In the wake of Rep. Bill Pascrell’s sudden passing, a scramble is underway to determine who will represent New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District. State Senator Nellie Pou, a Democrat with nearly three decades in the state legislature, has announced her bid to succeed Pascrell, potentially becoming the first Latina to represent New Jersey in Congress.
While Pou’s candidacy may seem historic on the surface, it raises concerns about the nature of this “insider election.” The decision on who will replace Pascrell isn’t up to the voters; it’s in the hands of Democratic county committee members from Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson counties. This closed-door process is a far cry from the open, democratic elections we expect in a representative republic.
Pou, who has a long history in New Jersey politics, including chairing the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus for 18 years, is positioning herself as a frontrunner. But she’s not alone—several other Democratic heavyweights from Paterson have thrown their hats in the ring, including Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh is also considering a run, further complicating an already crowded field.
