State Sen. Patrick Diegnan, Jr. (D-South Plainfield) will seek another Senate term, saying he wants voters to judge his candidacy by his record and performance in office.
“Absolutely, I’m seeking re-election,” he said. “I love doing it; I love helping people “
Diegnan, who represents the 18th legislative district, was appointed to the Senate in 2016 after serving in the General Assembly for more than a decade. Diegnan pointed to the positive impact politics has had on his life.
“Whenever people talk negatively about politics, I can tell you it’s the most positive thing in my life,” Diegnan stated.
For Diegnan, much of the appeal of remaining in office comes from constituent service.
“Every day we get calls from constituents about every conceivable issue that we’re able to help them with. I look forward to continuing to serve”
Diegnan, 77, is the sixth-oldest member of the Senate, and if re-elected, he would be 82 at the end of his term.
His bid comes as questions about age and generational change have become a recurring part of Democratic politics, with some Democrats calling for a new generation of leaders. In contrast, others have emphasized experience and a candidate’s record. Diegnan said age alone should not determine whether voters support a candidate.
“I don’t think there is one size that fits all,” Diegnan said. “If you’re looking at somebody, and I’m going to put humility aside for a second, I think I’ve done a good job in my time here in the legislature”
Diegnan chairs the Senate Transportation Committee and has made bicycle and rail safety a priority during his time leading the committee.
He said voters should instead consider whether their elected representatives have delivered for them.
“You should really make your vote based on that decision,” said Diegnan. “If a person isn’t doing a good job and isn’t representing you and your issues, regardless of your age, then you shouldn’t support them.
“To me, the issue is performance,” he said.
While the 18th is solidly Democratic in a general election – Mikie Sherrill won it by 27 points last year, and Kamala Harris took it by 10 points in 2024 – primary elections in a new era of no county lines are less predictable.
In 2025, three progressive candidates for governor – Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop and Sean Spiller – won a combined 49.7% of the primary vote in the 18th district.
Last June, Dr. Adam Hamawy, who is almost certain to be the next congressman from New Jersey’s 12th district, finished second (31%) behind East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen (45%) in the three municipalities in the 18th. Hamawy campaigned for Democratic Socialist candidates in Michigan primaries over the summer.
In the next-door 6th district, two underfunded progressive challengers held Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch) to 62% in the primary within the four municipalities also in the 18th.