Henry flips 12th legislative district back to GOP after Thompson’s party switch

Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry, a Republican, has won his first term in the New Jersey State Senate, the New Jersey Globe projects. His victory flips the 12th legislative district’s Senate seat back to Republicans following State Sen. Sam Thompson (D-Old Bridge)’s party switch earlier this year.

Thompson, who turned 88 this summer, had always been a fairly conservative Republican during his 25 years in the state legislature. But in February, Thompson shockingly defected to the Democratic caucus after GOP leaders in the 12th district began agitating for the senator to step aside in favor of the now 64-year-old Henry; Thompson had felt betrayed by his party, so he decided to betray them back.

At first, Thompson insisted that he was planning on seeking re-election, setting up an unusual contest against Henry. After a few weeks, however, Thompson came to the realization that the 12th district – which covers a variety of towns in Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties – was too red for any Democrat to win, and he announced his retirement instead.

Democrats selected Brandon Rose as their replacement candidate to “defend” the 12th district; he was easily defeated by Henry tonight. Henry’s running mates, Assemblymen Rob Clifton (R-Matawan) and Alex Sauickie (R-Jackson), beat Democrats Paul Sarti and Raya Arbiol.

Henry’s victory was very much expected, but it does mean that the GOP starts out with a net gain of one seat in the legislature. It also means that Republicans will soon regain senatorial courtesy powers over massive, Democratic-leaning Middlesex County, something which the party lost when Thompson switched parties.

See all 2023 election results HERE.