David Applefield, Who Ran For Congress Against Chris Smith, Dies

RED BANK, NJ — David Applefield, a journalist and Democrat who was running for Congress to unseat Republican Rep. Chris Smith, died suddenly Wednesday morning.

He died the day after Tuesday's primary election, where Applefield was running in third out of the three Democratic candidates who are seeking to unseat Smith. More Monmouth Musings was the first to report that Applefield collapsed while exercising. He was pronounced dead at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

Applefield lived in Red Bank. He was 64 years old.

His death was commented on by Gov. Phil Murphy Wednesday evening.

"As a journalist, David Applefield covered some of the most pressing challenges of our time," said Murphy. "As a candidate for Congress, he sought to do something about them. I am incredibly saddened to learn of his untimely passing this morning, only one day after the Primary Election — a primary in which he reached back across his years of journalistic experience to propose new ways of looking at old problems. We need more thinkers like David in our politics. I send my deepest condolences to his family at this awful time. May his memory be a blessing to them."

Stephanie Schmid is leading in the race to become the Democratic nominee who will take on Smith this fall. Here are the vote counts as of late Tuesday evening:

• David Applefield: 5.7 percent (167 of 530 precincts reporting)
• Christine Conforti: 17.05 percent (167 of 530 precincts reporting)
• Stephanie Schmid: 77.25 percent (167 of 530 precincts reporting)

The 4th Congressional District includes most of Monmouth County as well as parts of Ocean and Mercer counties. It covers nearly all of Monmouth County, including towns such as Holmdel, part of Middletown, Colts Neck, Rumson, Manalapan, Freehold, Red Bank and Wall Township. The fourth district also reaches into Jackson and Lakewood in Ocean County and Hamilton and Robbinsville in Mercer County.

Smith also commented on his passing.

"My wife Marie and I extend our sincere condolences to the family of David Applefield on his sudden passing," said the congressman. "While not personally acquainted, we recognize that David brought a wealth of ideas, intellect and enthusiasm to the public discourse. May his family be comforted during this time of great sorrow."

Related: Here Are The 3 Democrats Trying To Unseat Rep. Chris Smith