WOODLAND PARK, New Jersey - A pivotal Congressional midterm election season is about to go full-throttle in northern New Jersey.
Early voting runs through Feb. 3, followed by the in-person primary on Thursday, Feb. 5, for the special primaries to fill the 11th Congressional District seat that opened when Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill resigned to become New Jersey's governor. The GOP and Democratic winners will then face off in a special election on Thursday, April 16. The victor will represent the district but must then run again in the regular midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The 11th stretches across dozens of towns in suburban Morris, Passaic and Essex counties. And whether it's the lure of a rare open House seat or Democratic intensity whipped up in opposition to President Donald Trump, the race has drawn a crowd: 11 Democrats and one Republican vying for their party nominations.
Here's a brief introduction to each of the candidates. Two Democrats, Marc Chaaban and Dean Dafis, have dropped out of the race, though their names will still be on the ballot.
Passaic County commissioner.
