NJ Voters Guide: 31st Legislative District
New Jersey’s 31st Legislative District lies along the Hudson River. It covers Bayonne, Kearny and part of Jersey City in Hudson County.
Long a Democratic stronghold, voter registration in the district skews blues, with more than half of registrants Democrats, 13% Republicans and most of the rest unaffiliated.
The Democratic candidates are Assemblyman William Sampson, a longshoreman, and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker. Walker defeated freshman Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato in the primary.
Anthony Acosta of Bayonne and Neil Schulman of Jersey City are the Republican candidates.
Editor’s note: All candidates were contacted multiple times for the NJ Decides 2025 voting guide Q&As. Click on a candidate to see any answers provided.
The candidates
Age: 36 Hometown: Bayonne Occupation: Longshoreman and assemblyman Personal or professional background:I am a Bayonne native and crane operator, who brings union and community What is your top issue this year?This election, we are committed to tackling affordability with real, workable solutions. We’re fighting to expand access to affordable housing, cap prescription drug costs, and increase funding for public transit so families spend less on commuting. Will is leading efforts in the Assembly to raise the minimum wage and protect union jobs, while Jerry is focused on expanding afterschool programs and job training that help families get ahead. Both are pushing What are your specific proposals for making New Jersey more affordable?We are committed to making New Jersey more affordable through concrete, community-focused policies. Will is fighting to raise the minimum wage, protect union jobs, and expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to put more money in workers’ pockets. Jerry supports Do you support the state law designed to increase the amount of affordable housing and if not, how would you make housing less costly for residents?Yes—we strongly support the state law aimed at increasing affordable housing in New Jersey. Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live, and this law is a vital step toward making that a reality. We know families in our communities are struggling with rising rents and housing shortages. That’s why we support stronger enforcement of local affordable housing obligations, increased funding for housing construction and preservation, and expanded rental assistance How would you manage potential federal funding cuts to social services, health care, education, and other areas, particularly in light of the state’s budget challenges? We believe essential services like health care, education, and housing must be protected—even
leadership to Trenton. Elected in 2022, I’m the first African American from Bayonne in the
Assembly and now serve as Deputy Speaker. I champion working families, racial justice, and grassroots civic engagement through my own nonprofit.
for responsible tax relief for working- and middle-class residents—because no one should have to choose between rent, groceries, or their kids’ future.
investing in workforce training, afterschool care, and affordable housing development to ease
the burden on working families. Together, we advocate for targeted property tax relief, reduced public transit costs, and state caps on prescription drug prices. Our focus is clear: help families stay, thrive, and build a future right here in Hudson County.
programs. We also believe in prioritizing smart, transit-oriented development that keeps communities accessible and vibrant. Making housing more affordable is key to keeping New Jersey a place families can call home.
in the face of federal funding cuts or state budget shortfalls. We support a balanced,
responsible budget that puts working families first by closing corporate tax loopholes, making
sure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, and prioritizing spending that delivers real community impact. We’ll also work to streamline programs and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring every dollar counts. For us, the bottom line is clear: cuts from Washington shouldn’t mean cuts to the services New Jersey families rely on.
Age: 37 Hometown: Bayonne Occupation: Realtor Personal or professional background: I am a proud husband, father, Bayonne resident, and full-time realtor. I work closely with families every day, helping them navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. This experience has given me firsthand insight into the challenges New Jersey families face, especially when it comes to affordability and quality of life. What is your top issue this year? New Jersey faces several urgent challenges, including high taxes, unchecked overdevelopment without proper infrastructure planning, and the need for school choice. To address these, I will fight to lower the tax burden on hardworking residents, ensure responsible development that prioritizes infrastructure and quality of life, and advocate for school choice programs that empower parents to make the best educational decisions for their children. What are your specific proposals for making New Jersey more affordable? I will push for the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency in New Jersey to track taxpayer dollars, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure financial transparency. By cutting unnecessary programs and streamlining government operations, we can protect the hard-earned money of New Jerseyans and foster an environment that supports businesses and job growth. We must also lower property taxes and reduce the overall tax burden on our residents. New Jersey families are being priced out of their own communities. Fiscal responsibility, smarter budgeting, and reduced government waste are key. Do you support the state law designed to increase the amount of affordable housing and if not, how would you make housing less costly for residents? I do not support this law. Government-run solutions have repeatedly failed. We need to lower taxes, cut red tape, and let the private market do what it does best. That’s how we create real affordability and long-term solutions. Not through more mandates. How would you manage potential federal funding cuts to social services, health care, education, and other areas, particularly in light of the state’s budget challenges? We need to rethink how we fund and manage these services. Privatization, public-private partnerships, and support from philanthropic organizations are more sustainable than constant taxpayer increases. We must be responsible stewards of the People’s money.
Age: 54 Hometown: Jersey City Occupation: Former professional basketball player, the co-founder and CEO of the non-profit organization Personal or professional background:I am a former professional basketball player and Jersey City native, and founded Team Walker to empower youth through education and athletics. I built a community center, offer free programs like GED and ESL classes, and serve as County Commissioner, leading on What is your top issue this year?This election, we are committed to tackling affordability with real, workable solutions. We’re fighting to expand access to affordable housing, cap prescription drug costs, and increase funding for public transit so families spend less on commuting. Will is leading efforts in the Assembly to raise the minimum wage and protect union jobs, while Jerry is focused on expanding afterschool programs and job training that help families get ahead. Both are pushing What are your specific proposals for making New Jersey more affordable?We are committed to making New Jersey more affordable through concrete, community-focused policies. Will is fighting to raise the minimum wage, protect union jobs, and expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to put more money in workers’ pockets. Jerry supports Do you support the state law designed to increase the amount of affordable housing and if not, how would you make housing less costly for residents?Yes—we strongly support the state law aimed at increasing affordable housing in New Jersey. Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live, and this law is a vital step toward making that a reality. We know families in our communities are struggling with rising rents and housing shortages. That’s why we support stronger enforcement of local affordable housing obligations, increased funding for housing construction and preservation, and expanded rental assistance How would you manage potential federal funding cuts to social services, health care, education, and other areas, particularly in light of the state’s budget challenges? We believe essential services like health care, education, and housing must be protected—even
Team Walker, and a currently elected County Commissioner.
family services and public safety.
for responsible tax relief for working- and middle-class residents—because no one should have to choose between rent, groceries, or their kids’ future.
investing in workforce training, afterschool care, and affordable housing development to ease
the burden on working families. Together, we advocate for targeted property tax relief, reduced public transit costs, and state caps on prescription drug prices. Our focus is clear: help families stay, thrive, and build a future right here in Hudson County.
programs. We also believe in prioritizing smart, transit-oriented development that keeps communities accessible and vibrant. Making housing more affordable is key to keeping New Jersey a place families can call home.
in the face of federal funding cuts or state budget shortfalls. We support a balanced,
responsible budget that puts working families first by closing corporate tax loopholes, making
sure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, and prioritizing spending that delivers real community impact. We’ll also work to streamline programs and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring every dollar counts. For us, the bottom line is clear: cuts from Washington shouldn’t mean cuts to the services New Jersey families rely on.
The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
