Testa running for N.J. Senate in 1st District
Joseph P. SmithVINELAND - Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization Chairman Michael L. Testa Jr. on Tuesday declared his candidacy for the 1st Legislative District state Senate seat.
Testa, who is a Vineland resident and attorney, announced his intention on the "Hurley in the Morning" radio show. A Testa For Senate account has been opened preliminary to the filing of a nominating petition, according to the campaign.
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In a statement later Tuesday, Testa accused Democrats and Republican administrations of ignoring South Jersey.
“Most serving in either house of the Legislature couldn’t tell you where the East Point Lighthouse is or the proper pronunciation of the Maurice River, the mouth of which is where the lighthouse is located,” Testa said. “I’m running for state Senate to be a fighter for South Jersey and to ensure we are no longer ignored.”
“The Democrats have the governor and both houses of the legislature,” he added. “I understand as a newly elected Republican I will be part of the minority, but our system of government was designed to have checks and balances. I will be a Republican legislator fighting to provide the checks and balances to the insane tax policies and the very notion of a sanctuary state propagated by (Governor) Phil Murphy and his liberal allies.”
Testa said his priorities are lower taxes and more jobs, as well as extending Route 55 toward the Jersey Shore.
Testa was elected county GOP chair in July 2014 after serving as vice chairman for about three years.
His community connections include membership in the Greater Vineland Chapter of the NAACP. He is a past chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties.
Testa has been board president of the Vineland Regional Dance company for several years. He was the 2016 recipient of the South Jersey Cultural Alliance Paul Aiken Encore Award for his dedication to the arts in South Jersey.
He also was board chairman of the Vineland Downtown Improvement District/Main Street Vineland from 2006 to 2008.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew defeated Republican Seth Grossman in the 2nd Congressional District race. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, a Republican, decided not to seek another term.
On Election Day, Van Drew declared his support for Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak of Middle Township to be appointed as his successor in the state Senate.
Joseph P. Smith; jpsmith_dj; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com