1971 New Jersey Senate election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 1971 New Jersey State Senate election were held on November 2, 1971, during William T. Cahill's term as governor of New Jersey. The Democratic Party gained seven seats, breaking the Republican supermajority in the Senate and narrowing the majority significantly.
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November 2, 1971
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All 40 seats in the New Jersey State Senate 21 seats needed for a majority | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turnout | 62%[1] ( 2pp) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Primary elections were held on June 8.[3]
Background
Reapportioning
Until 1965, the New Jersey Senate was composed of 21 senators, with each county electing one. However, the 1964 Supreme Court of the United States decision Reynolds v. Sims required state legislative districts to be approximately equal in population.[4] From 1965 through 1973, New Jersey legislative districts were repeatedly modified to comply with the ruling.
In 1965, the Senate was increased to 29 members, with larger counties apportioned multiple seats and smaller counties sharing one or two senators. In 1967, the Senate was increased further to 40 members, which continued to generally follow county lines. In 1971, districts were redrawn by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission to reflect population changes following the 1970 United States census. One seat was eliminated in each of Essex and Hudson, replaced by new seats in Burlington and Monmouth. District 6 (comprising Mercer and Hunterdon counties) also switched from electing its senators at-large to electing them from two single-member districts because it became composed of more than one county. The changes, which moved representation away from the urban counties and towards the suburbs, generally favored the Republican Party.
The new districts were divided as follows:
| District | Counties | # |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape May and Cumberland | 1 |
| 2 | Atlantic | 1 |
| 3A | Salem and Gloucester (part) | 1 |
| 3B | Gloucester (part) and Camden (part) | 1 |
| 3C | Camden (part) | 1 |
| 4A | Ocean (part) | 1 |
| 4B | Burlington (part) and Ocean (part) | 1 |
| 4C | Burlington (part) | 1 |
| 5 | Monmouth | 3 |
| 6A | Hunterdon and Mercer (part) | 1 |
| 6B | Mercer (part) | 1 |
| 7 | Middlesex | 3 |
| 8 | Somerset | 1 |
| 9 | Union | 3 |
| 10 | Morris | 2 |
| 11 | Essex | 5 |
| 12 | Hudson | 3 |
| 13 | Bergen | 5 |
| 14 | Passaic | 3 |
| 15 | Warren and Sussex | 1 |
New seats
- District 4C was created out of Burlington County.
- District 5 (Monmouth County) gained one seat.
Seats eliminated
- District 11 (Essex County) lost one seat.
- District 12 (Hudson County) lost one seat.
Retirements
A total of 15 senators (3 Democrats and 12 Republicans) retired.
Democratic
- District 6A: Richard J. Coffee retired.
- District 6B: Sido L. Ridolfi retired.
- District 12: Frank J. Guarini retired.
Republican
- District 1: Robert E. Kay retired.
- District 3A: John L. White retired.
- District 3B: Hugh A. Kelly Jr. retired.
- District 4A: William Hiering retired.
- District 10: Harry L. Sears retired.
- District 11: Gerardo Del Tufo retired to run for Essex County freeholder.
- District 11: Alexander Matturri retired.
- District 13: Fairleigh Dickinson Jr. retired.
- District 14: Frank Sciro retired.
- District 14: Ira Schoem retired.
- District 14: Edward Sisco retired.
Resignations
Republicans
- District 4B: Edwin B. Forsythe resigned in November 1970 following his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- District 9: Nicholas LaCorte resigned December 7, 1970 following his appointment as a tax judge.[5]
- District 11: David W. Dowd resigned November 16, 1970 to become general counsel of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Incumbents defeated
In primary elections
Democratic
- District 12: Frederick Hauser lost to James P. Dugan.
In general elections
Republican
Two incumbent Republican senators were defeated for re-election:[6]
- District 2: Frank S. Farley (first elected in 1941) lost to Joseph McGahn.
- District 11: Milton Waldor (first elected in 1967) lost to Ralph DeRose.
Independent
One Republican was denied party support and ran in the general election as an independent:[3]
- District 13: Willard Knowlton lost to Harold C. Hollenbeck.
Open seats that changed parties
Republican seats won by Democrats
- District 3B: won by Joseph A. Maressa.
- District 11: won by Wynona Lipman and Frank J. Dodd.
- District 14: won by Joseph Lazzara, William J. Bate, and Joseph Hirkala.
Democratic seats won by Republicans
- District 6A: won by William E. Schluter.[a]
Open seats that parties held
Democratic holds
- District 6B: won by Joseph P. Merlino.[b]
Republican holds
- District 1: won by James Cafiero.
- District 3A: won by James M. Turner.
- District 4A: won by John F. Brown.
- District 4B: won by Barry T. Parker.[c]
- District 9: won by Jerome Epstein.[d]
- District 10: won by Peter W. Thomas.
- District 13: won by Frederick Wendel.
Newly created seats
Democratic gain
- District 4C: Won by Edward J. Hughes Jr.
Republican gain
- District 5: Won by Joseph Azzolina.
Summary of results by district
| District | Incumbent | Party | Elected Senator | Party | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1 | Robert E. Kay | Rep | James Cafiero | Rep | ||
| District 2 | Frank S. Farley | Rep | Joseph McGahn | Dem | ||
| District 3A | John L. White | Rep | James M. Turner | Rep | ||
| District 3B | Hugh A. Kelly | Rep | Joseph Maressa | Dem | ||
| District 3C | John L. Miller | Rep | John L. Miller | Rep | ||
| District 3D | Frank C. Italiano | Rep | Frank C. Italiano | Rep | ||
| District 4A | William Hiering | Rep | John F. Brown | Rep | ||
| District 4B | Vacant[e] | Barry T. Parker | Rep | |||
| District 4C | New seat | Edward J. Hughes | Dem | |||
| District 5 | Richard Stout | Rep | Richard Stout | Rep | ||
| Alfred Beadleston | Rep | Alfred Beadleston | Rep | |||
| New seat | Joseph Azzolina | Rep | ||||
| District 6[f] | Richard J. Coffee | Dem | William Schluter | Rep | ||
| Sido L. Ridolfi | Dem | Joseph P. Merlino | Dem | |||
| District 7 | John A. Lynch Sr. | Dem | John A. Lynch Sr. | Dem | ||
| J. Edward Crabiel | Dem | J. Edward Crabiel | Dem | |||
| Norman Tanzman | Dem | Norman Tanzman | Dem | |||
| District 8 | Raymond Bateman | Rep | Raymond Bateman | Rep | ||
| District 9 | Frank X. McDermott | Rep | Frank X. McDermott | Rep | ||
| Matt Rinaldo | Rep | Matt Rinaldo | Rep | |||
| Vacant[g] | Jerome Epstein | Rep | ||||
| District 10 | Joseph Maraziti | Rep | Joseph Maraziti | Rep | ||
| Harry L. Sears | Rep | Peter W. Thomas | Rep | |||
| District 11 | James Wallwork | Rep | James Wallwork | Rep | ||
| Vacant[h] | Frank J. Dodd | Dem | ||||
| Michael Giuliano | Rep | Michael Giuliano | Rep | |||
| Milton Waldor | Rep | Ralph DeRose | Dem | |||
| Geraldo Del Tufo | Rep | Wynona Lipman | Dem | |||
| Alexander Matturri | Rep | Seat eliminated | ||||
| District 12 | Frederick Hauser | Dem | James P. Dugan | Dem | ||
| William F. Kelly Jr. | Dem | William F. Kelly Jr. | Dem | |||
| William Musto | Dem | William Musto | Dem | |||
| Frank J. Guarini | Dem | Seat eliminated | ||||
| District 13 | Willard Knowlton | Rep | Harold Hollenbeck | Rep | ||
| Joseph Woodcock | Rep | Joseph Woodcock | Rep | |||
| Fairleigh Dickinson Jr. | Rep | Frederick Wendel | Rep | |||
| Alfred Schiaffo | Rep | Alfred Schiaffo | Rep | |||
| Garrett Hagedorn | Rep | Garrett Hagedorn | Rep | |||
| District 14 | Edward Sisco | Rep | Joseph Hirkala | Dem | ||
| Ira Schoem | Rep | William J. Bate | Dem | |||
| Frank Sciro | Rep | Joseph Lazzara | Dem | |||
| District 15 | Wayne Dumont Jr. | Rep | Wayne Dumont Jr. | Rep | ||
Close races
Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:
- District 1, 1.6%
- District 3D, 1.6%
- District 3A, 0.02%
- District 4C, 3.1% gain
- District 5A, 4.2%
- District 5B, 4.2%
- District 5C, 2.8% gain
- District 7A, 7.2%
- District 7B, 6.8%
- District 7C, 7.0%
- District 9A, 5.6%
- District 9B, 2.9%
- District 9C, 1.1% gain
- District 13A, 2.2%
- District 13B, 2.3%
- District 13C, 2.1%
- District 13D, 2.0%
- District 13E, 2.3%
- District 14A, 6.0% gain
- District 14B, 4.9% gain
- District 14C, 4.8% gain
District 1
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Paul R. Porreca, former member of the Millville city commission and nominee for U.S. House in 1962
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Paul R. Porreca | 2,590 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 2,590 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- James Cafiero, assemblyman from North Wildwood
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James Cafiero | 12,603 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 12,603 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- James Cafiero, assemblyman from North Wildwood (Republican)
- John W. Gotsch (People's)
- Paul R. Porreca, former member of the Millville city commission and nominee for U.S. House in 1962 (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James S. Cafiero | 28,014 | 50.0 | |
| Democratic | Paul R. Porreca | 27,098 | 48.4 | |
| People's | John W. Gotsch | 867 | 1.5 | |
| Total votes | 55,979 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 2
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Joseph McGahn, mayor of Absecon
- Bernice Paul, Northfield resident
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph McGahn | 4,408 | 64.06% | |
| Democratic | Bernice Paul | 2,473 | 35.94% | |
| Total votes | 6,881 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Frank S. Farley, incumbent senator since 1941
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Frank S. Farley (incumbent) | 12,412 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 12,412 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Frank S. Farley, incumbent senator since 1941 (Republican)
- Joseph McGahn, mayor of Absecon (Democratic)
- Charles Ross (Independent)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph L. McGahn | 39,257 | 58.1% | |
| Republican | Frank S. Farley (incumbent) | 27,509 | 40.7% | |
| Independent | Charles Ross | 840 | 1.2% | |
| Total votes | 67,606 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 3A
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Louis J. Damminger Jr. | 3,479 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 3,479 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- James M. Turner, assemblyman from Woodbury
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James M. Turner | 3,920 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 3,920 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Louis J. Damminger Jr., former mayor of Paulsboro[8] (Democratic)
- James M. Turner, assemblyman from Woodbury (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James M. Turner | 26,424 | 50.01% | |
| Democratic | Louis J. Damminger Jr. | 26,413 | 49.99% | |
| Total votes | 52,837 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 3B
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Joseph A. Maressa, Berlin attorney
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph A. Maressa | 4,102 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 4,102 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- George E. Lord, Bellmawr resident
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | George E. Lord | 3,723 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 3,723 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- George E. Lord, Bellmawr resident (Republican)
- Joseph A. Maressa, Berlin attorney (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph A. Maressa | 27,347 | 56.3% | |
| Republican | George E. Lord | 21,266 | 43.7% | |
| Total votes | 48,613 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 3C
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Richard F. McCarthy, Camden County highway inspector and West Berlin tax collector (One Democrat for Tax Reforms Now)
- Morton H. Rappaport, Cherry Hill resident (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Morton H. Rappaport | 2,019 | 68.21% | |
| Democratic | Richard F. McCarthy | 951 | 31.79% | |
| Total votes | 2,960 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- John L. Miller, incumbent senator since 1968
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John L. Miller (incumbent) | 4,531 | ||
| Total votes | 4,531 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- John L. Miller, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Morton H. Rappaport, Cherry Hill resident (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John L. Miller (incumbent) | 28,345 | 57.2 | |
| Democratic | Morton H. Rappaport | 21,168 | 42.8 | |
| Total votes | 49,513 | 100.0 | ||
District 3D
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Thomas R. Bristow, principal of Woodrow Wilson High School
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Thomas R. Bristow | 3,693 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 3,693 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Frank Italiano, incumbent senator since 1968
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Frank Italiano (incumbent) | 2,211 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 2,211 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Thomas R. Bristow, principal of Woodrow Wilson High School (Democratic)
- Frank C. Italiano, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Frank C. Italiano (incumbent) | 22,312 | 50.8 | |
| Democratic | Thomas R. Bristow | 21,615 | 49.2 | |
| Total votes | 43,927 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 4A
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Wesley K. Bell, member of the Stafford Township committee (Maverick Democrat)
- John F. Russo, assistant Ocean County prosecutor (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John F. Russo | 2,839 | 75.69% | |
| Democratic | Wesley K. Bell | 912 | 24.31% | |
| Total votes | 3,751 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- John F. Brown, assemblyman from Lakewood (Regular Republican)
- George F. Makin, Ocean County freeholder (Regular Republican Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John F. Brown | 11,399 | 63.30% | |
| Republican | George F. Makin | 6,610 | 36.70% | |
| Total votes | 18,009 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- John F. Russo, assistant Ocean County prosecutor (Democratic)
- John F. Brown, assemblyman from Lakewood (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John F. Brown | 30,272 | 53.4% | |
| Democratic | John F. Russo | 26,378 | 46.6% | |
| Total votes | 56,650 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 4B (special)
General election
Candidates
- Walter L. Smith Jr., assemblyman from Cinnaminson (Republican)
- Charles B. Yates, industrialist and nominee for Assembly in 1969 and U.S. House in 1970 (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Walter L. Smith | 10,389 | 60.4 | |
| Democratic | Charles B. Yates | 6,798 | 39.6 | |
| Total votes | 17,187 | 100.0 | ||
District 4B
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Fred M. Detrick Jr., chair of the Pemberton Township planning board
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Fred M. Detrick Jr. | 2,449 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 2,449 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Barry T. Parker, speaker of the General Assembly from Mount Holly
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Barry T. Parker | 6,648 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 6,648 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Fred M. Detrick Jr., chair of the Pemberton Township planning board (Democratic)
- Barry T. Parker, speaker of the General Assembly from Mount Holly (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Barry T. Parker | 22,929 | 62.5% | |
| Democratic | Fred M. Detrick Jr. | 13,737 | 37.5% | |
| Total votes | 36,666 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 4C
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Edward J. Hughes Jr., Cinnaminson industrialist[10]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Edward J. Hughes Jr. | 4,260 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 4,260 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Walter L. Smith Jr., incumbent senator since March 1971
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Walter L. Smith Jr. (incumbent) | 5,604 | ||
| Total votes | 5,604 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Edward J. Hughes Jr., Cinnaminson industrialist[10] (Democratic)
- Walter L. Smith Jr., incumbent senator since March 1971 (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Edward J. Hughes Jr. | 24,043 | 51.1 | |
| Republican | Walter L. Smith Jr. (incumbent) | 22,580 | 48.0 | |
| Socialist Labor | Bernardo S. Doganiero | 435 | 0.9 | |
| Total votes | 47,058 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 5
Democratic primary
Candidates
- William Himelman, Lincroft attorney (Democratic)
- Walter Gehricke, former mayor of Matawan Township[11] (Democratic)
- Vincent Miller, Long Branch resident (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | William Himelman | 6,821 | 33.42% | |
| Democratic | Vicnent Miller | 6,820 | 33.42% | |
| Democratic | Walter Gehricke | 6,766 | 33.16% | |
| Total votes | 20,407 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Joseph Azzolina, assemblyman from Middletown
- Alfred N. Beadleston, incumbent senator since 1968
- Richard R. Stout, incumbent senator since 1952
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Richard R. Stout (incumbent) | 11,130 | 33.90% | |
| Republican | Alfred N. Beadleston (incumbent) | 10,984 | 33.45% | |
| Republican | Joseph Azzolina | 10,721 | 32.65% | |
| Total votes | 32,835 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Joseph Azzolina, assemblyman from Middletown (Republican)
- Alfred N. Beadleston, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- William Himelman, Lincroft attorney (Democratic)
- Walter Gehricke, former mayor of Matawan Township[11] (Democratic)
- Vincent Miller, Long Branch resident (Democratic)
- Richard R. Stout, incumbent senator since 1952 (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Richard R. Stout (incumbent) | 69,067 | 19.4% | |
| Republican | Alfred N. Beadleston (incumbent) | 68,555 | 19.3% | |
| Republican | Joseph Azzolina | 60,199 | 16.9% | |
| Democratic | Vincent Miller | 53,902 | 15.2% | |
| Democratic | William Himelman | 53,861 | 15.1% | |
| Democratic | Walter Gehricke | 50,201 | 14.1% | |
| Total votes | 355,785 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 6A
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Robert R. Klein, Mercer County administrator and former aide president Lyndon B. Johnson and aide to governor Richard J. Hughes[12]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Robert R. Klein | 3,652 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 3,652 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- William E. Schluter, assemblyman from Pennington
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | William E. Schluter | |||
| Total votes | 100.00% | |||
General election
Candidates
- Robert R. Klein, Mercer County administrator and former aide president Lyndon B. Johnson and aide to governor Richard J. Hughes[12] (Democratic)
- William E. Schluter, assemblyman from Pennington (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | William E. Schluter | 31,072 | 55.3% | |
| Democratic | Robert R. Klein | 25,091 | 44.7% | |
| Total votes | 56,163 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
District 6B
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Joseph P. Merlino, assemblyman from Trenton
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph P. Merlino | 4,659 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 4,659 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Lee J. Millas, Trenton resident
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Lee J. Millas | 1,030 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 1,030 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Charles A. Delehey, Trenton attorney (Republican)
- Joseph P. Merlino, assemblyman from Trenton (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph P. Merlino | 29,758 | 70.0 | |
| Republican | Charles A. Delehey | 12,740 | 30.0 | |
| Total votes | 42,498 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 7
District 7 consisted of all of Middlesex County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- J. Edward Crabiel, incumbent senator since 1966
- John A. Lynch, incumbent senator since 1956
- Norman Tanzman, incumbent senator since 1968
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John A. Lynch (incumbent) | 19,687 | 33.51% | |
| Democratic | Norman Tanzman (incumbent) | 19,540 | 33.26% | |
| Democratic | J. Edward Crabiel (incumbent) | 19,525 | 33.23% | |
| Total votes | 58,752 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Francis J. Coury, Middlesex County freeholder and former assemblyman from Highland Park[13] (Republican)
- Charles C. Griffith, Jamesburg resident (Republican)
- Leonard A. Tobias, South Plainfield history teacher[14] (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Francis J. Coury | 5,446 | 33.44% | |
| Republican | Leonard A. Tobias | 5,439 | 33.39% | |
| Republican | Charles C. Griffith | 5,402 | 33.17% | |
| Total votes | 16,287 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Francis J. Coury, Middlesex County freeholder and former assemblyman from Highland Park[13] (Republican)
- J. Edward Crabiel, incumbent senator since 1966 (Democratic)
- Edward R. Gavarny (Americans for ERG)
- Charles C. Griffith, Jamesburg resident (Republican)
- John A. Lynch, incumbent senator since 1956 (Democratic)
- Leonard A. Tobias, South Plainfield history teacher[14] (Republican)
- Norman Tanzman, incumbent senator since 1968 (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John A. Lynch (incumbent) | 94,832 | 20.4% | |
| Democratic | J. Edward Crabiel (incumbent) | 92,637 | 19.9% | |
| Democratic | Norman Tanzman (incumbent) | 92,450 | 19.8% | |
| Republican | Leonard A. Tobias | 61,672 | 13.2% | |
| Republican | Francis J. Coury | 61,043 | 13.1% | |
| Republican | Charles C. Griffith | 59,788 | 12.8% | |
| Americans For ERG | Edward R. Gavarny | 3,547 | 0.8% | |
| Total votes | 465,969 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 8
District 8 consisted of all of Somerset County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Benjamin Levine, North Plainfield attorney and former deputy attorney general of New Jersey
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Benjamin Levine | 2,330 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 2,330 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Raymond Bateman, incumbent senator since 1968
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Raymond Bateman (incumbent) | 5,645 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 5,645 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Raymond Bateman, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Benjamin Levine, North Plainfield attorney and former deputy attorney general of New Jersey (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Raymond Bateman (incumbent) | 37,017 | 70.9% | |
| Democratic | Benjamin Levine | 15,167 | 29.1% | |
| Total votes | 52,184 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 9 (special)
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Jerry Fitzgerald English, Summit attorney and environmental preservation activist[15]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jerry F. English | 8,956 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 8,956 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Van Dyke J. Pollitt, member of the Fanwood borough council[16]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Van Dyke J. Pollitt | 8,128 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 8,128 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jerry F. English | 73,314 | 50.8 | |
| Republican | Van Dyke J. Pollitt | 64,798 | 44.9 | |
| Independent Coalition | Elmer L. Sullivan | 6,305 | 4.4 | |
| Total votes | 144,417 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 9
District 9 consisted of all of Union County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- John T. Connor Jr., Cranford attorney and son of former U.S. secretary of commerce John T. Connor (Democratic)
- Christopher Dietz, former assistant counsel to governor Richard J. Hughes and delegate to the 1966 New Jersey constitutional convention[17] (Democratic)
- Carmine J. Liotta, Elizabeth attorney[17] (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John T. Connor Jr. | 9,226 | 34.06% | |
| Democratic | Carmine J. Liotta | 8,978 | 33.14% | |
| Democratic | Christopher Dietz | 8,884 | 32.80% | |
| Total votes | 27,088 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Jerome Epstein, Union County freeholder (Republican)
- Francis X. McDermott, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Matt Rinaldo, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) | 8,375 | 33.71% | |
| Republican | Frank X. McDermott (incumbent) | 8,350 | 33.61% | |
| Republican | Jerome Epstein | 8,122 | 32.69% | |
| Total votes | 24,847 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Richard Avant (Independent Coalition)
- John T. Connor Jr., Cranford attorney and son of former U.S. secretary of commerce John T. Connor (Democratic)
- Christopher Dietz, former assistant counsel to governor Richard J. Hughes and delegate to the 1966 New Jersey constitutional convention[17] (Democratic)
- Jerome Epstein, Union County freeholder (Republican)
- Arnold Gold (Independent Coalition)
- Carmine J. Liotta, Elizabeth attorney[17] (Democratic)
- Francis X. McDermott, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Matt Rinaldo, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Elmer L. Sullivan (Independent Coalition)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) | 93,608 | 20.6% | |
| Republican | Frank X. McDermott (incumbent) | 77,536 | 17.1% | |
| Republican | Jerome Epstein | 68,531 | 15.09% | |
| Democratic | Carmine J. Liotta | 68,131 | 15.00% | |
| Democratic | Christopher Dietz | 64,487 | 14.2% | |
| Democratic | John T. Connor Jr. | 63,884 | 14.1% | |
| Independent Coalition | Elmer L. Sullivan | 6,451 | 1.4% | |
| Independent Coalition | Arnold Gold | 6,047 | 1.3% | |
| Independent Coalition | Richard Avant | 5,406 | 1.2% | |
| Total votes | 454,081 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican gain from | {{{swing}}} | |||
District 10
District 10 consisted of all of Morris County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Garret A. Hobart IV, Morristown attorney and great-grandson of U.S. vice president Garret Hobart (Democratic)
- James M. Kiss, Chatham resident (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Garret A. Hobart IV | 6,338 | 50.76% | |
| Democratic | James M. Kiss | 6,149 | 49.24% | |
| Total votes | 12,487 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Charles A. Covino, candidate for Senate in 1967 (Voluntary School Prayers, No New Taxes)
- Thomas J. Hillery, former senator from Boonton (Regular Republican)
- Joseph J. Maraziti, incumbent senator since 1968 (Experienced Regular Republican)
- Peter W. Thomas, Chatham resident (Experienced Regular Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Joseph J. Maraziti (incumbent) | 16,763 | 37.44% | |
| Republican | Peter W. Thomas | 14,200 | 31.72% | |
| Republican | Thomas J. Hillery | 10,211 | 22.81% | |
| Republican | Charles A. Covino | 3,596 | 8.03% | |
| Total votes | 44,770 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Garret A. Hobart IV, Morristown attorney and great-grandson of U.S. vice president Garret Hobart (Democratic)
- Joseph J. Maraziti, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Frank J. Schweighardt (Democratic)
- Peter W. Thomas, Chatham resident (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Joseph J. Maraziti (incumbent) | 63,773 | 33.3% | ||
| Republican | Peter W. Thomas | 58,532 | 30.5% | ||
| Democratic | Garret A. Hobart IV | 35,087 | 18.3% | ||
| Democratic | Frank J. Schweighardt | 34,396 | 17.9% | ||
| Total votes | 191,788 | 100.0% | |||
| Republican Party (United States) hold | Swing | {{{swing}}} | |||
District 11 (special)
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Charles De Marco, Essex County clerk[18]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Charles De Marco | 19,140 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 19,140 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Nicholas La Spina, Essex County coroner[18]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Nicholas La Spina | 20,424 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 20,424 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Charles DeMarco, Essex County clerk[18] (Democratic)
- Nicholas LaSpina, Essex County coroner[18] (Republican)
- Frank J. Messina, operating engineer[18] (Essex Bi-Partisan)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Charles DeMarco | 83,525 | 46.9% | |
| Republican | Nicholas LaSpina | 76,352 | 42.9% | |
| Essex Bi-Partisan | Frank J. Messina | 18,095 | 10.2% | |
| Total votes | 177,972 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic gain from | ||||
District 11
District 11 consisted of all of Essex County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Michael A. Blasi, former president of the Irvington township council[19][20] (Essex Democratic Organization)
- Frank J. Dodd, former assemblyman from West Orange (Regular Democratic Organization)
- Ralph DeRose, South Orange attorney (Regular Democratic Organization)
- Martin L. Greenberg, former assistant Essex County prosecutor (Regular Democratic Organization)
- Joel R. Jacobson, South Orange labor organizer[21] (Essex Democratic Organization)
- Wynona Lipman, Essex County freeholder (Regular Democratic Organization)
- Francis X. McCarthy, Newark firefighter[20] (Essex Democratic Organization)
- Henry W. Smolen, member of the Irvington township council[20] (Regular Democratic Organization)
- Louis M. Turco, member of the Newark city council from the East Ward[20] (Essex Democratic Organization)
- Edward Williams, former Newark police captain[20] (Essex Democratic Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Wynona Lipman | 18,754 | 13.98% | |
| Democratic | Ralph DeRose | 18,252 | 13.61% | |
| Democratic | Frank J. Dodd | 17,974 | 13.40% | |
| Democratic | Martin L. Greenberg | 17,655 | 13.16% | |
| Democratic | Henry W. Smolen | 16,381 | 12.21% | |
| Democratic | Louis M. Turco | 9,950 | 7.42% | |
| Democratic | Joel R. Jacobson | 9,174 | 6.84% | |
| Democratic | Michael A. Blasi | 8,869 | 6.61% | |
| Democratic | Edward Williams | 8,776 | 6.54% | |
| Democratic | Francis X. McCarthy | 8,330 | 6.21% | |
| Total votes | 134,115 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Donald Blasi, Newark (East Ward Republicans)
- Matthew G. Carter, mayor of Montclair (Republican Party Organization)
- Frank Crisafulli, Newark (East Ward Republicans)
- Michael Giuliano, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican Party Organization)
- Elizabeth Juliano, Newark (East Ward Republicans)
- Sam L. Palmucci, Newark (East Ward Republicans)
- Michael A. Petti, Newark (East Ward Republicans)
- Frederic Remington, businessman and candidate for Senate in 1967 (Republican Party Organization)
- Milton Waldor, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican Party Organization)
- James Wallwork, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican Party Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michael Giuliano (incumbent) | 21,386 | 18.49% | |
| Republican | James Wallwork (incumbent) | 20,442 | 17.13% | |
| Republican | Milton Waldor (incumbent) | 19,809 | % | |
| Republican | Frederic Remington | 19,171 | 16.58% | |
| Republican | Matthew G. Carter | 19,011 | 16.44% | |
| Republican | Donald Blasi | 3,557 | 3.08% | |
| Republican | Elizabeth Juliano | 3,242 | 2.80% | |
| Republican | Michael A. Petti | 3,218 | 2.78% | |
| Republican | Sam L. Palmucci | 2,990 | 2.59% | |
| Republican | Frank Crisafulli | 2,830 | 2.45% | |
| Total votes | 115,656 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Joseph J. Bradley (Essex Bi-Partisan)
- Matthew G. Carter, mayor of Montclair (Republican)
- Sylvester L. Casta, Verona physician (Essex Bi-Partisan)
- Frank J. Dodd, former assemblyman from West Orange (Democratic)
- Ralph DeRose, South Orange attorney (Democratic)
- John J. Giblin, former senator from Newark and Essex County freeholder (Essex Bi-Partisan)
- Michael Giuliano, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Martin L. Greenberg, former assistant Essex County prosecutor (Democratic)
- Wynona Lipman, Essex County freeholder (Democratic)
- John F. Monica, former mayor of Orange[22] (Essex Bi-Partisan)
- Frederic Remington, businessman and candidate for Senate in 1967 (Republican)
- Joseph A. Santiago (Unity-Victory-Progress)
- Henry W. Smolen, member of the Irvington township council[20] (Democratic)
- Milton Waldor, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- James Wallwork, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Richard P. Weitzman (Essex Bi-Partisan)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michael Giuliano (incumbent) | 92,166 | 9.8% | |
| Democratic | Ralph DeRose | 91,380 | 9.7% | |
| Republican | James Wallwork (incumbent) | 88,632 | 9.5% | |
| Democratic | Frank J. Dodd | 86,041 | 9.18% | |
| Democratic | Wynona Lipman | 85,644 | 9.14% | |
| Republican | Milton Waldor (incumbent) | 84,736 | 9.04% | |
| Democratic | Martin L. Greenberg | 82,291 | 8.8% | |
| Republican | Matthew G. Carter | 77,418 | 8.3% | |
| Democratic | Henry W. Smolen | 76,190 | 8.1% | |
| Republican | Frederic Remington | 73,663 | 7.9% | |
| Essex Bi-Partisan | John J. Giblin | 21,688 | 2.3% | |
| Essex Bi-Partisan | John F. Monica | 21,072 | 2.2% | |
| Essex Bi-Partisan | Sylvester L. Casta | 19,015 | 2.0% | |
| Essex Bi-Partisan | Joseph J. Bradley | 16,348 | 1.7% | |
| Essex Bi-Partisan | Richard P. Weitzman | 15,733 | 1.7% | |
| Unity-Victory-Progress | Joseph A. Santiago | 5,483 | 0.6% | |
| Total votes | 937,500 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 12
District 12 consisted of all of Hudson County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- James P. Dugan, assemblyman from Bayonne (Regular Democratic Organization)
- Frederick H. Hauser, incumbent senator since 1968 (Faithful Democratic Senator)
- William F. Kelly Jr., incumbent senator since 1958 (Regular Democratic Organization)
- William Musto, incumbent senator since 1966 and former mayor of Union City (Regular Democratic Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | William Musto (incumbent) | 36,617 | 31.02% | |
| Democratic | William F. Kelly Jr. (incumbent) | 36,344 | 30.79% | |
| Democratic | James P. Dugan | 33,259 | 28.17% | |
| Democratic | Frederick H. Hauser (incumbent) | 11,826 | 10.02% | |
| Total votes | 118,046 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Mario De Luca
- Richard L. Jarvis
- Nelson G. Russell
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Nelson G. Russell | 4,322 | 33.87% | |
| Republican | Richard L. Jarvis | 4,225 | 33.11% | |
| Republican | Mario De Luca | 4,215 | 33.03% | |
| Total votes | 12,762 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Patrick D. Conaghan, Bayonne attorney (Save Hudson County)
- Anthony M. DeFino, mayor of West New York[23] (Save Hudson County)
- Mario DeLuca (Republican)
- James P. Dugan, assemblyman from Bayonne (Democratic)
- Francis X. Hayes, former assistant Jersey City corporation counsel[23] (Save Hudson County)
- William F. Kelly Jr. (Democratic)
- Richard D. McAleer (Honesty-Efficiency-Decency)
- William Musto, incumbent senator since 1966 and former mayor of Union City (Democratic)
- Cosmo Palmitessa (Republican)
- Joseph J. Panepinto (Republican)
Campaign
In the general election, an independent slate allied with Paul T. Jordan challenged the Democratic machine.[23]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | William Musto (incumbent) | 81,522 | 17.0% | |
| Democratic | James P. Dugan | 78,293 | 16.3% | |
| Democratic | William F. Kelly Jr. (incumbent) | 76,177 | 15.9% | |
| Save Hudson County | Patrick D. Conaghan | 47,082 | 9.8% | |
| Save Hudson County | Francis X. Hayes | 47,036 | 9.8% | |
| Save Hudson County | Anthony M. Defino | 44,703 | 9.3% | |
| Republican | Joseph J. Panepinto | 33,985 | 7.1% | |
| Republican | Cosmo Palmitessa | 33,131 | 6.9% | |
| Republican | Mario DeLuca | 32,131 | 6.7% | |
| Honesty-Efficiency-Decency | Richard D. McAleer | 5,496 | 1.1% | |
| Total votes | 479,556 | 100.00% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 13
District 13 consisted of all of Bergen County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Sidney Aglow, Leonia resident (Democratic)
- Lee M. Carlton, Gold Star father from Harrington Park[24] (Democratic)
- Raymond Garramone, mayor of Haworth (Democratic)
- Alfred W. Kiefer, Hasbrouck Heights attorney and perennial candidate[25] (Democratic)
- John J. McCarthy, candidate for mayor of Old Tappan in 1969[26] (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Alfred W. Kiefer | 12,448 | 20.15% | |
| Democratic | Sidney Aglow | 12,400 | 20.07% | |
| Democratic | Raymond Garramone | 12,349 | 19.99% | |
| Democratic | John J. McCarthy | 12,336 | 19.97% | |
| Democratic | Lee M. Carlton | 12,240 | 19.81% | |
| Total votes | 61,773 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Garrett W. Hagedorn, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republicans for Sensible Government)
- Harold C. Hollenbeck, assemblyman from East Rutherford (Republicans for Sensible Government)
- James A. Quaremba, Ridgewood (Home-Rule Republican)
- James W. Ralph, Tenafly (Home-Rule Republican)
- Alfred D. Schiaffo, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republicans for Sensible Government)
- Frederick E. Wendel, mayor of Oradell (Republicans for Sensible Government)
- Joseph C. Woodcock, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republicans for Sensible Government)
Withdrew
- Willard B. Knowlton, incumbent senator since 1968 (ran as independent)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Garrett W. Hagedorn (incumbent) | 19,808 | 18.54% | |
| Republican | Frederick E. Wendel | 18,559 | 17.37% | |
| Republican | Harold C. Hollenbeck | 18,279 | 17.37% | |
| Republican | Joseph C. Woodcock (incumbent) | 17,573 | 16.45% | |
| Republican | Alfred D. Schiaffo (incumbent) | 16,531 | 15.47% | |
| Republican | James A. Quaremba | 8,772 | 8.21% | |
| Republican | James W. Ralph | 7,326 | 6.86% | |
| Total votes | 106,848 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Sidney Aglow, Leonia resident (Democratic)
- Lee M. Carlton, Gold Star father from Harrington Park[24] (Democratic)
- Raymond Garramone, mayor of Haworth (Democratic)
- Garrett W. Hagedorn, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Harold C. Hollenbeck, assemblyman from East Rutherford (Republican)
- Alfred W. Kiefer, Hasbrouck Heights attorney and perennial candidate[25] (Democratic)
- Willard B. Knowlton, incumbent senator since 1968 (Nobody's Rubber Stamp)
- John J. McCarthy, candidate for mayor of Old Tappan in 1969[26] (Democratic)
- Alfred D. Schiaffo, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
- Frederick E. Wendel, mayor of Oradell (Republican)
- Joseph C. Woodcock, incumbent senator since 1968 (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Harold C. Hollenbeck | 158,615 | 11.3% | |
| Republican | Joseph C. Woodcock Jr. (incumbent) | 157,280 | 11.2% | |
| Republican | Garrett W. Hagedorn (incumbent) | 153,203 | 10.9% | |
| Republican | Alfred D. Schiaffo (incumbent) | 151,806 | 10.8% | |
| Republican | Frederick E. Wendel | 150,962 | 10.8% | |
| Democratic | John J. McCarthy | 128,109 | 9.1% | |
| Democratic | Raymond Garramone | 125,154 | 8.9% | |
| Democratic | Alfred W. Kiefer | 124,083 | 8.8% | |
| Democratic | Sidney Aglow | 123,857 | 8.8% | |
| Democratic | Lee M. Carlton | 119,262 | 8.5% | |
| Nobody’s Rubber Stamp | Willard B. Knowlton | 11,668 | 0.8% | |
| Total votes | 1,403,999 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 14
District 14 consisted of all of Passaic County.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- William J. Bate, Passaic County freeholder (Democratic)
- Joseph Hirkala, assemblyman from Passaic (Democratic)
- Joseph A. Lazzara, former Passaic County freeholder and candidate for Senate in 1967 and mayor of Paterson in 1969 (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph Hirkala | 7,454 | 33.78% | |
| Democratic | William J. Bate | 7,366 | 33.38% | |
| Democratic | Joseph A. Lazzara | 7,249 | 32.85% | |
| Total votes | 22,069 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Thomas W. E. Bowdler, Little Falls resident (Passaic County Republican Organization)
- Walter E. Johnson, member of the Totowa board of education (Independent Republican Candidate)
- Henry Fette, Clifton car dealer (Passaic County Republican Organization)
- Alfred Fontanella, assemblyman from Paterson and nominee for U.S. House in 1970 (Passaic County Republican Organization)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Henry Fette | 5,577 | 31.52% | |
| Republican | Thomas W. E. Bowdler | 5,538 | 31.30% | |
| Republican | Alfred Fontanella | 5,424 | 30.66% | |
| Republican | Walter EPassaic County . Organization Johnson | 1,153 | 6.52% | |
| Total votes | 17,692 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- William J. Bate, Passaic County freeholder (Democratic)
- Thomas W. E. Bowdler, Little Falls resident (Republican)
- Josephine Clement (Socialist Labor)
- Robert Clement (Socialist Labor)
- Henry Fette, Clifton car dealer (Republican)
- Alfred Fontanella, assemblyman from Paterson and nominee for U.S. House in 1970 (Republican)
- Joseph Hirkala, assemblyman from Passaic (Democratic)
- Joseph A. Lazzara, former Passaic County freeholder and candidate for Senate in 1967 and mayor of Paterson in 1969 (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joseph Hirkala | 64,725 | 21.2 | |
| Democratic | Joseph A. Lazzara | 54,426 | 17.8 | |
| Democratic | William J. Bate | 54,149 | 17.7 | |
| Republican | Alfred Fontanella | 46,478 | 15.2 | |
| Republican | Thomas W. E. Bowdler | 39,545 | 12.9 | |
| Republican | Henry Fette | 39,406 | 12.9 | |
| Socialist Labor | Robert Clement | 3,645 | 1.2 | |
| Socialist Labor | Josephine Clement | 3,485 | 1.1 | |
| Total votes | 305,859 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
District 15
District 15 consisted of all of Sussex and Warren counties.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Richard V. Laddey, Sparta attorney
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Richard V. Laddey | 2,709 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 2,709 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Wayne Dumont, incumbent senator since 1968 and nominee for governor in 1965
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Wayne Dumont (incumbent) | 6,356 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 6,356 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Wayne Dumont, incumbent senator since 1968 and nominee for governor in 1965 (Republican)
- Richard V. Laddey (Democratic)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Wayne Dumont (incumbent) | 28,041 | 66.6% | |
| Democratic | Richard V. Laddey | 14,072 | 33.4% | |
| Total votes | 42,113 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Notes
- Schluter succeeded Richard J. Coffee, who had been elected from District 6 at-large in 1967.
- Merlino succeeded Sido Ridolfi, who had been elected from District 6 at-large in 1967.
- Parker also won a special election to complete the remaining months of the unexpired term for the seat, which had been vacated by Edwin T. Forsythe.
- A special election to complete the remaining months of the unexpired term for the seat, which had been vacated by Nicholas LaCorte, was won by Jerry English of the Democratic Party.
- The seat was left vacant by the resignation of Edwin B. Forsythe, who was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives in January 1971.
- Split into Districts 6A and 6B.
- The third Union seat was vacant after Nicholas LaCorte resigned in 1970. A special election was held simultaneously to complete the remainder of LaCorte's term (November 1971–January 1972) and was won by Democrat Jerry Fitzgerald English.
- The seat was left vacant by the resignation of David W. Dowd, who became general counsel of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.