In a historic victory, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson) won a closely contested special election convention on Thursday night, securing his place in the New Jersey Senate. Wimberly will replace now-Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon), becoming the first Black senator in Passaic County’s history.
Wimberly defeated his long-time running mate, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Paterson), by just one vote. The dramatic election at Paterson STEAM High School ended with a final tally of 87-86 after a first-ballot tie. Wimberly secured the majority of in-person votes, while Sumter led among virtual voters. A ballot marked for Wimberly that fell on the floor and was not initially counted ultimately played a decisive role in the outcome.
Wimberly, a revered North Jersey high school football coach and former Paterson city councilman, embraced Pou after the results were announced, expressing both exhaustion and determination. “I will hit the ground and continue fighting for you in Trenton,” Wimberly said, pledging to prioritize education, healthcare, and housing.
Sumter, who has chosen not to challenge the results in court, must now decide whether to seek re-election to the Assembly or mount a Senate campaign for the June Democratic primary. Wimberly will serve until a winner is certified in November’s special election.
Al Abdelaziz Becomes First Palestinian American Assemblyman
In another groundbreaking development, Paterson Councilman Alaa “Al” Abdelaziz won a special election convention Thursday night to replace Wimberly in the Assembly. Abdelaziz’s overwhelming victory against Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah, 128-31, marks him as the first Palestinian American to join the New Jersey Legislature.
Abdelaziz, a prominent Paterson Democratic leader and municipal chairman, vowed to focus on affordability, education, public safety, and housing. “I’ve got to go down there and learn, and I look forward to hitting the ground,” he said after his win.
The dual victories mark a significant shift in representation for the 35th legislative district, where Pou’s departure leaves a majority-Hispanic district without Hispanic legislators. Despite these changes, Wimberly’s historic election and Abdelaziz’s milestone underscore a night of transformative leadership for Paterson and the broader district.
