Bloomfield Mayor Wins NJ Assembly Seat, AP Says: 'I'm Truly Grateful'

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The mayor of Bloomfield may soon have a new title: New Jersey assembly member.

Michael Venezia is being projected as a winner in the 2023 general election. He ran for a seat in the New Jersey Assembly in the 34th district, which includes the municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

Venezia ran alongside Carmen Morales, a Belleville resident employed as a school principal in Newark, on the Democratic Party ticket. Morales also emerged victorious in the quest for an assembly seat in the 34th district, according to uncertified results from the Associated Press.

He also shared a slate with Britnee Timberlake, who captured a senate seat in the district, unofficial results show.

• See Related: Timberlake, Venezia, Morales Win (Election Results For NJ-34)

According to unofficial results from the Bloomfield Township Clerk’s Office, Venezia nailed down 3,201 votes in Bloomfield – more than double that of the two Republican candidates combined.

"I am truly grateful," Venezia said Wednesday after early election results were reported.

Venezia ran unopposed for his current three-year term as mayor in 2022.

He declared his candidacy for the state Legislature in March, noting that Bloomfield has not had representation in the State Assembly since Marion Crecco left office in 2001.

“This is a renewed opportunity for Bloomfield to have a direct voice fighting for us for property tax relief, funding for municipal projects, and improved education system, and to have an advocate to make New Jersey a stronger, fairer place for your family and mine,” Venezia wrote.

• See Related: Bloomfield Mayor Throws Hat Into Ring For NJ Assembly

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