Senate President Nicholas Scutari has enough votes to win re-election to a third term when the legislature reorganizes in January 2026 after securing at least eighteen votes out of the 25 Democrats serving in the New Jersey State Senate.
Scutari’s early demonstration of support negates speculation that he might face a challenge for the powerful Senate leadership post. He has the backing of senators from Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and South Jersey, which means his support transcends the politics of the 2025 governor’s race; his endorsements come from supporters of Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill, and Steve Sweeney.
“With no state Senate elections, the Democratic caucus has seen fit to continue on with the same leadership,” Scutari said. “We are in unprecedented times where elections will soon dictate control of the White House, our Congress, the Governor’s Office, and the General Assembly.”
Scutari released an endorsement list that includes members of his own leadership team: Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark), Deputy Majority Leader Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), Majority Whip Troy Singleton (D-Delran), President Pro-Tempore Shirley Turner (D-Lawrence0, and Democratic Conference Chairman Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch).
Also on Scutari’s list: James Beach (D-Voorhees), Renee Burgess (D-Irvington), John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Barrington), Gordon Johnson (D-Englewood), Joseph Lagana (D-Paramus), John McKeon (D-West Orange), Angela McKnight (D-East Orange), Paul Moriarty (D-Washington), Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City), Brian P. Stack (D-Union City), and Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange).
Majority Caucus Chair Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon) is also backing Scutari, but as the Democratic nominee for Congress in New Jersey’s 9th district, it’s possible that she will not be in the legislature next year.
“I am proud of the accomplishments of our leadership team and our Senate body as a whole,” Scutari stated. “I look forward to keeping our priorities focused on the issues directly affecting our families and communities, and along with my team, provide the steady and stable leadership needed for the coming term.”
Scutari was first elected to the Senate in 2003. He unexpectedly ascended to the Senate Presidency after Sweeney’s upset defeat in his 2021 re-election bid.
Another term will keep Scutari, the Union County Democratic chairman, in the top Senate leadership post until at least January 2028.