Beth Mason Won't Run For Senate Seat; Backs Cory Booker

Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason, who was reportedly interested in taking a run at the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Frank Lautenberg's death earlier this week, announced Friday that she would not seek the office, The Star-Ledger repored.

In a statement, the Second Ward councilwoman said that while she'd been encouraged to run by several Democratic leaders and strategists, she had decided to pass on the opportunity and was instead throwing her support behind Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

“While I’m honored, I believe New Jersey voters have an opportunity to make history and elect the first ever African-American United States Senator in Cory Booker,” Mason said.

Booker, who kicks off his Senate campaign Saturday, is thus far set to face U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone and Rep. Rush Holt. in the Democratic primary, scheduled for Aug. 13. Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan is the lone Republican who has announced his intention to run.

New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa, on Oct. 16.

Candidates interested in running for the open seat have until Monday at 4 p.m. to file 1,000 petition signatures.