• In the 2nd district, which includes parts of Atlantic County, the primary battle to fill the seat vacated by Assemblyman Chris A. Brown (R-2), who is running to replace retiring Senator Jim Whelan (D-2), will pit six Democrats, including incumbent Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo (D-2), against each other. The races throughout this district are expected to be contentious and expensive.

• In the 7th district, which includes areas of Burlington County, the Democratic race for Senate-candidate Troy Singleton's (D-7) Assembly seat is between newcomer and local pediatrician Jennifer Hiniu Chuang and Assembly staffer Carol Murphy. Incumbent Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-7) is also running for re-election.

• In the 12th district, which covers parts of Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties, Republican incumbents Ronald Dancer (R-12) and Robert Clifton (R-12) are facing primary challenges from Chesterfield Committeeman Alex Robotin and Old Bridge Councilwoman Eleanor Debbie Walker. Also running is Jackson resident John Franklin Sheard.

• In the 17th district, which encompasses parts of Middlesex and Somerset counties, incumbent Assemblymen Joseph Egan (D-17) and Joe Danielsen (D-17) will be running against Ralph Johnson and Heather Fenyk in the Democratic primary. 

• In the 24th district, which comprises parts of Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties, the Republican primary in this solid-red district was intensified due to the announcement that incumbent Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus (R-24) will not seek re-election. In addition to current Assemblyman Parker Space (R-24), three Republicans and three Democrats are on the ballot.

• In the 26th district, which includes sections of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties, four Republicans and three Democrats will be running in the primary, including incumbent Assembly members Jay Webber (R-26) and BettyLou DeCroce (R-26). Assemblywoman DeCroce is being specifically challenged by Hank Lyon.

88 Senate candidates submitted their paperwork to run for the State's upper chamber. Here is a look at some of the contested primaries this year:

• In the 12th district, incumbent Senator Samuel Thompson (R-12) is facing a primary challenge from Chairman of the Old Bridge Republicans Art Haney.

• In the 17th district, Senator Bob Smith (D-17) faces a primary challenge from William Irwin, President of the Piscataway Board of Education.

• In the 24th district, Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) is locked into a primary battle with Skylands Tea Party Vice President Bill Hayden. Hayden will be joining a number of Republican challengers across the State looking to unseat incumbents like Senator Oroho who supported the measure to raise the gas tax by 23 cents last fall.

• The 40th district, which encompasses parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, will be one of the most contentious and expensive primary battles in the State with three Republicans engaged in a fierce campaign to replace retiring Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-40) on the Republican ticket. With Passaic County endorsing County Clerk Kristin Corrado and Bergen County supporting former Assemblyman and current Chairman of the Bergen County Republicans Paul DiGaetano, the two political centers of the district have created a must-watch race. Additionally, newcomer and former officer with the New Jersey Attorney General's Office Edward Buttimore, will also appear on the ballot seeking to secure the nomination in June.

A comprehensive list of all candidates who filed petitions to run in the June Primary can be found on the Division of Elections' website.

Emerge New Jersey, an affiliate of Emerge America, dedicated to increasing the number of Democratic women in public office, has announced they will be honoring KZG Principal Trish Zita with its "Bench Builder" award at their 2nd Annual Building the Bench Breakfast on Thursday, April 20th. The award, which recognizes the efforts of women leaders in various fields of expertise, is given out to those who advance the organization's goal of increasing women's voice in public policy and decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels. This year's honorees include, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and New Jersey Democratic State Committee Vice-Chair Lizette Delgado-Polanco.

Trish spoke about the importance of helping women engage in the political process. "While diversity in government, politics, and lobbying has increased, there's still a long way to go in achieving equality. Women are underrepresented at all levels of government. I'm honored to be recognized by Emerge NJ and I am delighted to work with this outstanding organization to help 'build the bench' for the next generation of Democratic female leaders."

The breakfast will include opening remarks by U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and a panel discussion with State Senator Sandra Cunningham (D-31), Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37), and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-27).

Please join us at this event. For more information on the breakfast and to purchase your ticket(s), please follow the link :

  2nd Annual Building the Bench Breakfast