Balles not interested in Senate, will seek county commissioner post

Atlantic County Commissioner Frank X. Balles will not seek the open 2nd district State Senate seat this year.

Balles told the New Jersey Globe that he has “no interest whatsoever” in running for the Senate, a job he sought eight years ago.

“I tried that one before,” Balles said.  “I’m happy where I am.”

He said he expects former Assemblyman Vincent Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township) to run for Senate now that Republican Chris Brown has said he won’t seek re-election.

“Vince is more than willing,” said Balles.  “I think he’d be a great candidate.

Polistina told the NJ Globe that he is seriously considering a Senate bid.

The former Atlantic County Sheriff and Egg Harbor Township Committeeman won a special election convention last year for a seat on Board of Freeholders.  He intends to seek a full six-year term as county commissioner in 2021.

Balles served three terms as Sheriff and lost a State Senate bid against Democratic incumbent James Whelan (D-Atlantic City) in 2013.