Gloucester Township Councilman Will Run For State House

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Gloucester Township Council member will run for State Assembly, his campaign announced Tuesday. Dan Hutchison joins the Democratic ticket running to represent New Jersey's 4th Legislative District — seats that the state's Republican Party has had its eyes on flipping.

State Assembly Member Paul Moriarty leads the Democratic ticket, running for State Senate to replace Fred Madden, who opted against running for re-election. Monroe Board of Education Member Cody Miller is running alongside Hutchison for Assembly on the ticket.

Another Gloucester Township resident may run as a Republican. Chris DelBorrello will seek the GOP nomination for State Senate, reports New Jersey Globe. Before moving to Gloucester Township, DelBorrello was elected to the Washington Township Council in 2010 but opted against seeking re-election in 2014.

Each legislative district in New Jersey has one state senator and two assembly members. All State Senate and Assembly positions are on the ballot this year.

The complete field of candidates, including Republicans running to represent the 4th District, will become clear early next week. The state's deadline is Monday for candidates to file for primary elections.

The 4th District elections have garnered significant attention from Democrats and Republicans. While the former has dominated the district's State House representation for the past 20 years, redistricting made the area more favorable for GOP candidates.

The district will feature at least two new representatives next year. Madden announced earlier this month that he'll retire at the end of his term. Additionally, the district's Democratic ticket announced Tuesday that Assembly Member Gabriella Mosquera decided against running for re-election.

Neither Mosquera nor the Democratic campaign immediately said why she's stepping aside after what will be 12 years in the Assembly. But the Moriarty-led ticket praised Mosquera for her "keen insight to the issues facing our families" and shared her endorsement of the campaign.

"As I chose to not seek re-election after six terms, I am excited about the phenomenal group running together with my dear friend and colleague, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, running for State Senate, and community leaders in Dan Hutchison and Cody Miller," Mosquera said in a news release. "This ticket truly represents the best of South Jersey and their profound commitment to make a difference will serve South Jersey well and I wholeheartedly endorse this team."

Hutchison was elected to Gloucester Township Council in 2006, winning re-election in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2021. A township resident since 1995, Hutchison opened a law office in 1997 to help people manage difficult financial times.

"Working with families in some of the most difficult times to find their way back from financial hardship and teaching young people about financial literacy drives me to make a difference for our South Jersey residents," said Hutchison. "These experiences have given me a unique vantage point about the importance of making New Jersey more affordable."

The 4th Legislative District includes portions of Camden and Gloucester Counties. Starting this election, the district will also include Buena, Buena Vista and Franklin Township — all of which made the district more favorable for Republican candidates.