The race to fill the 35th district State Senate seat has officially become a political showdown with high stakes and no guarantees. Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, both of Paterson, are vying for the position left vacant by Nellie Pou, who is stepping down after nearly three decades in the New Jersey legislature to join the U.S. House of Representatives.
The decision by the Passaic County Democrats’ screening committee to make no recommendation has set the stage for a highly competitive special election convention, with no clear frontrunner and plenty of tension. Adding to the intrigue is the potential for the race to spill over into the June 10 Democratic primary, which, in the absence of party organization lines, could lead to an unpredictable, office-block ballot election.
The Stakes for Sumter and Wimberly
Both Sumter and Wimberly are prominent figures in Paterson, each boasting extensive legislative experience and deep community ties. However, the dynamics of the race may force one of them to make a difficult choice: pursue the Senate seat and risk losing their Assembly position or hold on to their current role and forego the chance to advance to the Senate.
Sumter, chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, has championed health equity and economic development initiatives. Meanwhile, Wimberly, known for his advocacy for youth programs and sports initiatives, has built a reputation as a community leader and coalition builder. Both candidates have the credentials, but only one can secure the party’s support—or potentially, neither.
A New Legislative Chapter for the 35th District
While Sumter and Wimberly prepare for their face-off, another race is brewing for the Assembly seat that will open up once one of them transitions to the Senate—if they win the convention. Four candidates are jockeying for the spot, each bringing unique perspectives to the table:
- Al Abdelaziz: A Paterson City Councilman and the city’s Democratic municipal chair, Abdelaziz could make history as the first Palestinian American in the New Jersey Legislature.
- Kenneth Simmons: The Vice President of the Paterson School Board, Simmons brings education-focused leadership to the mix.
- Mohamed Khairullah: The Mayor of Prospect Park, Khairullah has a strong record of local governance and could appeal to suburban voters.
- Derya Taskin: A former Paterson Deputy Mayor, Taskin’s past run for county commissioner underscores her ambition and grassroots connections.
The End of County Lines and the June Primary
The real wildcard in this race is the lack of county organizational lines in the upcoming June Democratic primary. Without the traditional advantage of being bracketed on the ballot alongside other party-endorsed candidates, Sumter and Wimberly would face an open and unpredictable electorate.
This “office block ballot” structure levels the playing field, making the race more about individual name recognition, personal networks, and grassroots campaigning than party machinery. For voters in Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon, North Haledon, Elmwood Park, and Garfield, this means a more direct say in who represents them in Trenton.
A Community on the Cusp of Change
With two veteran lawmakers vying for one seat, another special election looming for the Assembly, and a diverse pool of candidates eager to step into leadership roles, the 35th district stands at a political crossroads. As the special election convention approaches and the primary looms, this race will test not only the candidates but also the evolving dynamics of New Jersey’s political landscape.
Who will emerge victorious is anyone’s guess, but one thing is clear: the absence of county lines and the high stakes for both Sumter and Wimberly ensure this will be a race to watch.
