New Federal, State Districts For Barnegat, Manahawkin

BARNEGAT AND STAFFORD, NJ — The completion of the 2020 Census means it is time for the 10-year change in federal and state legislative districts, and those changes affect who represents which towns in every county in New Jersey.

Redistricting is meant to balance the number of people represented by each member of the House of Representatives and each member of the New Jersey Legislature, by adjusting to the population shifts in the state map.

Here's a look at which districts encompass Barnegat and Stafford townships now, ahead of the coming primary elections in June and the general election in November.

Barnegat and Stafford have been in the 3rd Congressional District since 2013, which currently is represented by Democrat Andy Kim.

However, the two towns will be part of the 2nd Congressional District beginning in January 2023, and will be voting for the representative in the 2nd District, currently represented by Republican Jeff Van Drew, in November.

The 2nd Congressional District (see the new map here) includes the following: In Ocean County, part of Berkeley, part of Lacey, Waretown, Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Stafford, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach, Eagleswood, Tuckerton, Beach Haven, Little Egg Harbor, along with all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties, and part of Gloucester County.

At the state level, the two towns have been in the 9th Legislative District and will remain there, represented by Republicans Sen. Chris Connors and Assemblymembers Brian Rumpf and DiAnne Gove.

The 9th District will include: Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley, Eagleswood, Harvey Cedars, Lacey, Lakehurst, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach, Manchester, Waretown, Ocean Gate, Pine Beach, Ship Bottom, Stafford, Surf City and Tuckerton.

The new state legislative district map can be found here.