The leader of the state Senate is officially taking sides in the race to succeed Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), joining other Union County Democrats to endorse Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp for Congress.
Senate President Nicholas Scutari, also the Democratic chair of Union County, announced his endorsement of Mapp on Friday. Mapp is one of 13 Democrats seeking the nomination in the 12th congressional district.
“Adrian Mapp is a proven executive leader who understands how government works and how to deliver results,” Scutari said. “He has demonstrated that he can lead with discipline, vision, and a deep commitment to the people of his community. I am proud to support his candidacy for Congress because I believe he has the experience, judgment, and strength to serve the people of the 12th District well in Washington.”
A plethora of other Union County legislators and officials also endorsed Mapp: Assemblyman James Kennedy (D-Rahway), Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter (D-Plainfield), Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek, and Commissioners James Baker Jr., Michele S. Delisfort, Lourdes Leon, Alexander Mirabella, Stanley Neron, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Joseph Signorello III, and Rebecca Williams.
Mapp will use the Union County Democratic slogan in June’s primary; he won the county party’s endorsement in February. His victory was no surprise — Plainfield is the sole Union municipality in the 12th, so Plainfield alone determined the endorsement. Plainfield made up about 6% of the total votes cast in the 12th district’s Democratic primary in 2024.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of Senate President Scutari and this extraordinary group of public servants from across Union County,” Mapp said. “These are leaders who understand the weight of public service and the importance of effective representation. Their support sends a powerful message that this campaign rests on substance, credibility, and a shared commitment to fighting for the people of the 12th District.”
Watson Coleman is retiring, and the winner of the Democratic primary will be highly favored to win a congressional seat in the deep-blue 12th.
