The family of the late Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) has endorsed State Sen. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon) to take their father’s seat.
“The Pascrell family is pleased that Nellie Pou will carry the Democratic banner in the 9th district. Senator Pou is a worthy heir to carry on Congressman Pascrell’s important work on behalf of the great people of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties,” said the Pascrell family. “We know our father would be happy to see Senator Pou succeed him, and so are we.”
Pascrell, a legendary and adored fourteen-term congressman, died last week at age 87.
The timing of Pascrell’s death necessitated a quick campaign: today’s deadline to replace him on the general election ballot.
Pou emerged as the leading candidate over the weekend and three other announced candidates have withdrawn: Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Paterson), and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson).
Pascrell served as a Paterson school board member, Passaic County Democratic Chairman, assemblyman, and mayor of Paterson before winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996.