DeAngelo endorses Benson for county executive

A top supporter of Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes is switching sides and endorsing Dan Benson in the June Democratic primary.

Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Hamilton), who seconded Hughes’ nomination at the Democratic county convention yesterday, will respect the wishes of his party organization and back Benson, an assemblyman since 2010 and his running mate.

The move follows Benson’s lopsided 78% convention victory over Hughes, a five-term incumbent, and DeAngelo’s unexpected third-place finish for his own 14th district Assembly seat.

“Now is the time for all Mercer County Democrats to come together and to unite behind our County Executive candidate Dan Benson and our entire Democratic ticket for victory,” DeAngelo said.

The eight-term assemblyman also made it clear that he will seek re-election to his 14th district seat.

“Thank you to the Democratic Committee for the opportunity to run on the ballot again this election cycle and for all the support you have given me over the years,” DeAngelo said.  “It has truly been an honor to represent the 14th district and I am excited to continue working with so many amazing people.”

He added, “As I seek to continue my role as one of the 14th District Assembly representatives, I am hereby expressing my desire to run for re-election and would be grateful to once again receive the District votes for my re-election.”