Assemblymen Robert Clifton (R-Matawan) and Alex Sauickie (R-Jackson) told the Globe they will run for re-election next year.
The pair of 12th legislative district Republicans easily dispatched a young primary challenger last year, and will now seek another term in what is likely to be the first primary season without the party line.
In July filings, the most recent deadline for campaign finance reports, Sauickie listed $37,269 in his coffers, and Clifton reported $10,298. Fundraising will likely become a more pertinent component of primary campaigns as the influence of the party line vanishes.
Clifton, a seven-term lawmaker, has never faced serious primary or general elections. His low cash-on-hand could be a problem if a well-financed primary challenger emerges.
The 12th district, which includes parts of Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington counties, is safe Republican; it has 12,706 more registered Republicans than Democrats.
Sauickie said he’s not concerned with the adjustment and thinks name recognition and constituent relationships will be key.
“Frankly, I think those that aren’t doing the job need to worry about that,” the assemblyman said. “I think if you’re doing the job and constituents see that you’re doing the job, the line doesn’t mean as much.”
Sauickie, who won a 2022 special primary convention after the death of Assemblyman Ron Dancer, said he’s held a pair of fundraisers this year, with another scheduled for October. Clifton, the assistant minority leader, has served in the Assembly since 2012.