Schepisi and Auth will run with Azzariti in 39th, possibly ending GOP Assembly primary

It looks like the race for the Republican primary for State Assembly in the 39th district may be over.

State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale) and Assemblyman Bob Auth (R-Old Tappan) say they will run together on a slate with Saddle River Councilman John Azzariti in the Republican primary.

Azzariti is seeking the seat of DeAnne DeFuccio (R-Upper Saddle River), who announced that she would not seek re-election to a second full term in the Bergen County-based district. 

“It is important to us to continue our fight for New Jersey taxpayers and, to do that effectively, we need a united and experienced teammate to join us;  that person is John Azzariti,” Schepisi and Auth stated. “ We look forward to working as a team and building upon our positive record of looking out for Bergen County taxpayers and standing up to the radical Trenton Democrats.”

Schepisi had previously announced her support of Azzariti, whom she had backed two years ago in a GOP primary against Auth and DeFuccio. 

“I am truly honored to join the ticket with Senator Schepisi & Assemblyman Auth, Azzariti stated.  “They are dedicated public servants with a clear record of delivering real results for the 39th District. I look forward to this campaign and working alongside these leaders in the NJ Assembly.”

Auth, a five-term incumbent, might have faced a primary challenge if he didn’t agree to run on the slate, sources familiar with the negotiations told the New Jersey Globe.

Former Ramsey Councilman Ken Tyburczy, the current municipal chairman and a former aide to Auth, is dropping out of the race, the two incumbents said. 

“We look forward to working with Ken to continue building a bright future for the Republican Party in LD39 and all across Bergen County,” Schepisi and Auth said.

Saddle River GOP Municipal Chairman John Kurpis, the son of the Saddle River mayor, and perennial candidate Todd Caliguire, who served as a Bergen County freeholder in the 1990s, are also seeking party support for the Assembly.   It’s not clear if they will remain in the race. 

Schepisi and Auth also thanked DeFuccio “ for her dedicated service to her constituents and the State of New Jersey.”

“Her voice will be missed in Trenton,” they said.