Orlando Cruz is leading candidate for Sumter’s Assembly seat

Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz has emerged as the early favorite for Shavonda Sumter’s seat in the State Assembly, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed.

Sumter announced today that she would not seek re-election to the 35th district seat she first won in 2011.

The filing deadline to seek the endorsement of the Bergen County Democratic organization is at 4 PM  tomorrow, leaving a narrow window for another candidate to emerge.  Roughly 20% of the Democratic primary vote in 2023 came out of Elmwood Park and Garfield in the Bergen portion of the district.

The district is 53% Hispanic.

“As a proud Latino leader in a majority Latino district, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our families. Through my leadership on the Passaic County Commissioner Board, I have worked to deliver real results for all residents– expanding essential services, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that every community has a seat at the table. That same commitment to inclusivity and progress will guide my work in the Assembly,” said Cruz.  “If I am elected in the June primary and again in November, I will fight every day for the issues that matter most—strong schools, safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and a better future for all. I look forward to meeting with voters, listening to their concerns, and earning support in the months ahead.:

Former Garfield Councilman Romi Herrera is already in the race; he is running on a slate led by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (D-Paterson), the legislature’s first Palestinian American, was elected last month after Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson) resigned to take his seat in the State Senate.  Wimberly succeeded Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon), who was elected to Congress in 2024.

Abdelaziz defeated Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah with 81% of the vote.  Paterson Board of Education Vice President Kenneth Simmons, dropped out of the race before the vote.  Former Paterson Deputy Mayor Derya Taskin participated in a Passaic County screening committee but ended her race a week before the special election.

Cruz, the president of the Greater Paterson and Greater Wayne Chamber of Commerce, won his county post in 2023 after Commissioner T.J. Best declined to seek re-election.  He won a screening committee vote against Rodney De Vore, an aide to Sumter; De Vore was elected county commissioner last year.

He paid tribute to Sumter’s fourteen years in the legislature.

“I’m looking forward to continuing her legacy of strong advocacy for our constituents,” Cruz stated.  “I am grateful to the Passaic County Democratic leadership under Chairman John Currie for their trust and confidence in me to serve as a candidate for the New Jersey General Assembly. Representing the district where I have built strong relationships across all communities is a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly.”