Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly won a special Democratic election convention Thursday night to take the 35th district Senate seat left vacant by Nellie Pou, who is now serving in Congress.
“Wimberly will be a great addition to the Senate majority who I know will continue to represent the residents of the 35th District with distinction,” said Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union).
Wimberly, a seven-term assemblyman, defeated his longtime running mate Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter by one vote in the second ballot, after the first ballot ended in a tie. Wimberley makes history as the first Black state senator in Passaic County. He will serve until the November election, when he will have to run for reelection.
“Benjie is both a strong leader and a team player,” said Scutari. “He has demonstrated the ability to advance the policies that improve the quality of life for the residents of one of the most diverse districts in New Jersey.”
During the same convention, Democrats voted for Paterson Councilman Al Abdelaziz to take Wimberly’s spot in the Assembly. It was another history-making moment for Passaic County as Abdelaziz will become the first Palestinian American to serve in the Legislature. Abdelaziz said he plans to focus on affordability and affordable housing while he holds the office.
