Former Obama Campaign Director Concedes District 34 Primary

Mark Alexander's ties to the national Democratic party apparently aren't enough to overcome Gill's popularity in Essex County.  

Early results in the 34th Legislative District Democratic Primary show incumbent State Sen. Nia H. Gill with a hefty lead over Alexander, former Obama campaign director for New Jersey in the 2008 Primary.

With 47 percent of districts reporting, Gill is showing 4,349, or 65.87 percent of votes, according to unofficial results posted on the Essex County Clerk's website.

Seton Hall University law professor Mark Alexander received 1,642, or 24.87 percent of votes, according to early results. 

Alexander conceded to Gill on Twitter, saying "Thanks to everyone who supported my campaign and congratulations to @SenatorGill on her well deserved victory."

A third candidate, Vernon Pullins Jr., a former East Orange Board of Education President, has 609, or 9.22 percent of votes. 

Gill, a resident of Montclair, has served on the New Jersey State Senate since 2002. 

This is the first campaign for Alexander, also a Montclair resident. 

The 34th District represents Montclair, Clifton, East Orange and Orange.