Ed Durr Staves Off Primary Challenge, John Burzichelli's Slate Victorious For Dems: AP

SOUTH JERSEY — State Sen. Edward Durr emerged victorious in a contested primary to secure the GOP's State Senate nomination in New Jersey's 3rd Legislative District, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, the publication projected John Burzichelli as the winner on the Democratic side.

The general election for State Senate will represent a rematch of sorts. Two years ago, Durr's Republican ticket scored a major upset to pick up the 3rd District seats against the Democratic incumbents, spearheaded by then-Senate President Steve Sweeney. The 2021 election ousted Burzichelli, who had been an Assembly member since 2002.

Although the AP called the 3rd District races Tuesday night, the results remain unofficial until certified.

Durr faced a primary challenge for State Senate from Assembly Member Beth Sawyer, his former running mate. But the AP called the Republican primaries less than two hours after polls closed. The publication also projected victories from Durr's running mates: Assembly Member Bethanne McCarthy Patrick and Republican candidate Thomas J. Tedesco Jr.

Burzichelli's ticket also won the Democratic primaries for Assembly, according to the AP, with Heather Simmons and Dave Bailey emerging in the four-member race.

See the unofficial vote tallies below (latest update: 9:52 p.m.)

STATE SENATE

Republican Primary, vote for one (88 percent of votes counted)

• Edward Durr: 5,545
• Beth Sawyer: 3,090

Democratic Primary, vote for one (86 percent of votes counted)

• John J. Burzichelli: 8,355
• Mario DeSantis: 2,825

Republican Primary, vote for two (87 percent of votes counted)

• Bethanne McCarthy Patrick: 6,093
• Thomas J. Tedesco Jr.: 6,076
• Joseph Collins Jr.: 3,717

Democratic Primary, vote for two (87 percent of votes counted)

• Heather Simmons: 8,433
• Dave Bailey Jr.: 7,760
• Robert Fitzpatrick: 2,896
• Tanzie Youngblood: 2,847

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