# 1981 New Jersey Senate election

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The 1981 New Jersey Senate elections were held on November 3. The New Jersey legislature reapportioned its state legislative districts in advance of the 1981 election. The new districts resulted in many senators running for re-election in newly re-numbered districts. The election coincided with a tightly contested gubernatorial election between Thomas Kean and James Florio. Republicans gained five seats, narrowing the Democratic majority to 22–18.
A Federal Bureau of Investigation investigation resulted in the retirements of Senators Joseph A. Maressa and Angelo Errichetti, both of whom accepted bribes from the FBI under the guise of Arab oil sheikhs. Errichetti was convicted; Maressa was not prosecuted but opted to retire.

## Incumbents not running for re-election
### Democratic

* Joseph A. Maressa (District 4)
* Angelo Errichetti (District 5)
* Charles B. Yates (District 7)
* Joseph P. Merlino (District 13) (ran for governor)
* William J. Hamilton (District 17) (ran for governor)
* Frank J. Dodd (District 26) (ran for governor)
* James A. Galdieri (District 32)

### Republican

* James Cafiero (District 1)
* Barry T. Parker (District 8) (ran for governor)
* James Wallwork (District 25) (ran for governor)

## Summary of results by State Senate district

| District | Incumbent | Party | Party | Elected Senator | Party |
| 1st Legislative District | James Cafiero | | Rep | James R. Hurley | Rep |
| 2nd Legislative District | Steven P. Perskie | | Dem | Steven P. Perskie | Dem |
| 3rd Legislative District | Raymond Zane | | Dem | Raymond Zane | Dem |
| 4th Legislative District | Joseph A. Maressa | | Dem | Daniel Dalton | Dem |
| 5th Legislative District | Vacant | Vacant | Vacant | Walter Rand | Dem |
| 6th Legislative District | Lee Laskin | | Rep | Lee Laskin | Rep |
| 7th Legislative District | Charles B. Yates | | Dem | Herman T. Costello | Dem |
| 8th Legislative District | Barry T. Parker | | Rep | H. James Saxton | Rep |
| 9th Legislative District | John F. Russo | | Dem | Leonard T. Connors | Rep |
| 10th Legislative District | Brian T. Kennedy | | Rep | John F. Russo | Dem |
| 11th Legislative District | S. Thomas Gagliano | | Rep | Brian T. Kennedy | Rep |
| 12th Legislative District | Eugene Bedell | | Dem | S. Thomas Gagliano | Rep |
| 13th Legislative District | Joseph P. Merlino | | Dem | John P. Gallagher | Rep |
| 14th Legislative District | Walter E. Foran | | Rep | Francis J. McManimon | Dem |
| 15th Legislative District | Wayne Dumont | | Rep | Gerald R. Stockman | Dem |
| 16th Legislative District | John H. Ewing | | Rep | John H. Ewing | Rep |
| 17th Legislative District | William J. Hamilton | | Dem | John A. Lynch Jr. | Dem |
| 18th Legislative District | Vacant | Vacant | Vacant | James Bornheimer | Dem |
| 19th Legislative District | Laurence Weiss | | Dem | Laurence Weiss | Dem |
| 20th Legislative District | Anthony E. Russo | | Dem | John Gregorio | Dem |
| 21st Legislative District | John Gregorio | | Dem | C. Louis Bassano | Rep |
| 22nd Legislative District | Donald DiFrancesco | | Rep | Donald DiFrancesco | Rep |
| 23rd Legislative District | John H. Dorsey | | Rep | Walter E. Foran | Rep |
| 24th Legislative District | James P. Vreeland | | Rep | Wayne Dumont | Rep |
| 25th Legislative District | James Wallwork | | Rep | John H. Dorsey | Rep |
| 26th Legislative District | Frank J. Dodd | | Dem | James P. Vreeland | Rep |
| 27th Legislative District | Carmen Orechio | | Dem | Richard Codey | Dem |
| 28th Legislative District | John P. Caufield | | Dem | John P. Caufield | Dem |
| 29th Legislative District | Wynona Lipman | | Dem | Wynona Lipman | Dem |
| 30th Legislative District | Frank E. Rodgers | | Dem | Carmen Orechio | Dem |
| 31st Legislative District | Wally Sheil | | Dem | Edward T. O'Connor Jr. | Dem |
| 32nd Legislative District | James A. Galdieri | | Dem | Frank E. Rodgers | Dem |
| 33rd Legislative District | William Musto | | Dem | William Musto | Dem |
| 34th Legislative District | Joseph Hirkala | | Dem | Joseph Bubba | Rep |
| 35th Legislative District | Frank X. Graves Jr. | | Dem | Frank X. Graves Jr. | Dem |
| 36th Legislative District | Vacant | Vacant | Vacant | Joseph Hirkala | Dem |
| 37th Legislative District | Matthew Feldman | | Dem | Matthew Feldman | Dem |
| 38th Legislative District | John Skevin | | Dem | John Paolella | Rep |
| 39th Legislative District | Frank Herbert | | Dem | Gerald Cardinale | Rep |
| 40th Legislative District | Garrett W. Hagedorn | | Rep | Garrett Hagedorn | Rep |
* ↑ The seat was left vacant by the expulsion of Angelo Errichetti following his conviction for federal bribery charges.
* ↑ Redistricted to 10th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 11th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 12th district.
* ↑ Redistrict to 13th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 15th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 23rd district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 24th district.
* ↑ The seat had been vacant since Bernard J. Dwyer resigned to take his seat in the United States House of Representatives.
* ↑ Redistricted to 21st district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 20th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 25th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 26th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 30th district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 32nd district.
* ↑ Redistricted to 36th district.
* ↑ This seat had been vacant since the resignation of Anthony Scardino to join the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission.

### Close races

Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:
* District 30, 1.7%
* District 33, 3.2%
* District 2, 3.4%
* District 21, 3.8%
* District 18, 4.2%
* District 38, 4.5%
* District 20, 4.6%
* District 34, 5.4%
* District 1, 7.6%

## District 1

The first district consisted of all of Cape May County and the Cumberland municipalities of Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Upper Deerfield, Deerfield, and Maurice River. Prior to redistricting, it had contained all of Cumberland County.
Incumbent Senator James Cafiero retired.

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* James R. Hurley, Assemblyman from Millville (Regular Organization Republican-Pat Kramer Team)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James R. Hurley | 11,809 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,809 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Edward H. Salmon, Cumberland County Freeholder and former mayor of Millville (Sound Off for South Jersey)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward H. Salmon | 6,961 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,961 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* James R. Hurley, Assemblyman from Millville (Republican)
* Edward H. Salmon, Cumberland County Freeholder and former mayor of Millville (Democratic)

#### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James R. Hurley | 32,443 | 53.8% |
| | Democratic | Edward H. Salmon | 27,862 | 46.2% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 60,305 | 100.0% |

## District 2

The second district consisted of Atlantic County except for the municipalities of Folsom, Buena, and Buena Vista, which were removed in redistricting. Redistricting also removed Bass River and Washington in Burlington County and Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor in Ocean County.

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Richard "Reds" Lavin, labor organizer and state government liaison for the Atlantic City Department of Parks and Public Property (The Alternative)
* Steven Perskie, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Endorsed By Atlantic County Democratic Convention)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Steven P. Perskie (inc.) | 5,400 | 83.79% |
| | Democratic | Reds Lavin | 1,045 | 16.21% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,445 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph McGahn, former Democratic Senator (Regular Republican)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph McGahn | 8,941 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,941 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Joseph McGahn, former Democratic Senator (Republican)
* Steven Perskie, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Democratic)

#### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Steven P. Perskie (incumbent) | 29,843 | 51.7 |
| | Republican | Joseph L. McGahn | 27,890 | 48.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,733 | 100.0 |

## District 3
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond Zane (inc.) | 13,337 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,337 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* D. Paul McMahon Jr., owner of a Woodbury electrical contracting firm

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | D. Paul McMahon Jr. | 8,015 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,015 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* D. Paul McMahon Jr., owner of a Woodbury electrical contracting firm (Republican)
* Raymond Zane, incumbent Senator (Democratic)

#### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond J. Zane (incumbent) | 37,613 | 63.2 |
| | Republican | D. Paul McMahon, Jr. | 21,903 | 36.8 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 59,516 | 100.0 |

## District 4
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Daniel J. Dalton, Assemblyman from Laurel Springs (Regular Democratic Organization)
* Kenneth A. Gewertz, former Assemblyman from Deptford Township (Regular Democrat Organization)
This primary was a rematch of the 1979 Assembly election, in which Dalton and running mate Dennis L. Riley, who ran with the support of Congressman Jim Florio, unseated Gewertz and Francis J. Gorman, who had the support of Camden mayor and State Senator Angelo Errichetti. Each candidate had the support of their respective county party; Dalton in Camden and Gewertz in Gloucester.

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Daniel J. Dalton | 10,448 | 65.63% |
| | Democratic | Kenneth A. Gewertz | 5,471 | 34.37% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,919 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Connie B. Roggio, Gloucester Township councilwoman (Regular Republican Organization)
* Frank B. Smith (Organization of Regular Republicans)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frank B. Smith | 2,766 | 60.12% |
| | Republican | Connie Roggio | 1,835 | 39.88% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,601 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Daniel J. Dalton (Democratic)
* Frank B. Smith (Republican)

#### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Daniel J. Dalton | 32,386 | 63.3 |
| | Republican | Frank B. Smith | 18,755 | 36.7 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 51,141 | 100.0 |

## District 5
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Walter Rand, Assemblyman from Camden (Regular Democratic Organization)
* Ernest F. Schuck, Assemblyman from Barrington (Camden County Democrat Organization)
Unlike the neighboring fourth district, both Assemblymen Rand and Schuck were considered allies of Errichetti and shared a legislative office. Their friendly relations were maintained throughout a "kid-gloves" campaign, despite the close margin.
Ultimately, Florio struck an alliance with Rand which propelled him over the top as Florio ran up large numbers in the gubernatorial race.

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Walter Rand | 9,595 | 54.27% |
| | Democratic | Ernest F. Schuck | 8,085 | 45.73% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,680 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John H. Lyons Jr. (Regular Republican Organization of Camden County)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John H. Lyons Jr. | 2,338 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,338 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* John H. Lyons Jr. (Republican)
* Walter Rand, Assemblyman from Camden (Democratic)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Walter Rand | 32,866 | 72.0 |
| | Republican | John H. Lyons, Jr. | 12,800 | 28.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 45,666 | 100.0 |

## District 6
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Lee Laskin, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Organization of Regular Republicans)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lee B. Laskin (incumbent) | 7,777 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,777 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* James Greenberg (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James Greenberg | 11,663 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,663 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* James Greenberg (Democratic)
* Lee Laskin, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lee B. Laskin (incumbent) | 36,279 | 56.7 |
| | Democratic | James Greenberg | 27,735 | 43.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 64,014 | 100.0 |

## District 7
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Herman T. Costello, Assemblyman from Burlington and mayor of Burlington since 1964 (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Herman T. Costello | 11,723 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,723 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Michael J. Conda (Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Michael J. Conda | 6,807 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,807 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Michael J. Conda (Republican)
* Herman T. Costello, Assemblyman from Burlington and mayor of Burlington since 1964 (Democratic)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Herman T. Costello | 31,172 | 57.1 |
| | Republican | Michael J. Conda | 23,391 | 42.9 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,563 | 100.0 |

## District 8
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Jim Saxton, Assemblyman from Mount Holly (Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | H. James Saxton | 10,384 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,384 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Raymond J. Storck (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond J. Storck | 7,328 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,328 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Jim Saxton, Assemblyman from Mount Holly (Republican)
* Raymond J. Storck (Democratic)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | H. James Saxton | 33,132 | 65.7 |
| | Democratic | Raymond J. Storck | 17,314 | 34.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 50,446 | 100.0 |

## District 9
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Leonard T. Connors, Ocean County Freeholder and mayor of Surf City since 1966 (Regular Republican Organization of Ocean County)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Leonard T. Connors | 13,697 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,697 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Wesley K. Bell, former mayor of Stafford Township and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1978 (Official Regular Democrat Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Wesley K. Bell | 6,822 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,822 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Wesley K. Bell, former mayor of Stafford Township and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1978 (Democratic)
* Leonard T. Connors, Ocean County Freeholder and mayor of Surf City since 1966 (Republican)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Leonard T. Connors, Jr. | 40,656 | 64.4 |
| | Democratic | Wesley K. Bell | 22,441 | 35.6 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 63,097 | 100.0 |

## District 10

All of the new tenth district had previously been contained within the boundaries of the ninth district in Ocean County. It consisted of Lakewood, Brick, and Toms River, and the shore towns of Lavallette, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant Beach, and Point Pleasant.

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John F. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John F. Russo (incumbent) | 7,941 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,941 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Hazel Gluck, Assemblywoman from Lakewood (Republican)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Hazel Gluck | 11,728 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,728 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Hazel Gluck, Assemblywoman from Lakewood (Republican)
* John F. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John F. Russo (incumbent) | 38,166 | 58.6 |
| | Republican | Hazel S. Gluck | 26,933 | 41.4 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 65,099 | 100.0 |

## District 11
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Brian T. Kennedy, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Republican)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Leonard T. Connors | 13,697 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,697 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* George Callas (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | George Callas | 6,506 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,506 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* George Callas (Democratic)
* Stan Johnson (Citizens)
* Brian T. Kennedy, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Brian T. Kennedy (incumbent) | 32,063 | 57.8 |
| | Democratic | George Callas | 22,807 | 41.1 |
| | Citizens | Stan Johnson | 574 | 1.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 55,444 | 100.0 |

## District 12
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Republican)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | S. Thomas Gagliano (incumbent) | 8,456 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,456 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Roger J. Kane (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Roger J. Kane | 7,755 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,755 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
* Roger J. Kane (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | S. Thomas Gagliano (incumbent) | 33,521 | 59.1 |
| | Democratic | Roger J. Kane | 23,169 | 40.9 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 56,690 | 100.0 |

## District 13
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Eugene J. Bedell, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Regular Democratic Organization of Monmouth County)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Eugene J. Bedell (incumbent) | 8,143 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,143 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John P. Gallagher, investment banker and former executive director of the New Jersey Highway Authority (Regular Republican)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John P. Gallagher | 5,930 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,930 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Eugene J. Bedell, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Democratic)
* John P. Gallagher, investment banker and former executive director of the New Jersey Highway Authority (Republican)

#### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John P. Gallagher | 27,988 | 51.6 |
| | Democratic | Eugene J. Bedell (incumbent) | 26,268 | 48.4 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,256 | 100.0 |

## District 14
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Francis J. McManimon, Assemblyman from Hamilton Township (Regular Democrat Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Francis J. McManimon | 9,180 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,180 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Thomas Colitsas

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Thomas Colitsas | 4,986 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,986 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* S. Thomas Gagliano, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
* Roger J. Kane (Democratic)

#### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Francis J. McManimon | 31,742 | 57.7 |
| | Republican | Thomas Colitsas | 23,296 | 42.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 55,038 | 100.0 |

## District 15

Incumbent Senator Joseph Merlino, who had been redistricted from the 13th district, opted to run for Governor of New Jersey.

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Paul J. Sollami, Mercer County Freeholder (Regular Democratic Organization)
* Gerald R. Stockman, Assemblyman from Trenton (Regular Organization Democrat)
Sollami had the support of county party chair and power broker Richard J. Coffee.

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Gerald Stockman | 10,709 | 54.53% |
| | Democratic | Paul J. Sollami | 8,831 | 45.47% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 19,640 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Carmen J. Armenti, former Democratic mayor of Trenton

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Carmen Armenti | 5,394 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,394 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Carmen J. Armenti, former mayor of Trenton (Republican)
* Gerald R. Stockman, Assemblyman from Trenton (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Gerald R. Stockman | 30,243 | 56.4 |
| | Republican | Carmen J. Armenti | 23,410 | 43.6 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 53,653 | 100.0 |

## District 16
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Somerset County Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John H. Ewing (incumbent) | 14,485 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,485 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John F. Guerrera (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John F. Guerrera | 4,326 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,326 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* John H. Ewing, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)
* John F. Guerrera (Regular Democratic Organization)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John H. Ewing (incumbent) | 38,026 | 65.5 |
| | Democratic | John F. Guerrera | 20,068 | 34.5 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 58,094 | 100.0 |

## District 17
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John A. Lynch Jr., mayor of New Brunswick and son of former Senator John A. Lynch (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John A. Lynch | 9,578 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,578 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Donald J. Douglas (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.)
* John Giammarco (Middlesex County Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Donald J. Douglas | 2,210 | 66.93% |
| | Republican | John Giammarco | 1,092 | 33.07% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,302 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Donald J. Douglas (Republican)
* Paul Lennon (Citizens)
* John A. Lynch Jr., mayor of New Brunswick and son of former Senator John A. Lynch (Democratic)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John A. Lynch | 25,761 | 60.6 |
| | Republican | Donald J. Douglas | 15,280 | 35.9 |
| | Citizens | Paul Lennon | 1,484 | 3.5 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 42,525 | 100.0 |

## District 18
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* James Bornheimer, Assemblyman from East Brunswick (Regular Democratic Organization)
* Samuel V. Convery Jr. (Responsible Democrat)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James Bornheimer | 8,620 | 53.96% |
| | Democratic | Samuel V. Convery Jr. | 7,354 | 46.04% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,974 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph M. Cooperstein (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.)
* Peter Garibaldi, former Assemblyman from Monroe Township (Middlesex County Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Peter Garibaldi | 4,371 | 74.00% |
| | Republican | Joseph M. Cooperstein | 1,536 | 26.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,907 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* James Bornheimer, Assemblyman from East Brunswick (Democratic)
* Peter Garibaldi, former Assemblyman from Monroe Township (Republican)
1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James Bornheimer | 31,383 | 52.1 |
| | Republican | Peter P. Garibaldi | 28,853 | 47.9 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 60,236 | 100.0 |

## District 19
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Laurence S. Weiss, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Laurence S. Weiss (incumbent) | 10,616 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,616 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Edmund S. Kaboski (Middlesex County Republican Organization, Inc.)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Edmund S. Kaboski | 1,750 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,750 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Edmund S. Kaboski (Republican)
* Laurence S. Weiss, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Laurence S. Weiss (incumbent) | 31,446 | 60.4 |
| | Republican | Edmund S. Kaboski | 20,582 | 39.6 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 52,028 | 100.0 |

## District 20
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John T. Gregorio, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Linden (Regular Democratic Organization of Union County)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John T. Gregorio (incumbent) | 13,122 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,122 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John Fenick (Regular Organization Republican of Union County)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Fenick | 3,519 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,519 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* John Fenick (Republican)
* John T. Gregorio, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Linden (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John T. Gregorio (incumbent) | 25,340 | 52.3% |
| | Republican | John Fenick | 23,087 | 47.7% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 48,427 | 100.0 |

## District 21
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Anthony E. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Union Township (Regular Democratic Organization of Union County)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anthony E. Russo (incumbent) | 9,516 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,516 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* C. Louis Bassano, Assemblyman from Union Township (Regular Organization Republican of Union County)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | C. Louis Bassano | 10,693 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,693 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* C. Louis Bassano, Assemblyman from Union Township (Republican)
* Anthony E. Russo, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Union Township (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | C. Louis Bassano | 36,957 | 51.9 |
| | Democratic | Anthony E. Russo (incumbent) | 34,252 | 48.1 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 71,209 | 100.0 |

## District 22
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Anthony J. Crincoli (Regular Republican Party)
* Donald DiFrancesco, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Regular Organization Republican of Union County)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Donald DiFrancesco (incumbent) | 13,752 | 77.46% |
| | Republican | Anthony J. Crincoli | 4,002 | 22.54% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,754 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Frank Fiorito (Democratic Party—Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank Fiorito | 6,997 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,997 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Donald DiFrancesco, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Republican)
* Frank Fiorito (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Donald DiFrancesco (incumbent) | 46,330 | 67.9 |
| | Democratic | Frank Fiorito | 21,876 | 32.1 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 68,206 | 100.0 |

## District 23
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Walter Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Walter Foran (incumbent) | 11,291 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,291 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Samuel J. Gugliemini (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Samuel J. Gugliemini | 4,868 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,868 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Walter Foran, incumbent Senator since 1977 (Republican)
* Samuel J. Gugliemini (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Walter E. Foran (incumbent) | 37,494 | 75.1 |
| | Democratic | Samuel J. Gugliemini | 12,431 | 24.9 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 49,925 | 100.0 |

## District 24
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Donald J. Albanese, Assemblyman from Belvidere (Conservative Republican)
* Wayne Dumont, incumbent Senator since 1968 (Regular Republican Organizational Candidate)
The campaign between Albanese and Dumont was possibly the most bitter in the state. Dumont had supported Albanese in his short-lived campaign for governor, only for Albanese to withdraw from that race and challenge Dumont.

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Wayne Dumont (incumbent) | 7,588 | 59.98% |
| | Republican | Donald J. Albanese | 5,062 | 40.02% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,650 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Edward Gaffney (Regular Democratic Party Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank Fiorito | 6,997 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,997 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Wayne Dumont, incumbent Senator since 1968 (Republican)
* Edward Gaffney (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Wayne Dumont, Jr. | 37,467 | 77.4 |
| | Democratic | Edward Gaffney | 10,953 | 22.6 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 48,420 | 100.0 |

## District 25
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John H. Dorsey, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Regular Republican)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John H. Dorsey (incumbent) | 12,675 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,675 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Horace Chamberlain (Democrat)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Horace Chamberlain | 4,737 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,737 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Horace Chamberlain (Democratic)
* John H. Dorsey, incumbent Senator since 1978 (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John H. Dorsey | 36,433 | 68.0 |
| | Democratic | Horace Chamberlain | 17,137 | 32.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 53,570 | 100.0 |

## District 26
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* James P. Vreeland, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Incumbent Republican Senator)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James P. Vreeland (incumbent) | 12,829 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,829 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Benjamin Steltzer (Regular Democrat)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Benjamin Steltzer | 5,016 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,016 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Benjamin Steltzer (Democratic)
* James P. Vreeland, incumbent Senator since 1974 (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James P. Vreeland | 38,141 | 69.9 |
| | Democratic | Benjamin Steltzer | 16,414 | 30.1 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,555 | 100.0 |

## District 27
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* James J. Brown ("Think" Democratic)
* Richard Codey, Assemblyman from Orange (Democratic Party Organization)
* Gayle Brody Rosen

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Richard Codey | 12,263 | 54.76% |
| | Democratic | Gayle Brody Rosen | 7,347 | 32.80% |
| | Democratic | James J. Brown | 2,786 | 12.44% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 22,396 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Richard E. Koehler (write-in) | 22 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 22 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Richard Codey, Assemblyman from Orange (Democratic)
* Richard E. Koehler (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Richard J. Codey | 30,403 | 73.9 |
| | Republican | Richard E. Koehler | 10,737 | 26.1 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 41,140 | 100.0 |

## District 28
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Democratic Party—Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John P. Caufield (incumbent) | 7,437 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,437 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Herta B. Tully (write-in) | 70 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 70 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* John P. Caufield, incumbent Senator since 1979 (Democratic)
* Herta B. Tully (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John P. Caufield | 20,786 | 75.0 |
| | Republican | Herta B. Tully | 6,913 | 25.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 27,699 | 100.0 |

## District 29
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic Party—Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Wynona Lipman (incumbent) | 11,479 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,479 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Louis J. Smith (Essex Republican Party Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Louis J. Smith | 514 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 514 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator since 1972 (Democratic)
* Louis J. Smith (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Wynona M. Lipman | 23,598 | 88.3 |
| | Republican | Louis J. Smith | 3,125 | 11.7 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 26,723 | 100.0 |

## District 30
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Carmen Orechio, incumbent Senator since 1974 and mayor of Nutley (Democratic Party—Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carmen Orechio (incumbent) | 9,000 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,000 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John I. Crecco (Essex Republican Party Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John I. Crecco | 9,920 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,920 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* John I. Crecco (Republican)
* Arthur Kinoy (Citizens)
* Carmen Orechio, incumbent Senator since 1974 and mayor of Nutley (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carmen A. Orechio | 30,990 | 49.4 |
| | Republican | John I. Crecco | 29,930 | 47.7 |
| | Citizens | Arthur Kinoy | 1,765 | 2.8 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 62,685 | 100.0 |

## District 31
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Wally Sheil, incumbent Senator since 1978 and president of Hudson County Community College (Regular Democratic Organization)
* Edward T. O'Connor Jr. (Democratic Solidarity Coalition Team)
* James J. Richardson

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward T. O'Connor Jr. | 16,020 | 52.08% |
| | Democratic | Wally Sheil (incumbent) | 13,021 | 42.33% |
| | Democratic | James J. Richardson | 1,718 | 5.59% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 30,759 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Jean C. Lane (Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jean C. Lane | 1,505 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,505 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Jean C. Lane (Republican)
* Edward T. O'Connor Jr. (Democratic)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward T. O'Connor, Jr. | 37,863 | 75.4 |
| | Republican | Jean C. Lane | 12,348 | 24.6 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 50,211 | 100.0 |

## District 32
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Michael J. Marino, former Assemblyman (Democratic Solidarity Coalition Team)
* Frank E. Rodgers, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Harrison (Regular Democratic Organization)

#### Results

1981 Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank E. Rodgers (incumbent) | 15,813 | 68.51% |
| | Democratic | Michael J. Marino | 7,268 | 31.49% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 23,081 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph F. Ward (Regular Republican Organization)

#### Results

1981 Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph F. Ward | 2,543 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,543 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Frank E. Rodgers, incumbent Senator since 1978 and mayor of Harrison (Democratic)
* Herbert H. Shaw, perennial candidate (Politicians are Crooks)
* Joseph F. Ward (Republican)

##### Results

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank E. Rodgers | 34,150 | 63.4 |
| | Republican | Joseph F. Ward | 18,551 | 34.4 |
| | Politicians Are Crooks | Herbert H. Shaw | 1,171 | 2.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 53,872 | 100.0 |

## District 33

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William V. Musto | 24,012 | 62.0 |
| | Republican | Ralph A. Montanez | 14,707 | 38.0 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 38,719 | 100.0 |

## District 34

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Bubba | 31,044 | 52.7 |
| | Democratic | William J. Bate | 27,843 | 47.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 58,887 | 100.0 |

## District 35

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank X. Graves Jr. | 28,439 | 74.6 |
| | Republican | Frank E. Gorman | 9,693 | 25.4 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 38,132 | 100.0 |

## District 36

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph Hirkala | 30,422 | 55.4 |
| | Republican | Philip R. Gervato | 23,049 | 42.0 |
| | Bergen Home Rule | Edna M. Perrotta | 1,395 | 2.5 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,866 | 100.0 |

## District 37

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Matthew Feldman | 39,299 | 61.7 |
| | Republican | Barbara L. deMare | 24,416 | 38.3 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 63,715 | 100.0 |

## District 38

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John B. Paolella | 30,670 | 51.0 |
| | Democratic | John M. Skevin | 27,968 | 46.5 |
| | Citizens For Progress | Bernard J. Focarino | 1,473 | 2.5 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 60,111 | 100.0 |

## District 39

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Gerald Cardinale | 38,929 | 58.2 |
| | Democratic | Francis X. Herbert | 27,948 | 41.8 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 66,877 | 100.0 |

## District 40

1981 general election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Garrett W. Hagedorn | 42,014 | 66.8 |
| | Democratic | Mitchell Kahn | 20,835 | 33.2 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 62,849 | 100.0 |