Former South Toms River Mayor Gigi Esparza will replace Debra DiDonato as a Democratic nominee for Assembly in the 10th district.
DiDonato is looking to move outside of the district, according to Ocean County Democrats, sparking her withdrawal. Ocean County Democratic Chair Wyatt Earp said the county committee met Monday night and overwhelmingly elected Esparza to replace DiDonato.
DiDonato ran on Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s slate of anti-establishment Assembly candidates and finished first in the June primary. Attorney Janine Bauer won the second Democratic nomination. Esparza also endorsed Fulop for governor; he finished third, while Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) secured the nomination.
Esparza was appointed mayor of South Toms River for a short span in late 2022. The borough council elected her to finish the term of Gregory Handshy, who died on Aug. 21 of that year.
She lost election to the South Toms River borough council in 2023 by a two-to-one margin. She had previously served on the local school board.
DiDonato was not immediately able to be reached for comment.
The ruby-red 10th legislative district includes parts of Ocean and Monmouth counties. Democrats last won the 10th in 1989.
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