Warren Township Committeeman Mick Marion has decided not to seek the Republican nomination for an open State Assembly in the 21st district.
“While the showing of support in this short timeframe has been overwhelming, not only from friends and colleagues in Somerset County but also from folks in Morris and Union Counties, I am declining a run for Assembly in the 21st District at this time.,” Marion said. “My family comes before anything else and with exciting family milestones coming up this year as well as the professional obligations of my career, I will not be able to devote the time needed for running for office.”
The announcement by Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean that he will not seek re-election for a seventh term – perhaps to concentrate on another run for Congress next year – led to Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick entering the Senate race.
Six candidates are already seeking support for Bramnick’s Assembly seat: Summit Republican Municipal Chairman Steve Spurr; New Providence Councilwoman Michele Matsikoudis; Cranford Township Committeewoman Mary O’Connor; Mountainside Councilman Rene Dierkes; Kenilworth Councilman Fred Pugliese; and Carmen Bucco, who won 2% of the vote as an independent candidate for Kenilworth Borough Council in 2020.