Strong Onyema showing forces Tucker, Hall to convention in 28th district

No Assembly candidates in the 28th legislative district secured party support in a screening committee vote tonight, meaning three contenders — including two incumbents — will face a fight at the Essex County Democratic Convention after West Ward Democratic Municipal Chairman Chigozie Onyema easily outdistanced the two.

Assemblywomen Garnet Hall (D-Maplewood) and Cleopatra Tucker (D-Newark) face a primary challenge from Onyema.

To secure an endorsement Sunday night, the incumbents must have received a majority of votes from the screening committee, which is composed of the district’s municipal chairs and Essex County Democratic Chair LeRoy Jones and Vice Chair Teresa Ruiz.

Onyema received seven votes, while Hall and Tucker each received three votes. Three committee members abstained.

Onyema ran for Newark City Council in 2022 but lost to now-Councilman Dupre Kelly.

The 80-year-old Tucker, in office since 2007,  supports Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s gubernatorial bid, while Essex Democrats are expected to back Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) at their convention this month.

Party support comes with a slogan, but preferential ballot positions that once accompanied county organization lines have been replaced by office block ballots.

In 2023, Hall replaced former Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-South Orange), who declined to run again.