An independent candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 1st district has been tossed from the ballot after an administrative law judge found that Austin Johnson failed to obtain the required 250 signatures on his nominating petition.
That sets up a head-to-head contest between Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) and Republican Damon Galdo.
Johnson had filed with 328 signatures the slogan “For the People Party.” His candidacy appeared doomed when 69 of those signatures came from individuals outside the 1st district. He ended his candidacy after Administrative Law Judge Nicole Minutoli brought the number of valid signatures down to 245.
“I’m withdrawing,” Austin stated.
The challenge was brought by Bridget Bay, a regular challenger of petitions for people opposing candidates endorsed by the Camden County Democratic organization, where she is executive director. She was represented by Michael Watson, a partner at Brown & Connery, the law firm that represents Camden County Democrats.
This was Johnson’s second congressional bid. He ran as an independent against Norcross in 2024 and received 2,091 votes, less than one-half of one percent.
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