Former Senate President Steve Sweeney is rapidly consolidating support within his South Jersey political base as he vies for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. With endorsements from six South Jersey Democratic county chairs, Sweeney is making a strong early play to reclaim his stature as a political powerhouse.

On Tuesday, five county chairs — Camden’s James Beach, Burlington’s Joe Andl, Cumberland’s Kevin McCann, Gloucester’s Chad Bruner, and Salem’s Steven Caltabiano — joined Atlantic County’s Michael Suleiman, who endorsed Sweeney the previous night.

“Steve Sweeney was an unparalleled champion for New Jersey during his years in the Senate,” the chairs said in a joint statement. “He created jobs and economic growth, increased school aid and property tax relief, built up our universities, and passed legislation that improved the lives of our working families, senior citizens, and students. We are proud to endorse Steve Sweeney as our next Governor.”

The six counties account for 21% of New Jersey’s Democratic voter registration and represented 26% of the Democratic primary vote in recent election cycles, signaling a robust organizational foundation for Sweeney in a region he has long dominated.

Sweeney, who announced his candidacy on Monday, expressed gratitude for the endorsements. “I am humbled and grateful to receive such strong support from these elected county chairs, who are hardworking dedicated individuals,” Sweeney said. “Your encouragement and backing will be critical in the campaign ahead.”

The Battle Lines in South Jersey

Despite his early endorsements, Sweeney’s consolidation of South Jersey is not complete. Cape May Democratic Chair Marie Blistan and Ocean County Democratic Chair Wyatt Earp have yet to declare their support, leaving room for other candidates to potentially carve into his base.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, the only other declared candidate, has already signaled his intention to challenge Sweeney’s dominance in South Jersey. Fulop, known for his aggressive campaign strategies, announced the support of Atlantic County Commissioner Ernest Coursey earlier on Tuesday and plans to form his own organizational line in Atlantic County. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, a prominent South Jersey figure, is also a co-chair of Fulop’s gubernatorial campaign.

Does Organizational Support Still Matter?

Sweeney’s endorsements highlight his deep roots in South Jersey’s traditional Democratic machine, but the question looms: how much does it matter in a political environment reshaped by reforms to the county line system?

The county line, a feature of New Jersey’s ballot design that often boosts machine-backed candidates, has faced increased scrutiny and legal challenges. With reforms diminishing its influence in some areas, candidates like Fulop may find more opportunities to compete, even in historically machine-dominated regions like South Jersey.

Fulop’s strategy of building alternative coalitions, combined with his statewide fundraising network, could present a formidable challenge to Sweeney’s traditional power base.

As the race unfolds, the dynamic between old-school machine politics and the emerging post-county line landscape will likely define the 2025 Democratic gubernatorial primary.

For Sweeney, the question isn’t just whether South Jersey can deliver him a strong start — but whether that start is enough to carry him across the finish line.