (Regular Republican Organization of Camden County) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) John H. Lyons Jr. 2,338 100.00% 2,338 100.00% General election Candidates John H. Lyons Jr. (Republican) Walter Rand, Assemblyman from Camden (Democratic) 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Walter Rand 32,866 72.0 Republican Party (United States) John H. Lyons, Jr. 12,800 28.0 45,666 100.0 District 6 Republican primary Candidates Lee Laskin, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Organization of Regular Republicans) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Lee B. Laskin (incumbent) 7,777 100.00% 7,777 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates James Greenberg (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) James Greenberg 11,663 100.00% 11,663 100.00% General election Candidates James Greenberg (Democratic) Lee Laskin, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Lee B. Laskin (incumbent) 36,279 56.7 Democratic Party (United States) James Greenberg 27,735 43.3 64,014 100.0 District 7 Democratic primary Candidates Herman T. Costello, Assemblyman from Burlington and mayor of Burlington since 1964 (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Herman T. Costello 11,723 100.00% 11,723 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Michael J. Conda (Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Michael J. Conda 6,807 100.00% 6,807 100.00% General election Candidates Michael J. Conda (Republican) Herman T. Costello, Assemblyman from Burlington and mayor of Burlington since 1964 (Democratic) 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Herman T. Costello 31,172 57.1 Republican Party (United States) Michael J. Conda 23,391 42.9 54,563 100.0 District 8 Republican primary Candidates Jim Saxton, Assemblyman from Mount Holly (Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) H. James Saxton 10,384 100.00% 10,384 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Raymond J. Storck (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Raymond J. Storck 7,328 100.00% 7,328 100.00% General election Candidates Jim Saxton, Assemblyman from Mount Holly (Republican) Raymond J. Storck (Democratic) 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) H. James Saxton 33,132 65.7 Democratic Party (United States) Raymond J. Storck 17,314 34.3 50,446 100.0 District 9 Republican primary Candidates Leonard T. Connors, Ocean County Freeholder and mayor of Surf City since 1966 (Regular Republican Organization of Ocean County) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Leonard T. Connors 13,697 100.00% 13,697 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Wesley K. Bell, former mayor of Stafford Township and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1978 (Official Regular Democrat Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Wesley K. Bell 6,822 100.00% 6,822 100.00% General election Candidates Wesley K. Bell, former mayor of Stafford Township and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1978 (Democratic) Leonard T. Connors, Ocean County Freeholder and mayor of Surf City since 1966 (Republican) 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Leonard T. Connors, Jr. 40,656 64.4 Democratic Party (United States) Wesley K. Bell 22,441 35.6 63,097 100.0 District 10 All of the new tenth district had previously been contained within the boundaries of the ninth district in Ocean County. It consisted of Lakewood, Brick, and Toms River, and the shore towns of Lavallette, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant Beach, and Point Pleasant. Democratic primary Candidates John F. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) John F. Russo (incumbent) 7,941 100.00% 7,941 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Hazel Gluck, Assemblywoman from Lakewood (Republican) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Hazel Gluck 11,728 100.00% 11,728 100.00% General election Candidates Hazel Gluck, Assemblywoman from Lakewood (Republican) John F. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) John F. Russo (incumbent) 38,166 58.6 Republican Party (United States) Hazel S. Gluck 26,933 41.4 65,099 100.0 District 11 Republican primary Candidates Brian T. Kennedy, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Republican) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Leonard T. Connors 13,697 100.00% 13,697 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates George Callas (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) George Callas 6,506 100.00% 6,506 100.00% General election Candidates George Callas (Democratic) Stan Johnson (Citizens) Brian T. Kennedy, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Brian T. Kennedy (incumbent) 32,063 57.8 Democratic Party (United States) George Callas 22,807 41.1 Citizens Party (United States) Stan Johnson 574 1.0 55,444 100.0 District 12 Republican primary Candidates S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Republican) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) S. Thomas Gagliano (incumbent) 8,456 100.00% 8,456 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Roger J. Kane (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Roger J. Kane 7,755 100.00% 7,755 100.00% General election Candidates S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Roger J. Kane (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) S. Thomas Gagliano (incumbent) 33,521 59.1 Democratic Party (United States) Roger J. Kane 23,169 40.9 56,690 100.0 District 13 Democratic primary Candidates Eugene J. Bedell, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Eugene J. Bedell (incumbent) 8,143 100.00% 8,143 100.00% Republican primary Candidates John P. Gallagher, investment banker and former executive director of the New Jersey Highway Authority (Regular Republican) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) John P. Gallagher 5,930 100.00% 5,930 100.00% General election Candidates Eugene J. Bedell, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic) John P. Gallagher, investment banker and former executive director of the New Jersey Highway Authority (Republican) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) John P. Gallagher 27,988 51.6 Democratic Party (United States) Eugene J. Bedell (incumbent) 26,268 48.4 54,256 100.0 District 14 Democratic primary Candidates Francis J. McManimon, Assemblyman from Hamilton Township (Regular Democrat Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Francis J. McManimon 9,180 100.00% 9,180 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Thomas Colitsas Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Thomas Colitsas 4,986 100.00% 4,986 100.00% General election Candidates S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Roger J. Kane (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Francis J. McManimon 31,742 57.7 Republican Party (United States) Thomas Colitsas 23,296 42.3 55,038 100.0 District 15 Incumbent Senator Joseph Merlino, who had been redistricted from the 13th district, opted to run for Governor of New Jersey. Democratic primary Candidates Paul J. Sollami, Mercer County Freeholder (Regular Democratic Organization) Gerald R. Stockman, Assemblyman from Trenton (Regular Organization Democrat) Sollami had the support of county party chair and power broker Richard J. Coffee. Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Gerald Stockman 10,709 54.53% Democratic Party (United States) Paul J. Sollami 8,831 45.47% 19,640 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Carmen J. Armenti, former Democratic mayor of Trenton Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Carmen Armenti 5,394 100.00% 5,394 100.00% General election Candidates Carmen J. Armenti, former mayor of Trenton (Republican) Gerald R. Stockman, Assemblyman from Trenton (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Gerald R. Stockman 30,243 56.4 Republican Party (United States) Carmen J. Armenti 23,410 43.6 53,653 100.0 District 16 Republican primary Candidates John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Somerset County Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) John H. Ewing (incumbent) 14,485 100.00% 14,485 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates John F. Guerrera (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) John F. Guerrera 4,326 100.00% 4,326 100.00% General election Candidates John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) John F. Guerrera (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) John H. Ewing (incumbent) 38,026 65.5 Democratic Party (United States) John F. Guerrera 20,068 34.5 58,094 100.0 District 17 Democratic primary Candidates John A. Lynch Jr., mayor of New Brunswick and son of former Senator John A. Lynch (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) John A. Lynch 9,578 100.00% 9,578 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Donald J. Douglas (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.) John Giammarco (Middlesex County Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Donald J. Douglas 2,210 66.93% Republican Party (United States) John Giammarco 1,092 33.07% 3,302 100.00% General election Candidates Donald J. Douglas (Republican) Paul Lennon (Citizens) John A. Lynch Jr., mayor of New Brunswick and son of former Senator John A. Lynch (Democratic) 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) John A. Lynch 25,761 60.6 Republican Party (United States) Donald J. Douglas 15,280 35.9 Citizens Party (United States) Paul Lennon 1,484 3.5 42,525 100.0 District 18 Democratic primary Candidates James Bornheimer, Assemblyman from East Brunswick (Regular Democratic Organization) Samuel V. Convery Jr. (Responsible Democrat) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) James Bornheimer 8,620 53.96% Democratic Party (United States) Samuel V. Convery Jr. 7,354 46.04% 15,974 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Joseph M. Cooperstein (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.) Peter Garibaldi, former Assemblyman from Monroe Township (Middlesex County Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Peter Garibaldi 4,371 74.00% Republican Party (United States) Joseph M. Cooperstein 1,536 26.00% 5,907 100.00% General election Candidates James Bornheimer, Assemblyman from East Brunswick (Democratic) Peter Garibaldi, former Assemblyman from Monroe Township (Republican) 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) James Bornheimer 31,383 52.1 Republican Party (United States) Peter P. Garibaldi 28,853 47.9 60,236 100.0 District 19 Democratic primary Candidates Laurence S. Weiss, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Laurence S. Weiss (incumbent) 10,616 100.00% 10,616 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Edmund S. Kaboski (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Edmund S. Kaboski 1,750 100.00% 1,750 100.00% General election Candidates Edmund S. Kaboski (Republican) Laurence S. Weiss, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Laurence S. Weiss (incumbent) 31,446 60.4 Republican Party (United States) Edmund S. Kaboski 20,582 39.6 52,028 100.0 District 20 Democratic primary Candidates John T. Gregorio, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Linden (Regular Democratic Organization of Union County) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) John T. Gregorio (incumbent) 13,122 100.00% 13,122 100.00% Republican primary Candidates John Fenick (Regular Organization Republican of Union County) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) John Fenick 3,519 100.00% 3,519 100.00% General election Candidates John Fenick (Republican) John T. Gregorio, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Linden (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) John T. Gregorio (incumbent) 25,340 52.3% Republican Party (United States) John Fenick 23,087 47.7% 48,427 100.0 District 21 Democratic primary Candidates Anthony E. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Union Township (Regular Democratic Organization of Union County) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Anthony E. Russo (incumbent) 9,516 100.00% 9,516 100.00% Republican primary Candidates C. Louis Bassano, Assemblyman from Union Township (Regular Organization Republican of Union County) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) C. Louis Bassano 10,693 100.00% 10,693 100.00% General election Candidates C. Louis Bassano, Assemblyman from Union Township (Republican) Anthony E. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Union Township (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) C. Louis Bassano 36,957 51.9 Democratic Party (United States) Anthony E. Russo (incumbent) 34,252 48.1 71,209 100.0 District 22 Republican primary Candidates Anthony J. Crincoli (Regular Republican Party) Donald DiFrancesco, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Regular Organization Republican of Union County) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Donald DiFrancesco (incumbent) 13,752 77.46% Republican Party (United States) Anthony J. Crincoli 4,002 22.54% 17,754 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Frank Fiorito (Democratic PartyOrganization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Frank Fiorito 6,997 100.00% 6,997 100.00% General election Candidates Donald DiFrancesco, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Republican) Frank Fiorito (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Donald DiFrancesco (incumbent) 46,330 67.9 Democratic Party (United States) Frank Fiorito 21,876 32.1 68,206 100.0 District 23 Republican primary Candidates Walter Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Walter Foran (incumbent) 11,291 100.00% 11,291 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Samuel J. Gugliemini (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Samuel J. Gugliemini 4,868 100.00% 4,868 100.00% General election Candidates Walter Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Republican) Samuel J. Gugliemini (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Walter E. Foran (incumbent) 37,494 75.1 Democratic Party (United States) Samuel J. Gugliemini 12,431 24.9 49,925 100.0 District 24 Republican primary Candidates Donald J. Albanese, Assemblyman from Belvidere (Conservative Republican) Wayne Dumont, incumbent Senator since 1968Senator Dumont previously served in the Senate from 1952 to 1966 but gave up his seat for one term in order to run for Governor in 1965. Dumont (Regular Republican Organizational Candidate) The campaign between Albanese and Dumont was possibly the most bitter in the state. Dumont had supported Albanese in his short-lived campaign for governor, only for Albanese to withdraw from that race and challenge Dumont. Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Wayne Dumont (incumbent) 7,588 59.98% Republican Party (United States) Donald J. Albanese 5,062 40.02% 12,650 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Edward Gaffney (Regular Democratic Party Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Frank Fiorito 6,997 100.00% 6,997 100.00% General election Candidates Wayne Dumont, incumbent Senator since 1968Senator Dumont previously served in the Senate from 1952 to 1966 but gave up his seat for one term in order to run for Governor in 1965. Dumont (Republican) Edward Gaffney (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Wayne Dumont, Jr. 37,467 77.4 Democratic Party (United States) Edward Gaffney 10,953 22.6 48,420 100.0 District 25 Republican primary Candidates John H. Dorsey, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Republican) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) John H. Dorsey (incumbent) 12,675 100.00% 12,675 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Horace Chamberlain (Democrat) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Horace Chamberlain 4,737 100.00% 4,737 100.00% General election Candidates Horace Chamberlain (Democratic) John H. Dorsey, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) John H. Dorsey 36,433 68.0 Democratic Party (United States) Horace Chamberlain 17,137 32.0 53,570 100.0 District 26 Republican primary Candidates James P. Vreeland, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Incumbent Republican Senator) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) James P. Vreeland (incumbent) 12,829 100.00% 12,829 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Benjamin Steltzer (Regular Democrat) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Benjamin Steltzer 5,016 100.00% 5,016 100.00% General election Candidates Benjamin Steltzer (Democratic) James P. Vreeland, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Republican) Results 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) James P. Vreeland 38,141 69.9 Democratic Party (United States) Benjamin Steltzer 16,414 30.1 54,555 100.0 District 27 Democratic primary Candidates James J. Brown ("Think" Democratic) Richard Codey, Assemblyman from Orange (Democratic Party Organization) Gayle Brody Rosen Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Richard Codey 12,263 54.76% Democratic Party (United States) Gayle Brody Rosen 7,347 32.80%Democratic Party (United States) James J. Brown 2,786 12.44% 22,396 100.00% Republican primary Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Richard E. Koehler (write-in) 22 100.00% 22 100.00% General election Candidates Richard Codey, Assemblyman from Orange (Democratic) Richard E. Koehler (Republican) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Richard J. Codey 30,403 73.9 Republican Party (United States) Richard E. Koehler 10,737 26.1 41,140 100.0 District 28 Democratic primary Candidates John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Democratic PartyOrganization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) John P. Caufield (incumbent) 7,437 100.00% 7,437 100.00% Republican primary Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Herta B. Tully (write-in) 70 100.00% 70 100.00% General election Candidates John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Democratic) Herta B. Tully (Republican) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) John P. Caufield 20,786 75.0 Republican Party (United States) Herta B. Tully 6,913 25.0 27,699 100.0 District 29 Democratic primary Candidates Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic PartyOrganization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Wynona Lipman (incumbent) 11,479 100.00% 11,479 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Louis J. Smith (Essex Republican Party Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Louis J. Smith 514 100.00% 514 100.00% General election Candidates Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic) Louis J. Smith (Republican) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Wynona M. Lipman 23,598 88.3 Republican Party (United States) Louis J. Smith 3,125 11.7 26,723 100.0 District 30 Democratic primary Candidates Carmen Orechio, incumbent Senator since 1974 and mayor of Nutley (Democratic PartyOrganization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Carmen Orechio (incumbent) 9,000 100.00% 9,000 100.00% Republican primary Candidates John I. Crecco (Essex Republican Party Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) John I. Crecco 9,920 100.00% 9,920 100.00% General election Candidates John I. Crecco (Republican) Arthur Kinoy (Citizens) Carmen Orechio, incumbent Senator since 1974 and mayor of Nutley (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Carmen A. Orechio 30,990 49.4 Republican Party (United States) John I. Crecco 29,930 47.7 Citizens Party (United States) Arthur Kinoy 1,765 2.8 62,685 100.0 District 31 Democratic primary Candidates Wally Sheil, incumbent Senator since 1978 and president of Hudson County Community College (Regular Democratic Organization) Edward T. O'Connor Jr. (Democratic Solidarity Coalition Team) James J. Richardson Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Edward T. O'Connor Jr. 16,020 52.08% Democratic Party (United States) Wally Sheil (incumbent) 13,021 42.33%Democratic Party (United States) James J. Richardson 1,718 5.59% 30,759 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Jean C. Lane (Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Jean C. Lane 1,505 100.00% 1,505 100.00% General election Candidates Jean C. Lane (Republican) Edward T. O'Connor Jr. (Democratic) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Edward T. O'Connor, Jr. 37,863 75.4 Republican Party (United States) Jean C. Lane 12,348 24.6 50,211 100.0 District 32 Democratic primary Candidates Michael J. Marino, former Assemblyman (Democratic Solidarity Coalition Team) Frank E. Rodgers, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Harrison (Regular Democratic Organization) Results 1981 Democratic primary Democratic Party (United States) Frank E. Rodgers (incumbent) 15,813 68.51% Democratic Party (United States) Michael J. Marino 7,268 31.49% 23,081 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Joseph F. Ward (Regular Republican Organization) Results 1981 Republican primary Republican Party (United States) Joseph F. Ward 2,543 100.00% 2,543 100.00% General election Candidates Frank E. Rodgers, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Harrison (Democratic) Herbert H. Shaw, perennial candidate (Politicians are Crooks) Joseph F. Ward (Republican) Results 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Frank E. Rodgers 34,150 63.4 Republican Party (United States) Joseph F. Ward 18,551 34.4 Politicians Are Crooks Herbert H. Shaw 1,171 2.2 53,872 100.0 District 33 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) William V. Musto 24,012 62.0 Republican Party (United States) Ralph A. Montanez 14,707 38.0 38,719 100.0 District 34 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Joseph Bubba 31,044 52.7 Democratic Party (United States) William J. Bate 27,843 47.3 58,887 100.0 District 35 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Frank X. Graves Jr. 28,439 74.6 Republican Party (United States) Frank E. Gorman 9,693 25.4 38,132 100.0 District 36 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Joseph Hirkala 30,422 55.4 Republican Party (United States) Philip R. Gervato 23,049 42.0 Bergen Home Rule Edna M. Perrotta 1,395 2.5 54,866 100.0 District 37 1981 general election Democratic Party (United States) Matthew Feldman 39,299 61.7 Republican Party (United States) Barbara L. deMare 24,416 38.3 63,715 100.0 District 38 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) John B. Paolella 30,670 51.0 Democratic Party (United States) John M. Skevin 27,968 46.5 Citizens For Progress Bernard J. Focarino 1,473 2.5 60,111 100.0 District 39 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Gerald Cardinale 38,929 58.2 Democratic Party (United States) Francis X. Herbert 27,948 41.8 66,877 100.0 District 40 1981 general election Republican Party (United States) Garrett W. Hagedorn 42,014 66.8 Democratic Party (United States) Mitchell Kahn 20,835 33.2 62,849 100.0 Notes References collapsed Category:1981 New Jersey elections New Jersey 1981 Category:November 1981 in the United States