Kern considers run for DiMaio’s Assembly seat

Warren County Commissioner James Kern is mulling a bid for an open State Assembly seat in the 23rd legislative district, the New Jersey Globe has learned.

The imminent departure of State Sen. Doug Steinhardt (R-Lopatcong) to become U.S. Attorney has set up a series of moves within the Northwest New Jersey district, which includes parts of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren counties.

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio will seek Steinhardt’s Senate seat, creating a new race for the open seat in the lower house.  Bridgewater Mayor Matt Moench announced Monday that he would run for DiMaio’s Assembly seat.

Kern launched his political career in 2010 as a candidate for the Pohatcong Township Council; at age 21, he was a senior at Rutgers University.  Kern was the top vote-getter in a three-way race against two incumbents; he outdistanced Councilman Samuel Souders, Jr. by nearly seventeen percentage points in a non-partisan municipal election.

He was elected mayor one year later with 63% against a township police sergeant more than his age, Frank Pagano.  He was re-elected with 88% of the vote.

After GOP Freeholder Ed Smith declined to seek re-election in 2018, Republicans backed Kern to succeed him.  He was re-elected to a third term last year.

Kern did not comment on his potential candidacy.

Raritan Borough Mayor Nicholas Carra is also considering an Assembly run.