Bethea takes on Reynolds-Jackson, Verrelli in Dem primary

Former Trenton city councilman Alex Bethea has filed to challenge incumbents Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Trenton) and Anthony Verrelli (D-Hopewell) in the Democratic State Assembly primary in the 15th district.

A retired elementary school principal, Bethea spent eight years as a councilman before giving up his seat to run for mayor last year.  He finished sixth in a field of seven candidates with just 6% of the vote.

After Reed Gusciora won the mayoral race, Bethea ran as an independent in the special election to fill Gusciora’s Assembly seat.  He won 3%, finishing more 46,360 votes behind Verrelli and 15,186 votes behind Republican Justin Tibbetts.  In Trenton, Bethea received just 6%.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Trenton Republican municipal chair Jennifer Williams in the fall.