Rendo won’t seek open 39th district Assembly seat

Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo will not run for the State Assembly in 2021.

“After discussing my candidacy for the assembly with my family, constituents, and party leaders, I have decided not to seek the nomination,” Rendo said. “Entering my second term as Mayor of Woodcliff Lake, it is more important that I focus my energy on representing my borough.”

Rendo, the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor four years ago, had been mentioned as a leading candidate for an open Assembly seat in the Bergen County-based 39th district.

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale) is expected to give up her seat to challenge 12-term incumbent Gerald Cardinale for the GOP State Senate nomination.

On Saturday, Rendo was one of eight GOP mayors from the district to endorse Schepisi and urge the 86-year-old Cardinale to retire.

“I will support the winner of the party’s nomination for the Senate and Assembly in the 39th district,” Rendo said.

Closter Mayor John Glidden has filed a letter of intent to run for the Assembly.

The filing deadline to participate in the Bergen Republican screening and convention process is tomorrow.