Incumbent Republicans Assemblymen Robert Auth and John Azzariti have launched their campaign for reelection in what will likely be a contested primary in LD39, a district situated in ever-fractious Bergen County
“Serving alongside John Azzariti has been an incredible experience,” said Auth who is seeking a sixth term in the Assembly. “John is relentless in his commitment to transparency, education and public health. He’s been a fierce advocate against harmful policies and together, we’re ready to keep pushing for changes that truly benefit Bergen County families.”
“Bob Auth is a trusted leader and an unwavering advocate for our community,” added Azzariti, anesthesiologist. “His dedication to protecting children and serving families across Bergen County is unmatched. I’m proud to stand beside him in this campaign, and we’re committed to upholding the values and addressing the needs of our district.”
State Senator Holly Schepisi (also of LD39), Bergen County GOP Chairman Jack DeLorenzo, Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio also quickly endorsed the Auth-Azzariti ticket.
“As proven by this week’s election, to win and continue our hard fight in Trenton, we need principled Republicans working together as a team,” said Schepisi. “Auth and Azzariti are a battle-tested team with unbreakable conservative principles and an unyielding commitment to our district. They are the only District 39 candidates who have earned my support for the upcoming Assembly race.”
The Auth-Azzariti ticket’s early show of force is deliberate. Former NJ-05 Congressional Candidate Frank Pallotta of Mahwah is expected to enter the Assembly primary any day now. A frequent and vocal critic of the Bergen GOP organization, Pallotta is a former investment banker who could bankroll his own campaign if need be. It’s unclear whether Pallotta will run by himself or attempt to team up with a running mate.
“New Jersey’s evolving political landscape demands a representative who reflects the kitchen table concerns of a broad base of voters,” Pallotta explained back on November 3rd in an email announcing his exploratory committee. “In addition, Bob [Auth]’s growing alliance with gubernatorial candidate Jon Bramnick, who earlier this week was the sole Republican YES vote on the Senate’s ‘Freedom to Read’ Act (A3446) creating the option to allow minors access to sexually explicit materials, has become troublesome for some prominent Republican leaders in the District and across the State. LD39 needs a representative who understands the needs of our community, not someone coasting on tenure. If this is what Assemblyman Auth calls ‘politics as usual’, it’s time for a change.”
LD39 is a fairly deep red district that hasn’t sent a Democrat to the state legislature since the 1970s. It encompasses the Bergen County towns of Allendale, Alpine, Cresskill, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Midland Park, Montvale, Northvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, River Vale, Rockleigh, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.
