LAKEWOOD, NJ – An overwhelming get-out-the-vote effort in Lakewood Township helped propel Avi Schnall, the Director of Agudath Israel of America, into the winner’s circle in the 30th Legislative District in New Jersey. Schnall, who recently changed his party affiliation to Democrat, defeated Republican incumbent Ed Thompson on Tuesday.
Schnall became the first Democrat to win an election in that district since 1992 and also became the first Orthodox Jewish representative in the New Jersey Assembly.
The win also helped Democrats statewide flip legislative seats along with John Burzichelli, who defeated conservative trucker Ed Durr. Durr, who upset Democrat Senator Steve Sweeney two years ago, was sent packing.
“There’s no other way to say it: Avi’s reputation precedes him. The voters of Ocean and Monmouth Counties know how hard he works and how deep his commitment is to the entire community,” Governor Phil Murphy said of the win.
Schnall, who is a conservative, could be a key player in Trenton as he as a master of negotiation and has allies on both sides of the political aisle.