Tom Giblin Retiring From NJ Assembly, Won’t Seek Re-Election: Reports

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A state lawmaker with deep ties to Essex County won’t be seeking re-election in 2023, reports say.

Thomas Giblin, 76, is retiring from the New Jersey Assembly after nearly 18 years, according to multiple reports. The former chair of the New Jersey Democratic Committee has served as deputy majority leader since 2008. He has also served as an Essex County surrogate and a member of the Essex County Board of Freeholders.

Giblin is the longtime business manager at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68. He has been a “zealous advocate of labor unions, civil rights, and services to veterans, children, and the economically disadvantaged,” the New Jersey Globe reported.

“It’s the right time,” Giblin told InsiderNJ, speaking about his retirement from the Assembly. “We just opened a training center, and as the secretary treasurer [for the local], in addition to nonprofit and civic organization responsibilities and Irish American organizations – my plate is full.”

Earlier this week, allegations of workplace harassment – including “yelling” and “cursing” –surfaced against Giblin from his longtime chief of staff. The assemblyman has denied her allegations, Politico reported.

Giblin previously said he would be running in the 27th District this year, making a shift from the 34th District after recent legislative redistricting swapped several towns. The 34th District previously included the towns of East Orange, Montclair, Orange in Essex County, and Clifton in Passaic County. It now includes Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

• See Related: Gill vs. Codey: Democratic Primary Race Heats Up In NJ-27
• See Related: Timberlake Running For NJ Senate In 34th District: 2023 Election

Democratic municipal leaders in Essex County have reportedly backed Alixon Collazos of Montclair with the party line to potentially replace Giblin in the Assembly.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.