By Karen Cross, National Right to Life Political Director
New Jersey
Steve Lonegan
On August 13, Republican and Democratic primaries were held in New Jersey to determine the respective party’s nominees for the October 16 special election to fill New Jersey’s Senate seat for the remainder of the term ending next January 3. The vacancy was created by the death of Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg. New Jersey’s Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa (R) was appointed to fill the seat until the special election winner is sworn in. Chiesa declined to run in the special election.
Pro-life former Bogata Mayor Steve Lonegan (R) will face pro-abortion Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) on October 16.
Lonegan won the GOP nomination, capturing 79% of the vote, while Booker easily defeated three challengers, winning 59% of the vote.
Alabama
A special election was called for November 5 in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District following pro-life Rep. Jo Bonner’s resignation to become vice chancellor for the University of Alabama.
Primary elections will be held on September 24 to determine the parties’ nominees. If a runoff is required, it will be held on November 5, and the general will be held on December 17, 2013.
The district went 61% for Mitt Romney in 2012.
Louisiana
A special election has been called in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District to replace pro-life Rep. Rodney Alexander who is resigning to accept his appointment as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
On October 19, all candidates will appear together on the ballot. If no candidate receives 50 percent, a general election between the top two candidates will be held on November 16.
The district went 61% for Romney in 2012.
Massachusetts
Primary elections are scheduled for October 15, 2013, in Massachusetts’ 5th Congressional District, to replace pro-abortion Rep. Ed Markey (D). Markey won the June 25 Senate special election to replace pro-abortion Senator John Kerry (D) who was appointed as U.S. Secretary of State.
The special election will take place on December 10, 2013.
The district went 62% for Obama in 2012.
Gubernatorial Elections
Gubernatorial elections will be held on November 5 in Virginia and New Jersey.
In Virginia’s open gubernatorial seat, pro-life Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R), will face pro-abortion Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe. Virginia’s governors are prohibited from serving successive terms. 51% of Virginia’s voters were for Obama in 2012.
New Jersey’s pro-life Governor Chris Christie (R) will face a challenge by pro-abortion state Senator Barbara Buono (D). Governor Christie won with 49% of the vote in 2008. 58% of New Jersey voters went for Obama in 2012.
Stay tuned at www.nationalrighttolifenews.org for future primary and special election results.