Ocean County Mayor To Run For 9th District State Senate Seat

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato officially announced that he would be filing to run for the 9th District state senate seat, and would not be seeking another term as mayor.

Amato, who has served as mayor since 2011, announced his intention to run back in January. The Ocean County GOP Screening Committee has since approved him to run for the seat currently held by the retiring Sen. Christopher Connors.

An emotional Amato shared that on March 27, the filing deadline, he would be filing to run for State Senate.

"It's been an honor of a lifetime to serve as mayor for the township," Amato said at a recent Township Council meeting. "Not many people can say that they grew up in a town and had the opportunity to serve as a member of the governing body and to serve as mayor."

He said that while his term as mayor would end on Dec. 31, 2023, he would continue to work hard until then.

"If the residents of Berkeley and the 9th Legislative District see fit, it would be an honor for me to serve not only Berkeley, but the residents in the 9th District," Amato said.

Amato said it was a very difficult decision to seek higher office, but he thought he could do more for residents this way.

He already has received support from current 9th District Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, who is seeking reelection this year. Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove will not be seeking reelection, after she lost party line support to Stafford Mayor Greg Myhre.

The Council shared their gratitude towards the work Amato had done as mayor, some getting emotional as well.

"You did a fantastic job," said Council President John Bacchione.

Councilman Angelo Guadagno praised Amato, saying "you work tremendously hard."

Visibly emotional Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich said that Amato was not just a mayor, but a friend, and he was "full of integrity."

Council President Bacchione hopes to replace Amato as mayor. He previously told Patch that his goal was to continue Amato's work in town, saying "if it's not broke, don't fix it."

The Berkeley Township Democratic Club is putting local father and community advocate Kia Phua forward for their mayoral candidate. Phua said that as mayor, he hopes to be "proactive, not reactive" and encourage liaisons between the government and the community.

No other candidates have announced bids for the state senate seat as of Tuesday.

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.