Kenyatta Stewart Joins June 2025 Primary Election for New Jersey Assembly as Political Landscape Changes

Kenyatta Stewart, a Paterson native and Newark’s Corporation Counsel, is running for one of the two Assembly seats in New Jersey’s 35th Legislative District.

His official campaign announcement is expected next Thursday as he prepares for the June 2025 Democratic primary.

Stewart has built strong political connections throughout Paterson and the district.

He is close to Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter and newly appointed Senator Benji Wimberly.

His network also includes Paterson School Board members Corey Teague, Valerie Freeman, and Kenny Simmons, as well as city council members Luis Velez, Ruby Cotton, and Michael Jackson.

These relationships could help him gain early support and build momentum in the race.

Many of these officials recently attended the grand opening of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s Paterson headquarters, showing a growing alliance ahead of the 2025 elections.

His entry into the race comes at a time of political change in New Jersey.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who currently oversees Stewart as Corporation Counsel, is running for governor in 2025 and has been challenging the Democratic establishment by rejecting traditional county endorsements.

His push for reform could affect down-ballot races, including Stewart’s bid for the Assembly.

The 35th District race is wide open due to Assemblywoman Sumter’s decision not to seek reelection after serving since 2012.

With his legal expertise and government experience, Stewart is positioning himself as a strong contender to take her place.

His campaign is expected to focus on government reform, addressing community needs, and working with local leaders to bring more resources to the district.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Democratic primary for governor is becoming highly competitive.

On one side, moderates like Congressman Josh Gottheimer and former Senate President Steve Sweeney are focusing on economic issues, affordability, and public safety.

On the other hand, progressives like Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill are advocating a more liberal approach.

Sherrill has secured major support from the Democratic establishment, while Baraka presents himself as an independent challenger.

If Sweeney withdraws from the race, many of his South Jersey supporters may shift their backing to Gottheimer, further strengthening his base in North Jersey.

At the same time, Baraka has gained key endorsements in South Jersey, including from Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen.

Unlike past elections, this primary gives voters more choices and a real say in the selection process.

In 2017, Democratic leaders quickly united behind Phil Murphy, leaving party members with little say in the nomination process.

This time, with multiple candidates from different political backgrounds, voters will influence the result in a way they could not before.

Recent trends show declining Democratic enthusiasm. Kamala Harris carried New Jersey in 2024 with 51.9% of the vote, down from Joe Biden’s 57.3% in 2020.

The upcoming primary may be the party’s opportunity to reconnect with its base and reignite voter engagement.

Local elections are also drawing attention beyond the governor’s race, including the Atlantic County Surrogate race.

Dr. Sherri Parmenter, a longtime Galloway Township Board of Education member, is running for the position, which handles wills, estates, and guardianships.

She wants to improve transparency and make the office easier for people to access.

Parmenter has years of experience in education and public service.

She holds a law degree from Atlanta Law School, a doctorate in educational leadership from Rowan University, and a master’s degree from Stockton University.

On the Board of Education, she has worked on school security, policy updates, and technology improvements while pushing for better mental health resources.

She will seek the Democratic nomination at the 50th Annual Atlantic County Democratic Convention on March 2.

If elected, she plans to provide fair and efficient service for local families dealing with legal matters.

Her legal background, leadership skills, and dedication to the community make her a strong candidate in this race.