If Singleton or Murphy go to Congress, who follows them to Trenton?

Today’s announcement that Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) will run for U.S. Senate in 2024 potentially triggers a number of opportunities for Democrats in Burlington County to move up.

Kim’s decision to run statewide opens up a House seat in New Jersey’s 3rd district, which became substantially more Democratic after the most recent round of redistricting.  Among the leading contenders are two lawmakers from the 7th legislative district: Senate Majority Whip Troy Singleton (D-Delran) and Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel).

Burlington County makes up 68% of the Democratic primary votes in NJ-3.

If Singleton runs and wins, Murphy immediately becomes the frontrunner for the Senate seat, so either way, there would be a January 2025 contest for an open seat in the New Jersey State Assembly.

While it’s early, a possible short-list of Assembly candidates include a list of rising star in local politics: Mount Laurel Mayor Stephen Steglik, Delran Council President Tyler Burrell, Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie, and Moorestown Deputy Mayor Quinton Law.

One key component to filling legislative vacancies in Burlington County would be for the Democratic county chairman, Joe Andl, to remember to call a special election convention.