Vin Gopal Running for Monmouth Senate Seat

Former Monmouth County Democratic Party chairman Vin Gopal announced Wednesday is running for the 11th District state Senate seat representing Monmouth County. Gopal's announcement is a direct challenge to state Sen. Jen Beck, a Republican, who currently holds the seat. Beck will be seeking re-election.

Gopal will be running on a ticket with the two Democratic Assembly representatives who currently represent the district and will also be running to keep their seats, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D, Neptune Township) and Assemblywoman Joann Downey, (D, Freehold Township).

The 11th District makes up much of southern Monmouth County, including Colts Neck, Asbury Park, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold, Long Branch, Neptune, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls.

"As a proud small business owner and life-long Monmouth County resident I love the State of New Jersey and I believe it is headed in the wrong direction," said Gopal. "I have volunteered as a board member for our county chamber of commerce, as president of my town's business owners association, as a volunteer EMT and a volunteer member for the county's Big Brothers, Big Sisters Board. As your Senator, I will fight for every taxpayer in the 11th District."

You can watch his announcement here. The election is the same day as the New Jersey governor's election, Tuesday, Nov. 7.