Saddle River Councilman Jon Kurpis joined the race for the Republican nomination for State Assembly in the 39th district today, becoming the second person in two days to announce their candidacy in what is expected to be the first lineless GOP primary in 2025.
The decision of Kurpis, the Saddle River Republican municipal chairman and the 39th district GOP vice chair, comes one day after former congressional candidate Frank Pallotta entered the race. Both incumbents – Robert Auth (R-Old Tappan) and John Azzariti (R-Saddle River) – are expected to seek re-election.
“If there isn’t going to be an Auth-Azzariti unity ticket, I don’t need an exploratory committee to determine my position. I’m all in, and I’m loaded for bear,” Kurpis said. “My track record with America First Republicans, parental rights groups, and residents of the 39th legislative district, along with my ability to fundraise on a massive scale, make me an extremely competitive entrant if not a favorite given that the unfair line practice is now gone.”
Kurpis, the son of Saddle River Mayor Albert Kurpis, sought the Republican nomination for Assembly in 2021 on a ticket with Azzariti, then a councilman in Saddle River. Two incumbents, Auth and DeAnne DeFuccio (R-Upper Saddle River), defeated them by over 3,000 votes.
In 2023, after DeFuccio declined to run again, Kurpis sought party support for the seat but withdrew after Republicans backed Azzariti. It’s unclear whether Azzariti will run with Pallotta, a staunch ally.
“I have an immensely strong foundation, and I am committed to fighting the good fight all the way to Trenton and beyond,” stated Kurpis. “I will never put aside my America First values once I get to Trenton.
Kurpis also took a shot at Auth, who has accompanied, but not endorsed, GOP gubernatorial candidate Jon Bramnick on visits to Bergen County.
“The loser Bramnick wing of the NJ GOP is now on notice because I’m fighting on behalf of the common man and woman and will think nothing of running sell-out Republicans over to help the people,” he said.