Amato Wins 9th District State Senate Race, AP Projects

9th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, NJ — The Republican team handily won the 9th Legislative District in Tuesday's election, according to the Associated Press, who called Carmen Amato's victory.

Amato, presently the mayor of Berkeley Township, announced his bid earlier this year after Sen. Christopher Connors said he would be stepping down after serving in the State Legislature for 33 years.

"Each vote was a testament to your belief in a brighter future," Amato said on Facebook. "Thank you, constituents, for your unwavering support. Your trust inspires me to work harder every day. I look forward to working on your behalf."

The district hasn't seen a Democratic state senator since 1981. Sen. Leonard T. Connors was elected in 1982 and served until he retired in 2008, at which point his son was elected.

Elected alongside Amato are incumbent Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Stafford Mayor Greg Myhre.

Rumpf, a Little Egg Harbor resident, has served in the General Assembly for 20 years.

Myhre has served as Stafford's mayor since 2019. He announced his bid after Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove lost the party line nomination.

The team campaigned on supporting parental rights, keeping taxes low and supporting Ocean County's senior population.

Council President John Bacchione was elected to serve as Berkeley's mayor. Read more: Republicans Sweep Berkeley Mayor, Council Races: Unofficial Results

As of 2023 redistricting, the 9th Legislative District consists of Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley, Eagleswood, Harvey Cedars, Lacey, Lakehurst, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Ocean Township (Waretown), Pine Beach, Ship Bottom, Stafford, Surf City and Tuckerton.