Denville Democratic activist Rupande Mehta has announced that she will challenge State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco in a 2020 special election.
She enters the race with endorsements from nine Democratic municipal chairs.
“My professional focus is on finding solutions to difficult problems. I will use all my talents and abilities to solve New Jersey’s most pressing issues,” Mehta said. “I am a team builder and will reach out to some of the brightest and best in the District to help create solutions.”.
Bucco moved up to the State Senate in October to take the seat left vacant following the death of his father, Anthony R. Bucco. He was re-elected to his Assembly seat on Tuesday.
Mehta, who would be the first South Asian woman to serve in the New Jersey Senate, lost a bid for Morris County Freeholder in 2018.
“Rupande’s dedication to community and her ability to analyze complex systems such as the school funding formula, make her the ideal person to represent the 25th legislative district in the New Jersey State Senate. Rupande is committed to making New Jersey more affordable,” said Denville Democratic Municipal Chair Andrea Zeydelis.
In addition to Zedelis, Democratic chairs Meghan Lynch (Randolph), Edward Correa (Dover), Julia Gillies (Rockaway Borough), Stacy Strum (Chester Borough), Michael Craver (Mendham Borough), Jennifer Smith (Mountain Lakes), Diane Dinklage (Mendham Township), and Joseph Ramondini (Washington Township) have announced their support for Mehta.