Turner Wins NJ 15th District Race, AP Projects: Election 2021

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Incumbent Democrat Shirley Turner has won the senate race in NJ District 15, the Associated Press projects.

Turner, who is a Lawrenceville resident, was facing a challenge from Republican Susan Gaul of Princeton Junction. With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Turner maintained her lead over Gaul, according to the AP.

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The results will remain unofficial pending certification.

As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning here's the count:

• Turner: 22,961
• Gaul: 11,917

Meanwhile, there was no clear projected winner for the assembly race.

Assemblymembers Verlina Reynolds-Jackson of Trenton and Anthony Verrelli of Pennington are seeking re-election. Challenging them are Republican Patricia Johnson of Lawrenceville and Independent candidate Pedro M. Reyes of Ewing. With 92 percent of precincts reporting here is the count:

• Verrelli: 22,430
• Reynolds Jackson: 22,180
• Johnson: 12,265
• Reyes: 1,460

Turner is a former Trenton public school teacher, a former EOF counselor to disadvantaged youth, and a former counselor for the New Jersey Youth Corps to help prepare youth for employment. She previously worked at Rider University, where she advised college students and alumni in their career plans. She received a B.S. in education from The College of New Jersey and an M.A. in guidance and counseling from Rider University. She earned doctoral credits in education at Rutgers University.

Gaul is the recently elected Vice-Chair of the West Windsor Republican Committee. "I am not a career politician, but as I have been witnessing what has been going on in this state and country, I have made it a point to become actively involved to make a difference.," Gaul said on her website.

Born and raised in Lawrence, Verrelli graduated from Notre Dame High School before attending the Sam F. Secretario Carpenters Training Center. According to his website, Verrelli hopes to focus on three key areas during his time in the legislature - economic justice; mental health, addiction services, and fighting recidivism; and clean air and water.

Reynolds Jackson who is running for re-election assumed office in 2018. She is on various legislative committees including Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opp Committee, Public Schools Committee and Consumer Affairs Committee.

Johnson began her nursing career in the critical care unit at Fox Chase Cancer Institute. She has owned and operated a successful family childcare business out of her home. "Her passion for children led her to address Senators and Congressman in support of Bill 549 Chaired by Senator Vitale and Co-Chaired by Senator Shirley Turner," says her website.

Independent candidate Reyes' professional experiences include working as a plant manager.

NJ District 15 includes Ewing, Hopewell, Lawrence, Pennington, Trenton, and West Windsor.