Berkeley Mayor Announces Bid For State Senate Seat

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato will be running for the 9th Legislative District State Senate seat, he announced in a release.

"I am thrilled to announce my candidacy as I seek to represent the extraordinary people of the ninth legislative district," Amato said. "I believe my service for the past 11 years as mayor of Berkeley Township will provide great insight into the issues and concerns of all of the people who choose to call this magnificent area of the State of New Jersey home."

Amato is seeking the seat currently held by Sen. Christopher J. Connors, who recently announced his retirement after 33 years in State Legislature. He was first elected to the Senate in 2008.

Since Connors announced his retirement, there has been plenty of speculation regarding who would replace him. Amato, a Republican, could still face primary challengers as well.

His run is endorsed by Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, who seeks reelection to his 9th District assembly seat.

"Having known Carmen Amato for over 25 years, I believe Carmen to have the passion, integrity, and knowledge necessary to be a dynamic choice to succeed my long-time partner in the ninth district, Senator Chris Connors," said Rumpf. "I look forward to working with Carmen to continue the unprecedented constituent services for which the ninth district legislative office has long been known."

Before his tenure as mayor, Amato served on the Berkeley Township Council and both the Berkeley Township and Central Regional Boards of Education.

He also has served as a member of the Ocean County Board of Health and the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

Rumpf presently serves as a leader in the Assembly Republican caucus and is also a member of the Assembly Budget Committee and the Assembly Health Committee. Prior to his service in the legislature, Rumpf served as mayor of the Township of Little Egg Harbor, and as a committeemen for Little Egg Harbor.

After redistricting, the 9th District now contains 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.