Allen effectively rules out run for Lt. governor

Former State Sen. Diane Allen (R-Edgewater Park) almost certainly won’t be running for lieutenant governor.

“I do not believe that that is something that I would be looking forward to,” she said. “I am at a point in my life and my husband’s life where we have other plans.”

Allen, a well-liked and well-regarded former legislator, is taking a role overseeing anti-harassment policy for former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli’s gubernatorial campaign.

While she was unwilling to completely rule out a bid for second-in command of New Jersey’s executive branch, she effectively did.

“I can’t imagine a situation in which I would accept it,” Allen said. “Life changes from time to time, but it would take drastic changes, for sure. It’s just not the right thing for me at this time. I’m thankful to be able to play a role in Jack’s campaign. I think he’s a pretty amazing man, and I think he’s going to win.”

In 2017, Allen retired from the State Senate after 22 years in the legislature.

Allen was on the final short list of candidates for Lt. Governor in 2009 on a ticket with Republican Chris Christie, along with then-Bergen County Clerk Kathleen Donovan, Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) and his eventual pick, Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno.