As expected, Assemblywomen Shama Haider (D-Tenafly) and Ellen Park (D-Englewood Cliffs) confirmed this morning that they will seek re-election to third terms in the 37th legislative district.
Haider was one of the first Muslim women elected to the New Jersey Legislature, and Park was the first Korean American woman. They were elected in 2021 after two incumbents gave up their seats to compete to run for the State Senate.
“We’ve improved access to essential healthcare, increased funding for community initiatives, and ensured that previously underrepresented voices are heard in Trenton,” Haider said. “I am committed to continuing the work of building a more inclusive and equitable future for every resident of our district and our state.”
Park explained that breaking barriers “is only meaningful if it leads to breaking barriers for others.”
“I am proud of the progress we’ve made, but there is still more to accomplish. We need to prioritize smart investments in small business development, workforce development, public transportation, and we need to stand firmly against policies that threaten the safety and dignity of our immigrant communities,” she said. “Our work is far from over, and I’m ready to continue fighting for our values.”
Gubernatorial politics could play into their re-election bids: Haider and Park have endorsed Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), while two supporters of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop are already seeking the Democratic nomination: Tamar Warburg, a Teaneck Democratic leader and general counsel of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ, and Tenafly Councilman Dan Park.
With no county lines—and potentially rotating and randomized ballot positions—and two candidates named Park, Democratic primary voters could face some confusion.
The 37th district, based in Englewood, Teaneck, and Tenafly, has existed since 1971, but no Republican has ever won it.
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November 2, 2021 -
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