Atlantic County Democrats To Name Whelan Replacement Next Week

Atlantic County Democrats are expected to name a temporary successor to the late State Sen. Jim Whelan next week. Whelan died at his home last week following a heart attack. He was 68 years old.

The Atlantic County Democratic Committee will meet in Egg Harbor City on Sept. 5 to name a replacement, The Press of Atlantic City reports. Colin Bell, who will run against Republican Chris Brown in the Nov. 7 general election, is among the favorites to be named as the replacement.

It was reported last week that the committee had 35 days to fill the vacancy. Whelan’s term expires at the end of the year, and he previously announced he would not run in this year’s election. Whoever is appointed will fill the rest of the term, with the election winner assuming the seat in January.

Brown and Bell will engage in a debate in the Campus Center Theatre on the Stockton University campus on Wednesday night, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

A public memorial in Whelan's honor will take place on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City.

Attendees can pay their respects in the receiving line from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., followed by the service from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

See related: State Sen. Jim Whelan Died Of Heart Attack, Office Says
See related: Jim Whelan’s Sudden Passing Shocks Officials, Colleagues

Attached image of Jim Whelan posted on the New Jersey State Legislature's website