Democrat Schmid to face GOP incumbent Smith for Congress seat
HAMILTON » Stephanie Schmid has declared victory in the July 7 Democratic primary, saying she is ready to face GOP incumbent Congressman Chris Smith in the fall.
“It is an honor and privilege to be the Democratic nominee in New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District,” Schmid said Thursday in a press statement. “I am overwhelmed by the strength of our victory, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our hundreds of grassroots volunteers and supporters across this district. Thank you to our voters, my team, and my family and friends. Together we are going to bring much needed change and new leadership to Central Jersey for the first time in 40 years.”
New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District spans parts of Ocean, Monmouth and Mercer counties, including Hamilton and Robbinsville townships. Smith has been representing the district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1981.
A social conservative, Smith has a long record of bipartisanship and has authored a variety of human rights legislation during his political career. He is seeking re-election to a 21st term come Nov. 3.
But Schmid, who easily won the Democratic primary with about 70% of the vote according to early and unofficial ballot counts, is calling for all Democrats to rally behind her campaign as she aims to unseat the longtime incumbent.
“As we move forward to the general election,” she said, “I hope we can unite in order to elect a new, passionate congresswoman to represent our district. I will work tirelessly to earn the vote and the support of every voter across this district and every member of our community who believes it is time for change.”
Schmid, a resident of Little Silver Borough in eastern Monmouth County, had presented herself as a popular Democratic candidate with funds and resources to defeat Smith in the general election.
A former U.S. State Department diplomat, Schmid struggled in Mercer County but easily defeated her Democratic rivals Christine Conforti and the late David Applefield in the primary.
Applefield, 64, died suddenly of natural causes while exercising hours after the polls closed, according to published reports.
Schmid and Smith have both expressed their condolences to the Applefield family in this time of grief.
The show, however, must go on.
Smith, who easily defeated his GOP challenger Alter Eliezer Richter in the primary, said he looks forward to the days ahead as he seeks re-election.
“I continue to rank second among all 435 members of Congress in actually turning bills into laws,” he said in a statement. “So much unfinished business remains — on the environment, healthcare, education, human rights, ensuring a strong military, and much more. I am absolutely committed to meeting these challenges.”