Assemblyman John Allen (D-Hoboken) announced today that he will not seek re-election to a second term to the 32nd district seat he’s held for the last 53 weeks.
Allen’s announcement was anticipated. His close political ally, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, announced his candidacy for Allen’s seat yesterday; Allen had been Bhalla’s chief of staff.
The New Jersey Globe first reported in August that Allen, who had been in the Assembly for seven months at that point, wanted to focus on private sector opportunities – and possibly an appointive post – and not run again. He raised $2,275 during the fourth quarter of 2024 and has $1,627 cash-on-hand.
Still, Allen says he’s had an ‘impactful first term” and that serving in the legislature was “an immense honor.”
I’ll continue fighting for the policies that matter most to the people of Hoboken, Jersey City and the entire state, and remain readily accessible to assist with any challenges they face navigating state services.” Allen said. “I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together, from the adoption of the Target Zero Commission to combat traffic fatalities and securing vital state funding for local projects, to advancing critical legislation on climate change, reproductive healthcare access, and gun violence prevention.”
Allen got the seat in 2023 after Bhalla used his pick as mayor and asked the Hudson County Democratic Organization to drop their support of four-term Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (D-Hoboken).
In addition to Bhalla, Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City) and former Murphy administration official Katie Brennan are seeking the two Assembly seats in what will likely be a lineless Democratic primary with office block voting.
Allen is the first of the eight sitting members of the State Assembly to retire this cycle.
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