The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Age: 71

Hometown: Hazlet

Occupation: Relationship manager and training facilitator for Wavelength Communications Skills Training

Personal background: I am a third generation LD13 resident with blue-collar roots. My Rutgers bachelor’s degree in public policy has helped me in my pursuit for social justice, leading me to become involved in multiple activities. I was a Planned Parenthood trained escort, worked as a counselor for inner city kids in Plainfield, coached a young woman in the Boys & Girls Club of America to compete in a Youth of the Year scholarship program. I’ve worked as an account executive, helping companies create marketing campaigns, train their people to be better communicators and to better manage their internal operations. Essentially, helping people has been my main incentive over the years.

Political background: Since high school, I’ve been politically active, canvassing for my chosen candidates as well as phone banking, creating marketing materials and running (twice) for Hazlet Township Committee.

Why are you running for office: Monmouth County deserves better than our current state senator. It’s important to both be available for your constituents and responsive. I’ve heard too many complaints from voters about his lack of accountability and accessibility, which has made them reach out to senators in other legislative districts instead. I will hold town hall meetings and respond to calls.

I am also a strong supporter of a woman’s right to choose. My opponent has consistently shown his disdain for women’s rights, most recently voting against the 2022 Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act. The GOP has stated its desire to follow up on the Dobbs decision by attempting to institute a nationwide ban on abortion. But if they can’t, they plan to outlaw the right for a woman to control her own body, state by state. We cannot afford for that to happen. We cannot be another Texas. I will fight to keep those protections.

I also believe that gun safety has been sorely dismissed by my opponent. He has voted against virtually every gun-safety measure, including common-sense training requirements for anyone seeking to purchase firearms. Even law enforcement supports this obvious need. LD 13 voters can rest assured I will do everything possible to protect them from gun violence, without taking away their rights.

As a Monmouth County resident, I’m appalled that we are virtually the only county that reassesses properties every year while the rest of the state does so every 5 years. My opponent pushed through a bill that mandates this, the Assessment Development Program. That is patently unfair and will change if I’m elected.

Finally, I will not solicit or do business with the towns I represent, as my opponent does. I believe it’s an ethical breach and a conflict of interest. I hope to introduce legislation to codify this change.

Key election issue: I am most adamant about women’s reproductive rights. We cannot afford to make women second-class citizens, which can very well happen if the Legislature turns Republican. Women are citizens. We shouldn’t be treated as second-class citizens.

A bill to overturn the Assessment Development Program.

A bill to disallow elected officials from doing business with the municipalities they represent.

Support of all common-sense gun safety measures.

An open-door policy for constituents to reach me.

Regularly scheduled town hall meetings.

Continued support and safeguards to protect women’s rights.

Example of a successful project: When my nephew’s wife was deployed to Iraq, her squad was told there wasn’t enough body armor for them. I immediately contacted everyone from Gen. Janis Karpinski in Iraq to the National Guard commander in Pennsylvania under whose command my nephew’s wife reported, to the Pentagon. After multiple phone conversations and several days, these troops had their protective equipment.

A client of mine wanted to train their entire company of almost 100 employees in meeting management and interpersonal skills over a two-day period. Their requirement was for this training to be ready to roll out within weeks. I put together a team of six facilitators, determined the correct training materials for each subgroup of employees, and facilitated training, while overseeing the other facilitators. The client’s outcomes met and exceeded their expectations.

Example of a challenge faced: I have practiced martial arts for many years, but have only studied taekwondo since 2015. As virtually the oldest person practicing in my school, I have nonetheless managed to proceed from white belt (beginner) status to second-degree black belt since then. To reach that level, I had to learn and be able to perform 16 intricate “forms” or patterns, demonstrate multiple hand techniques and kicks, and use several of those methods to break three-quarter-inch boards. I was tested on these elements for every belt “promotion,” over the course of 90 minutes or more each time.

I was determined to succeed – I never give up – so I spent not only class time learning and practicing, but also practiced on my own, over and over again, to perfect my moves. That’s not to say I’m perfect. The challenge is to always improve, always learn more, always help others in their quest.

I continue to train and learn, and I welcome the ever-present challenges I face to constantly improve.

On NJ’s gun laws: First and foremost, I’d work to improve the training requirements for gun ownership. Too many people don’t realize how compromised their safety and the safety of their children is.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: Yes

On housing affordability and property taxes: Affordable housing is a major issue that the GOP ignores, acting as though having lower income people in their neighborhoods will somehow destroy their quality of life. I would gather experts, from developers to housing advocates, to look into possible solutions.

Campaign website

Age: 64

Hometown: Middletown

Occupation: Full time legislator and adjunct professor

Personal background: I was born in Brooklyn and moved with my wife and child to Middletown, New Jersey, in August 1994. I have a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology. I had a very successful career as a professional archaeologist, which led to teaching archaeology at Monmouth University as an adjunct professor. I spent eight years in the Christie administration as the director of the Office for Planning Advocacy and for a period, executive director of the Business Action Center.

Political background: New Jersey State Assemblyman LD-13, 2020-present

Monmouth County Freeholder, 2018-2020

New Jersey Department of State, Executive Director, Business Action Center, 2017-2018

New Jersey Department of State, Director, Office for Planning Advocacy, 2010-2018

Secretary, State Planning Commission, 2010-2018

Middletown Township Committeeman, 2005-2018

Mayor, Middletown Township, 2007-2008, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017

Deputy Mayor, Middletown Township, 2006, 2009

Member, Legislative Committee, League of Municipalities, 2008-2010

Member, Middletown Zoning Board of Adjustment, 2003-2004

Member, Middletown Disaster Relief Fund Board of Directors, 2012-2015

Why are you running for office: I believe our country and way of life are being threatened like never before. I feel we need elected officials who are both fearless and correct on the issues. I want my three grandchildren (three under 3 years old) to grow up in the magnificent country that I grew up in, not a lawless, quasi-socialist welfare state. I am especially concerned about New Jersey and its future. The outflow of people moving to other states because of unaffordability, over-regulation, legislation that stifles personal freedom and constant government overreach into everyday life is something I want to change.

Key election issue: Main – taxes, secondary – crime, parental rights, education, business climate, protecting the Jersey shore, etc.

New Jersey has the unenviable distinction of having the highest property taxes, and worst business climate in the nation. Affordability must be addressed to stem the outflow of residents seeking less costly places to live. Introduced a bill to return the ETR to municipalities, which would dramatically lower property taxes. Voted against excessively increased spending by the governor. Co-sponsored and voted for legislation to help small business, increase property tax rebates and voted against increasing income tax rates for New Jersey residents.

Example of a successful project: Successfully secured additional funding for mental health services and teen suicide prevention programs.

Example of a challenge faced: Being in the minority party trying to move legislation through the process. I have overcome it by having a good relationship with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and bringing solid, constructive legislation to the Assembly.

On NJ’s gun laws: I would stop attacking the honest, law-abiding citizen and concentrate on criminals who use illegal guns. That’s where the problem lies. Enforce the laws that are on the books and stop releasing dangerous criminals from jail. Overhauling bail reform would keep dangerous recidivist criminals off the streets.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: I support all sources of energy and efforts to expand alternative energy. I do not support overreaching, costly mandates.

On housing affordability and property taxes: Introduced legislation to restore the energy tax receipts (ETR) to municipalities, which would be a game changer for cutting property taxes across the state. Reinstitute regional contribution agreements (RCAs) to renovate existing housing where infrastructure already exists. Look to eliminate mandates that drive up local taxes. Work with Habitat for Humanity and similar organizations to expand and rehab affordable housing stock.

Campaign website

Age: 69

Hometown: West Long Branch

Occupation: Musician

Personal background: Paul Eschelbach is a native of Red Bank. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Rowan University, as well as an M.S.Ed. from Monmouth University. Paul spent nine years on the Red Bank Borough Board of Education. He taught in the New Jersey public schools for 41 years, 31 of those years were spent in the Long Branch Public Schools. He also taught in Atlantic Highlands and Little Silver. Mr. Eschelbach is a professional tuba and bass trombone player. He plays with three New York City orchestras: the United Nations Symphony, the Litha Symphony and the Orchestra Amadeus. He manages the Navesink Brass quintet. He also plays tuba in four community bands. He is a member of Local 309 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Political background: Paul Eschelbach was a member of the Red Bank Borough Board of Education for three terms. He testified in front of the New Jersey Judiciary Committee in favor of same-sex marriage. He was president of the Long Branch School Employees Association for two terms. As a New Jersey Education Association member, Mr. Eschelbach was very active in politics.

Why are you running for office: I believe there needs to be a change in Legislative District 13 leadership. The Assessment Demonstration Program, which was sponsored by Declan O’Scanlan, is unfair to Monmouth County residents. It needs to be replaced as it is unfair to taxpayers. It is important to preserve reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights in New Jersey.

Key election issue: Property taxes

To overturn the Assessment Demonstration Program and lower property taxes for seniors.

Example of a successful project: Mr. Eschelbach advocated for LGBTQ+ marriage rights by testifying in front of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Example of a challenge faced: Surviving on Social Security and a New Jersey pension. Reinstating cost-of-living asjustments to the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund is important. Political advocacy through the NJEA Governmental Relations Department has been rewarding.

On NJ’s gun laws: I believe anyone who gets a gun permit should go through mandatory gun safety classes.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: I support Gov. Murphy’s climate change initiatives. Offshore wind and solar power need to be expanded. Free electric car chargers in convenient locations are important.

On housing affordability and property taxes: Remove the ADP law that is in place in Monmouth County. Tax breaks for seniors need to be expanded.

Campaign website

Age: 51

Hometown: Holmdel

Occupation: Lawyer

Personal background: I grew up in Moonachie, New Jersey. I thoroughly enjoyed growing up in North Jersey because the location provided me so many opportunities to watch sports and attend concerts. I spent my summers at the Shore, so when my husband and I were looking to buy our second home together as our family grew, we knew Monmouth County was where we wanted to live.

I am a graduate of Rutgers (B.A. ’96) and Seton Hall Law School (J.D. ’99). After law school, I was the first clerk for the Honorable Jaynee LaVecchia, an associate justice for the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Thereafter, I worked in private practice for some of the state’s largest law firms. When I was elected to the Assembly, I started my own law practice to allow me the flexibility to balance my role as an assemblywoman with my law practice.

Political background: Prior to being elected to the Assembly, I was a member of the Holmdel Board of Education, serving two terms, the last four years as president. When I lived in Nutley, I served as a member of the Nutley Board of Education for four years, serving my last years as vice president. I had to resign upon my move to Holmdel.

Why are you running for office: I am running to continue to be a voice in Trenton for the great people of Monmouth County on the issues that matter to our constituents. We need to have a strong voice in Trenton to ensure our laws protect the public and permit law enforcement to perform their jobs safely and with protection from litigation. We also need to make sure that our schools are adequately funded so they may continue to address the academic damage caused by lockdowns during the pandemic. Schools are challenged because of teacher shortages and state aid cuts – we must fight to make sure we are supporting teachers, students and parental rights. We also need more people in Trenton to provide a common-sense perspective to the damaging energy policies being proposed – by causing people to have to choose only one form of car and taking away access to appliances dependent upon natural gas, Trenton Democrats have made New Jersey terribly unaffordable. We need to have Trenton focused on things that matter and place New Jersey on a trajectory of success.

Key election issue: In order to encourage greater voter turnout, we need to do better as leaders to articulate to constituents the real impact of the policies being adopted in Trenton.

For instance, here in Monmouth County, we have lost tens of millions of dollars in state aid for our schools. These losses are a direct consequence of failed state policies adopted by Trenton Democrats. As a leader in Monmouth County, it is incumbent upon me and my colleagues to explain to residents how these policies damage our students or teachers in our schools.

We must also articulate the real effects of the energy policies that are said to be “green,” but make our state reliant on less-reliable energy sources that will result in skyrocketing energy costs.

First, state aid cuts should be refunded to schools immediately, in those amounts lost during the pandemic. I’ll introduce legislation that would provide for those funding cuts to be reversed and instruct the Legislature to develop a fair state aid formula.

We also need to continue to work on public safety risks caused by the catch-and-release policies that have resulted in the astronomical increase of car thefts and home invasions. While some of my legislation has been passed, there is more to do.

I would advocate for the implementation of policies that protect students, encourage more students to seek a career in education, laws that would remove unnecessary barriers to pursuing a career in education. I would also advocate for policies to ensure parental rights and encourage even greater involvement for partners in children’s education.

Finally, I would reverse those policies that have resulted in the devastating energy policies that will make New Jersey less affordable.

Example of a successful project: New Jersey has encountered a significant uptick of car thefts in recent years. While the loss of a car is devastating alone, the tremendous hike in car thefts will likely lead to a tremendous hike in insurance rates in upcoming years. This is why we have to get this issue under control.

When I was first elected, I was educated by members in law enforcement about the car theft issue. I therefore immediately drafted a bill package to address this issue. I am proud to say that some of the bills I introduced have been adopted during my first term, but I am hopeful that Monmouth County voters will give me a second term to continue that work so I could continue to address this issue for New Jersey residents.

Example of a challenge faced: As a woman, it is always a challenge to be successful in fields that are mostly dominated by men. In order to be successful, I work very hard to be taken seriously by decision makers, and have had great success by working hard and by working well with others.

On NJ’s gun laws: I would be more careful in developing laws in response to recent cases that have advised states to be more respectful of the second amendment rights afforded to law-abiding gun owners. Look, the violence caused by guns is overwhelmingly related to illegal guns and/or people who are not law-abiding citizens. New Jersey was not respectful of the constitutional rights afforded to citizens by the Second Amendment in drafting the legislation in response to the recent Supreme Court caselaw. I advocated to my colleagues in the Assembly to provide me the opportunity to help them draft a constitutional bill. My requests were ignored. But I remain confident that in upcoming years, my colleagues in the Legislature will work more closely with me to develop laws that will pass constitutional muster when challenged.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: I do not. I would instead advocate for the adoption of an energy plan that is dependent on more diverse forms of energy, and not based upon an unattainable goal of being 100% green. The energy policy of the Murphy administration will cause great financial harm to New Jersey residents. While I am a supporter of green energy, it must be sustainable and affordable to ratepayers.

On housing affordability and property taxes: We need to reverse those policies that make it terribly expensive to live in New Jersey.

Campaign website

Age: 42

Hometown: Keport

Occupation: Attorney and hospice nurse

Personal background: I was raised in the Bayshore and have been living in Keyport for nearly nine years. I purchased my first home in Keyport at the end of last year.

I work as a trial attorney for Levinson Axelrod serving the sick and injured by day. At night I work as a hospice nurse at Center for Hope Hospice.

I feel strongly about giving back to my community. I am an active volunteer for the Monmouth County Medical Reserve Corps, participating in clinics and training. In October 2021, I received a Letter of Commendation from Task Force Liberty for my work in Operation Allies Welcome, in which I assisted in providing medical care to Afghan refugees at the joint base at McGuire-Fort Dix-Lakehurst. I also received recognition from the Monmouth County Commissioners earlier this year for my participation in the homebound vaccine project.

Prior to working in law, I served professionally as an EMT, including in Newark and New Orleans. During that portion of my professional life, I responded to Hurricane Katrina as well as Superstorm Sandy. I maintained my career as an EMT while attending college, law school and nursing school. I also volunteered as both an EMT and a firefighter in Monmouth County from the time I was 16 through my early 20s.

I am passionate about ensuring those afflicted by substance abuse and their families have the resources they need to recover. I currently serve as a trustee of the Wellspring Center for Prevention, a community-based non-profit dedicated to improving the health and well being of individuals, families and communities through substance abuse prevention and education. Although I am new to Wellspring I have volunteered in the recovery community for many years, providing direct mentorship for those affected by this disease. I am myself a person in long-term recovery from substance abuse. In April 2024 I will have 10 years of continuous abstinence. Everyone deserves the same resources that have allowed me to thrive and I am committed to working toward this aim.

I am also disabled and have physical limitations, having recovered from a 14-level spinal fusion last year after suffering from a painful spinal deformity since childhood.

With respect to my educational background, I graduated from Tulane in 2009 with a degree in media arts. I then attended law school at Rutgers-Newark and earned my J.D. in 2012. Following this, I received a certificate in practical nursing from Union County College in 2014 and became an LPN in 2015. I completed my associates in nursing in 2021 from Excelsior College and became an RN that year. I am also a certified CPR instructor.

Political background: I have run for office once before. Last year I lost my race for Keyport Council.

Why are you running for office: I am concerned about the politics of hatred and divisiveness that have become rampant in our country. I want to utilize my education, experience and energy to provide thoughtful leadership for all as well as to protect the rights of citizens from being infringed upon by extremist legislators.

Key election issue: Reproductive freedom

My opponents have called reproductive freedom “dangerous,” “radical” and “a hard no.” In a post-Dobbs America, I believe that legislators that hold these views are unfit for state office and the public must be protected from them at all costs. Such legislators need to be replaced regardless of party.

Example of a successful projecy: I have tried several cases to verdict and achieved justice for my clients.

Example of a challenge faced: I find that getting as much education as possible as well as really listening to shared experience from others who have been there is the solution to most problems I have encountered.

On NJ’s gun laws: I support Gov. Murphy’s initiative to punish traffickers for crimes committed with guns. I also want to see more resources spent on getting ghost guns off the street to protect our police officers and citizens. I believe crimes committed with ghost guns should be harsher.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: Yes. I believe in continuing to incentivize consumers who opt for climate-friendly transportation, appliances and energy in their homes.

On housing affordability and property taxes: I believe that regionalizing schools would lower property taxes for many residents. I also believe that the annual reassessment program in my county has led to a greater tax burden for many residents and should be repealed. With respect to rent, I believe that the percentage of annual increase should be capped.

Campaign website