Swain, Tully announce Assembly re-election bids

Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-Fair Lawn) and Assemblyman Chris Tully (D-Bergenfield) announced their bids for re-election in the 38th district Monday.

The Bergen County duo joined the Legislature in 2018 after both Assembly seats opened up. The pair’s announcement came with more than two dozen endorsements, including Bergen County Democratic Chair Paul Juliano and state Sen. Joe Lagana (D-Paramus).

“Serving the residents of LD38 is an incredible honor, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to lower taxes, improve public safety, and invest in our schools,” Swain said in the release. “I’m running for reelection because there’s more work to do to build a stronger, more affordable New Jersey for all our families.”

Swain and Tully already have primary challengers: Glen Rock Board of Education President Damali Robinson and attorney Donald Bonomo. The latter pair are backed by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who is supporting a slate of Assembly candidates as part of his anti-establishment gubernatorial campaign.

Tully entered the year with $41,818 on hand, while Swain entered 2025 with $90,707, according to financial disclosures.

“From delivering property tax relief to standing up for small businesses, Assemblywoman Swain and I have always put our communities first,” Tully said. “With the support of local leaders and residents, we will continue to ensure LD38 has a strong voice in Trenton.”

Paramus Councilman Robert Kaiser, a Republican who considered a run for state Senate against Lagana, filed to run for the seat as well.

Other endorsers of Swain and Tully include Bergen County Democratic Vice Chair Balpreet Grewal-Virk and the mayors of Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Maywood, Moonachie, New Milford, Lodi, Rochelle Park, River Edge, Saddle Brook, and South Hackensack.