Eduardo Rodríguez, who mounted an insurgency campaign boosted by the state’s new office block ballot design, won the Democratic nomination for State Assembly in the Union County-based 20th district by 97 votes.
Rodriguez, the former director of planning and community development for Elizabeth, defeated the organization-backed candidate, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, after provisional and late-arriving vote-by-mail ballots were counted this morning. He received 6,718 votes to 6,621 for Granados.
Granados conceded his primary defeat.
“This journey has never just been about holding elected office—it’s always been about serving our community,” he said. “I remain committed to that mission and will promise I will continue to stay engaged, involved, and focused on creating a better future for all of us.”
On Friday, Rodriguez led Granados by 105 votes, 6,547 to 6,442; the margin had initially been 186.
The incumbent, Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth), easily won the Democratic primary with 8,724 votes. Walter Wimbush, who ran with Rodriguez, ended up solidly in fourth place with 5,642.
Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (D-Roselle) decided not to seek re-election after two terms in the lower chamber.
Granados did not seek another term as county commissioner in order to run for the legislature.
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March 11, 2021