MIDDLESEX COUNTY — With Peter Barnes poised to move up to Barbara Buono’s state Senate seat, the maneuvering has begun to fill the vacated Assembly seat representing the 18th Legislative District.
Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan is an incumbent but his seat could be in danger as a free for all emerges for an endorsement at the Democratic convention on March 19.
Edison Councilmen Rob Karabinchak and Bob Diehl, East Brunswick Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin, and Highland Park Board of Education Trustee Adam Sherman are among the announced candidates who may join or displace Diegnan.
Buono is the only Democrat who has declared an intention to challenge Republican Gov. Chris Christie so far.
The 18th Legislative District includes East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Metuchen, South Plainfield, South River and Spotswood.
