Rivers mulling rematch with Danielsen in 17th district

Loretta Rivers, a Piscataway school board member who came within 463 votes of ousting an incumbent assemblyman in the Democratic primary last year, is strongly considering a rematch in 2027.

Rivers nearly beat Joe Danielsen (D-Franklin) in 2025, 10,564 to 10,101.  The other incumbent, Kevin Egan (D-New Brunswick), ran way ahead of Danielson with 11,428 votes.

She told the New Jersey Globe that she expected to make a final decision by the end of September.

“I think I should because I was close,” Rivers said.  “I’ll be ready to roll by the end of September.”

In the meantime, Rivers urged Danielson to spend more time out in the 17th legislative district.

“Have a town hall,” she said.  “I would love to see him out there.”

Danielson reported raising $316,513 through June 2025 and spending $214,947 of it on the primary.  Rivers raised $5,994 and spent $4,296; she also received $2,955 from Steve Fulop’s gubernatorial campaign.

In the primary, Rivers won the Middlesex County portion of the district by 390 votes, while Danielson carried Somerset by 853. She carried Piscataway, North Brunswick, and South Bound Brook, and came within 40 votes of winning New Brunswick.

Rivers has been accepted into a five-day campaign training program this month at Yale Law School, which has a highly competitive admissions process.

“Attending The Campaign School at Yale’s Summer Session is not just about learning the mechanics of politics; it’s about shaping the future with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to lead with positive Change for our voters,” Rivers said. “I’m honored to join women from all parties at this esteemed program’s Class of 2026.

Other New Jerseyans admitted to the Yale program are former NJ-7 congressional candidate Megan O’Rourke, and two community activists, Tenisha Malcolm-Wint and Della Walker.

“Women lead differently, and we need strong, enthusiastic women in office to help bridge the bipartisan gap plaguing our government,” said Patricia Russo, executive director of The Campaign School at Yale. “These students are dedicated to learning how to earn the right to serve the citizens of New Jersey.”