Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-North Haledon) has officially entered the race for the congressional seat left vacant by the late Rep. Bill Pascrell. Known for her outspoken progressive views, Sumter’s candidacy may raise eyebrows among voters who are wary of the leftward shift in the Democratic Party. With her focus on issues like reproductive health care and voting rights, Sumter aims to carry on Pascrell’s legacy, but her progressive stance might not resonate with all constituents in the 9th District, which has shown signs of trending more conservative in recent years.
Sumter’s rapid decision to run, mere days after Pascrell’s passing, reflects the urgency of the state election calendar. However, this haste might also suggest a lack of reflection on whether her progressive agenda aligns with the broader needs of the district. As the first candidate to declare, Sumter will need to convince county committeemembers—and eventually voters—that her progressive approach is what the district truly needs, rather than a more moderate, unifying platform.
With the field expected to grow, it will be interesting to see if Sumter’s candidacy can withstand the scrutiny of both party insiders and the electorate. As the race unfolds, the district’s voters may have a critical decision: whether to continue down a progressive path or consider a candidate who might better bridge the growing ideological divide.
