2 Somerset County Mayors Running For 1 Assembly Seat

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Two Somerset County Mayors have announced their intentions for the Republican nomination for the 23rd District State Assembly seat.

Bridgewater Township Mayor Matthew Moench and Raritan Borough Mayor Nicolas Carra both are vying for the seat that ould be left open by current Assemblyman John DiMaio.

State Senator Douglas Steinhardt, of the 23rd District, was nominated to serve as US Attorney by President Donald Trump.

"If all goes there is a possibility John DiMaio will succeed Steinhardt. If that happens then DiMaio's assembly seat becomes vacant," said Bridgewater Council President Howard Norgalis at the Jan. 30 meeting. "Our very own Matthew Moench has publicly announced his intention to run for the vacated Demaio’s assembly seat."

Moench is a lifelong Bridgewater resident who graduated Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 2000. He has served as a Councilman in Bridgewater since 2008 before being elected as Mayor in 2019.

Carra also has a long history of serving in government. He has served on the Borough Council since 2017 before being elected Mayor in 2024. Carra has also served as a Legislative Aide for Senator Kip Bateman.

"I believe I am the strongest candidate for this position based on my experience, conservative record and dedication to public service. For these reasons, I very humbly and respectfully ask for your vote," said Carra on his campaign website nicolascarra.com.

The 23rd Legislative District includes municipalities in Hunterdon and Warren counties along with parts of Somerset County including Bedminster Township, Bound Brook, Bridgewater Township, Manville, and Raritan.

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