Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Y. Robinson (D-Franklin) received the support of her county party on Wednesday, with Somerset Democrats voting overwhelmingly to endorse her in the Democratic primary for the 12th congressional district.
Robinson’s Somerset victory was no surprise and signifies a clean sweep for local politicians in their respective county conventions. Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson won in Mercer, Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp won in Union, and East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen won in Middlesex.
In her speech before the Democrats, Robinson touted her service as a U.S. Air Force veteran and said the district needs someone who doesn’t require “on-the-job training.” She highlighted her time on the county Board of Commissioners and Franklin Township Council.
“I’ve been here fighting for you,” Robinson said. “Promises made, promises kept.”
Robinson received 100 votes. Sam Wang followed with five votes, Sue Altman and Adam Hamawy received four votes, and Cohen received three votes. Squire Servance and Reynolds-Jackson received none.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) has represented the district since 2014; the 81-year-old is not seeking re-election. Somerset County accounted for about 23% of votes in 2024’s 12th district Democratic primary.
Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-Franklin Twp), who endorsed Robinson last week, nominated her at the convention.
Robinson received just four votes in the Mercer convention and she didn’t compete for the Middlesex endorsement.
County party support was once make-or-break for candidates. But with the abolition of the county line, these endorsements aren’t capable of single-handedly delivering wins for endorsees. So while Robinson leaves with the Somerset Democratic slogan, the tangible effects from tonight’s victory could be minimal.
The party-backed candidates have typically spent years building relationships with Democratic officials and activists within their counties, contributing to their convention victories. But several candidates without county support — including Altman, Hamawy, and Vaingankar — have raised significant funds and proven to be legitimate candidates, though the latter did not compete in Somerset.
