Brigantine Mayor Andy Simpson dies

Brigantine Mayor Andy Simpson died today at age 62, Gov. Phil Murphy announced today.

Simpson had been battling kidney disease.

He was elected mayor in 2018, defeating Democratic councilman Richard DeLucry by 388 votes, a 55%-45% margin.

Deputy Mayor Vince Sera will become acting mayor.

Brigantine will now hold a special election in November to fill the remainder of Simpson’s term.

Local Republican and Democratic county committees will pick the candidates.

A lifelong Brigantine resident, Simpson owned multiple small businesses and is a past president of the Brigantine Chamber of Commerce.  He served on the local planning board.