# 1973 New Jersey Senate election

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The 1973 New Jersey Senate elections were held on November 6. The result of the elections were large gains for the Democratic Party, which won control of the Senate. The party picked up twelve seats. This election marked the first time since 1967 that Democrats controlled the State Senate.
The election coincided with Brendan Byrne's landslide re-election over Republican Charles W. Sandman Jr. The election also took place amidst the height of the Watergate scandal, just weeks after the Saturday Night Massacre.
This was also the first New Jersey Senate election held using single-member districts, as the state completed its long transition following the 1964 Reynolds v. Sims decision. As of 2022, it remains the largest single change in seats for Democrats or any party since single-member districts were adopted. This remains the greatest number of seats held by the Democrats since the adoption of single members districts.

## Background
### Redistricting

Until 1965, the New Jersey State Senate was composed of 21 senators, with each county electing one senator. After the U.S. Supreme Court, in Reynolds v. Sims (more commonly known as One Man, One Vote), required redistricting by state legislatures for congressional districts to keep represented populations equal, as well as requiring both houses of state legislatures to have districts drawn that contained roughly equal populations, and to perform redistricting when needed. In 1965, the Senate was increased from 21 members to 29 members, and larger counties were given more than one seat, and some smaller counties shared one or two senators. The map was changed again in 1967, and again in 1971, as the state adjusted to the one man, one vote ruling.
For the first time, the state was to be divided into 40 legislative districts, with each district electing one State Senator and two members of the General Assembly. The districts were drawn first to achieve a population balance (districts were drawn to be within +/- 4% of each other), and then to be as geographically compact as possible.
For the most part, incumbent senators were given their own districts in which to run, with one exception. Senators William J. Bate and Joseph Hirkala, both of Passaic County (District 14), were re-districted into the same district, numbered 34. Bate successfully ran for Assembly rather than challenge Hirkala.

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

* J. Edward Crabiel, Middlesex (District 18) (ran for Governor)
* Norman Tanzman, Middlesex (District 19)
* Ralph DeRose, Essex (District 28) (ran for Governor)
* William J. Bate, Passaic (District 30) (redistricted; ran for Assembly)
* William F. Kelly Jr., Hudson (District 32)

### Republican

* Frank Italiano, Camden (District 5)
* John F. Brown, Ocean (District 9)
* Peter W. Thomas, Morris (District 24)
* Harold C. Hollenbeck, Bergen (District 36)
* Alfred D. Schiaffo, Bergen (District 39)
Two incumbent Republican senators were elected to Congress in 1972 and resigned in January 1973 to take their seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both seats were won by Democrats:
* District 21: Matthew John Rinaldo was succeeded by Democrat Thomas Dunn, the Mayor of Elizabeth.
* District 23: Joseph Maraziti was succeeded by Democrat Stephen Wiley, a Morristown attorney.

## Summary of results by State Senate District

| 1972–74 District | Incumbent | Party | Party | New District | Elected Senator | Party |
| District 1 | James Cafiero | | Rep | 1st Legislative District | James Cafiero | Rep |
| District 2 | Joseph McGahn | | Dem | 2nd Legislative District | Joseph McGahn | Dem |
| District 3A | Vacant | Vacant | Vacant | 3rd Legislative District | Raymond Zane | Dem |
| District 3B | Joseph Maressa | | Dem | 4th Legislative District | Joseph Maressa | Dem |
| District 3D | Frank Italiano | | Rep | 5th Legislative District | John Horn | Dem |
| District 3C | John L. Miller | | Rep | 6th Legislative District | Alene Ammond | Dem |
| District 4C | Edward J. Hughes | | Dem | 7th Legislative District | Edward J. Hughes | Dem |
| District 4B | Barry T. Parker | | Rep | 8th Legislative District | Barry T. Parker | Rep |
| District 4A | John F. Brown | | Rep | 9th Legislative District | John F. Russo | Dem |
| District 5 | Richard Stout | | Rep | 10th Legislative District | Herbert Buehler | Dem |
| District 5 | Alfred Beadleston | | Rep | 11th Legislative District | Alfred Beadleston | Rep |
| District 5 | Joseph Azzolina | | Rep | 12th Legislative District | Eugene Bedell | Dem |
| District 6B | Joseph P. Merlino | | Dem | 13th Legislative District | Joseph P. Merlino | Dem |
| District 6A | William Schluter | | Rep | 14th Legislative District | Anne Clark Martindell | Dem |
| District 15 | Wayne Dumont Jr. | | Rep | 15th Legislative District | Wayne Dumont Jr. | Rep |
| District 8 | Raymond Bateman | | Rep | 16th Legislative District | Raymond Bateman | Rep |
| District 7 | John A. Lynch Sr. | | Dem | 17th Legislative District | John A. Lynch Sr. | Dem |
| District 7 | J. Edward Crabiel | | Dem | 18th Legislative District | Bernard Dwyer | Dem |
| District 7 | Norman Tanzman | | Dem | 19th Legislative District | John Fay | Dem |
| District 9 | Frank X. McDermott | | Rep | 20th Legislative District | Alexander J. Menza | Dem |
| District 9 | Thomas G. Dunn | | Dem | 21st Legislative District | Thomas G. Dunn | Dem |
| District 9 | Jerome Epstein | | Rep | 22nd Legislative District | Peter J. McDonough | Rep |
| District 10 | Vacant | Vacant | Vacant | 23rd Legislative District | Stephen B. Wiley | Dem |
| District 10 | Peter W. Thomas | | Rep | 24th Legislative District | James P. Vreeland | Rep |
| District 11 | James H. Wallwork | | Rep | 25th Legislative District | James H. Wallwork | Rep |
| District 11 | Frank J. Dodd | | Dem | 26th Legislative District | Frank J. Dodd | Dem |
| District 11 | Michael Giuliano | | Rep | 27th Legislative District | Carmen Orechio | Dem |
| District 11 | Ralph DeRose | | Dem | 28th Legislative District | Martin L. Greenberg | Dem |
| District 11 | Wynona Lipman | | Dem | 29th Legislative District | Wynona Lipman | Dem |
| District 11 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30th Legislative District | Anthony Imperiale | Ind |
| District 12 | James P. Dugan | | Dem | 31st Legislative District | James P. Dugan | Dem |
| District 12 | William F. Kelly Jr. | | Dem | 32nd Legislative District | Joseph W. Tumulty | Dem |
| District 12 | William Musto | | Dem | 33rd Legislative District | William Musto | Dem |
| District 14 | Joseph Hirkala | | Dem | 34th Legislative District | Joseph Hirkala | Dem |
| District 14 | William J. Bate | | Dem | 34th Legislative District | Joseph Hirkala | Dem |
| District 14 | Joseph Lazzara | | Dem | 35th Legislative District | Frank Davenport | Rep |
| District 13 | Harold Hollenbeck | | Rep | 36th Legislative District | Anthony Scardino | Dem |
| District 13 | Joseph Woodcock | | Rep | 37th Legislative District | Matthew Feldman | Dem |
| District 13 | Frederick Wendel | | Rep | 38th Legislative District | John Skevin | Dem |
| District 13 | Alfred Schiaffo | | Rep | 39th Legislative District | Raymond Garramone | Dem |
| District 13 | Garrett Hagedorn | | Rep | 40th Legislative District | Garrett Hagedorn | Rep |
* ↑ Senator James M. Turner was forced to resign from his seat on June 28 after his conviction for a conspiracy to place drugs in the home of Democrat Kenneth A. Gewertz. He remained in the race.
* ↑ Dunn entered the Senate on January 9 to fill the vacancy left by the election of Congressman Matthew Rinaldo.
* ↑ The Morris County seat had been vacant since Joseph Maraziti was sworn into Congress in January 1973. Wiley ran for and won a simultaneous special election to complete Maraziti's term.

### Close races

Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:
* District 35, 0.28%
* District 14, 3.06%
* District 22, 4.64%
* District 24, 5.24%
* District 38, 5.29%
* District 8, 5.64%
* District 23, 6.12%
* District 27, 6.18%
* District 6, 6.32%
* District 11, 8.10%
* District 25, 8.48%
* District 39, 8.58%
* District 9, 9.06%
* District 15, 9.98%

## Incumbents defeated
### In primary elections
#### Republicans

One incumbent Republican Senator was defeated for renomination in the June primary and Republicans held that seat:
* District 22: Jerome Epstein (R-Union), succeeded by Republican Peter J. McDonough, an Assemblyman from Union County. McDonough won 60%-40% over the incumbent, who was facing an indictment.

### In general elections
#### Democrats

* District 35: Joseph Lazzara (D-Passaic) lost to Republican Frank Davenport, the Passaic County Sheriff.

#### Republicans

* District 6: John L. Miller (R-Camden) lost to Democrat Alene Ammond.
* District 10: Richard Stout (R-Monmouth) lost to Democrat Herbert Buehler.
* District 12: Joseph Azzolina (R-Monmouth) lost to Democrat Eugene Bedell, an Assemblyman from Monmouth County.
* District 14: William Schluter (R-Mercer) lost to Democrat Anne Clark Martindell. the Vice Chairwoman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.
* District 20: Frank X. McDermott (R-Union) lost to Democrat Alexander J. Menza, an Assemblyman from Union County.
* District 27: Michael Giuliano (R-Essex) lost to Democrat Carmen Orechio, the Mayor of Nutley.
* District 37: Joseph Woodcock (R-Bergen) lost to Democrat Matthew Feldman. a former State Senator and the Bergen County Democratic Chairman.
* District 38: Frederick Wendel (R-Bergen) lost to Democrat John Skevin, a former Assemblyman from Bergen County.

## Open seats
### Democratic gains

* District 5: Frank Italiano (R-Camden), succeeded by Democrat John Horn, the Assembly Minority Leader, from Camden County.
* District 9: John F. Brown (R-Ocean), succeeded by Democrat John F. Russo, a former Ocean County Prosecutor.
* District 36: Harold Hollenbeck (R-Bergen), succeeded by Democrat Anthony Scardino, the Mayor of Lyndhurst.
* District 39: Alfred Schiaffo (R-Bergen), succeeded by Raymond Garramone, the Mayor of Haworth.

### Independent gain

* District 30: William Bate (D-Passaic), succeeded by Independent Anthony Imperiale, an Assemblyman from Essex County. (Bate was redistricted into District 34, where Democrat Joseph Hirkala lived; instead of challenging Hirkala in the primary, he instead ran successfully for the State Assembly.)

### Democratic holds

* District 18: J. Edward Crabiel (D-Middlesex), who briefly sought the 1973 Democratic nomination for Governor, succeeded by Democrat Bernard Dwyer, the Mayor of Edison.
* District 19: Norman Tanzman (D-Middlesex), succeeded by Democrat John Fay, an Assemblyman from Middlesex County.
* District 28: Ralph DeRose (D-Essex), who lost to Brendan Byrne in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, succeeded by Democrat Martin L. Greenberg, who was Byrne's law partner.
* District 32: William F. Kelly, Jr. (D-Hudson), succeeded by Democrat Joseph W. Tumulty.

### Republican hold

* District 24: Peter W. Thomas (R-Morris), succeeded by Republican James P. Vreeland, an Assemblyman from Morris County.

## District 1
### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James S. Cafiero | 15,580 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,580 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William R. Bowen | 3,774 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,774 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* William E. Bowen, director of the Bridgeton Housing Authority and former City Councilman
* James S. Cafiero, incumbent Senator

#### Results

1st Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James S. Cafiero (incumbent) | 34,807 | 58.26% |
| | Democratic | William E. Bowen | 24,933 | 41.74% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 59,740 | 100.00% |

## District 2

This district consisted of most of Atlantic County, as well as Little Egg Harbor Township, Tuckerton, and rural parts of Burlington County within the Pine Barrens.

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Irving A. Lilienfeld, Atlantic County Freeholder
* F. Frederick Perone, former Atlantic City municipal judge

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Irving Lilienfeld | 12,832 | 60.23% |
| | Republican | F. Frederick Perone | 8,474 | 39.77% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 21,306 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Michael J. Matthews, Atlantic County Freeholder
* Joseph McGahn, incumbent Senator

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph McGahn (incumbent) | 3,498 | 50.36% |
| | Democratic | Michael J. Matthews | 3,448 | 49.64% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,946 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Irving A. Lilienfeld, Atlantic County Freeholder (Republican)
* Joseph McGahn, incumbent Senator (Democratic)

#### Campaign

Both candidates supported a statewide referendum on legalized gambling. Lilienfeld and his running mates supported a statewide coordinated mass transit program, while the Democratic ticket supported a county-wide transportation program. The Republicans also emphasized crackdowns on welfare fraud and stricter drug control, while the Democrats campaigned to attract more light industry to the region.

#### Results

2nd Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph McGahn (incumbent) | 32,043 | 55.09% |
| | Republican | Irving A. Lilienfeld | 26,120 | 44.91% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 58,163 | 100.00% |

## District 3
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Robert E. Boakes, Woodbury attorney and former municipal judge
* Walter Fish, Gloucester County Sheriff (write-in)
* James M. Turner, incumbent Senator (until June 28)

##### Declined

* Kenneth A. Black Jr., Assemblyman from Salem County
* David Stroud, Woodbury attorney

#### Campaign

Turner was removed from his seat on June 28 after his conviction for conspiracy to place 6,500 amphetamine tablets in the home of Kenneth A. Gewertz, the Democratic Assemblyman from the district. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
The conviction barred Turner from holding state office. Nevertheless, Turner remained in the race, saying "I intend to win, and I expect the Senate to seat me."
Because it was too late to remove Turner from the ballot, an appeal was made to remove him, which a judge denied. The Republican Party attempted to run a write-in campaign for Gloucester Sheriff Walter Fish instead.

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James Turner (incumbent) | 5,545 | 41.07% |
| | Republican | Walter E. Fish Jr. (write-in) | 4,678 | 34.65% |
| | Republican | Robert E. Boakes | 3,277 | 24.27% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,500 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Raymond Zane, Gloucester County Freeholder

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond Zane | 6,834 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,834 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Results

3rd Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond Zane | 34,266 | 79.94% |
| | Republican | James Turner (incumbent) | 8,598 | 20.06% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 42,864 | 100.00% |

## District 4
### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Thomas E. Jenkins | 5,173 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,173 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph A. Maressa, incumbent Senator
* Robert W. Yost, Gloucester Township registrar of deeds
Yost was backed by Angelo Errichetti and Jack Gasparre, the mayor of Cherry Hill.

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph A. Maressa (incumbent) | 7,533 | 69.12% |
| | Democratic | Robert W. Yost | 3,366 | 30.88% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,899 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Results

4th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph A. Maressa | 31,729 | 63.79% |
| | Republican | Thomas E. Jenkins | 18,012 | 36.21% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 49,741 | 100.00% |

## District 5
### Republican primary
#### Candidates
##### Declined

* Frank Italiano, incumbent Senator

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Richard C. Hardenbergh | 4,794 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,794 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John J. Horn, Assembly Minority Leader

##### Declined

* James Florio, Assemblyman

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John J. Horn | 6,680 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,680 | 100.00% |

### General election

5th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John J. Horn | 25,999 | 65.20% |
| | Republican | Richard C. Hardenberg | 13,509 | 33.88% |
| | Socialist Labor | Dominic W. Doganiero | 369 | 0.93% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 39,877 | 100.00% |

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

* John L. Miller, incumbent Senator

##### Declined

* William K. Dickey, Assemblyman from Collingswood

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John L. Miller (incumbent) | 10,857 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,857 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Alene Ammond, candidate for Cherry Hill City Council in 1967
* John P. Jehl, Voorhees attorney and former assistant Camden County prosecutor
The Democratic primary was part of a countywide power struggle between party chair James Joyce and Cherry Hill party leader Jack Gasparre, who was also backed by Angelo Errichetti, the leader of the Camden Democratic organization and the mayor-elect. The camps were also divided in their choices for Governor; Gasparre and Errichetti backed Brendan Byrne, while Joyce backed Ralph DeRose. As a corollary to their fight over control of the party, Gasparre backed a separate slate of legislative candidates in this and other districts. Although the sixth district was heavily Republican, it was considered crucial because it centered on Cherry Hill, and Gasparre considered it his home base. To counter Gasparre's ticket, Joyce recruited Alene Ammond, a political gadfly who had run an unsuccessful campaign for Cherry Hill council in 1967 and whose proposal to reorganize the Cherry Hill government was rejected by voters in 1972.
Ammond campaigned against Jehl as a puppet of Errichetti, whom she charged with bossism and corruption; the Gasparre ticket made the same accusations of Joyce. All candidates indicated varying opposition to a static income tax; Ammond and Jehl disagreed on casino gambling, with Jehl supporting its legalization in some areas if approved by voters and Ammond outright opposing its legalization. Ammond also came out in support of a deepwater oil port, despite Ralph DeRose's vote against it.

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Alene Ammond | 4,361 | 53.07% |
| | Democratic | John P. Jehl | 3,857 | 46.93% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,218 | 100.00% |

### General election

Although the district was considered safely Republican after the Republican majority was increased to 8,600 votes by redistricting, Ammond won an upset over Senator Miller.
6th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Alene Ammond | 27,320 | 53.16% |
| | Republican | John L. Miller (incumbent) | 24,072 | 46.84% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 51,392 | 100.00% |

## District 7
### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Walter L. Smith Jr. | 7,544 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,544 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward J. Hughes Jr. (incumbent) | 6,420 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,420 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Bernardo Doganiero, perennial candidate (Socialist Labor)
* Edward J. Hughes Jr., incumbent Senator (Democratic)
* Walter L. Smith Jr., former Senator (Republican)
This race was a rematch of the 1971 contest between Hughes and Smith; Hughes won by an increased majority despite redistricting making the district more Republican and Smith resolving divisions within the party which had doomed him in 1971.
7th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward J. Hughes Jr. (incumbent) | 26,863 | 57.88% |
| | Republican | Walter L. Smith Jr. | 19,317 | 41.62% |
| | Socialist Labor | Bernardo S. Doganiero | 231 | 0.50% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 46,411 | |

## District 8

This district consisted of rural and suburban parts of Burlington County and eastern Mercer County, as well as Allentown, Roosevelt, and Upper Freehold Township in Monmouth County and Lakehurst and Manchester Township in Ocean County.

### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Barry T. Parker (incumbent) | 8,058 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,058 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Salvatore DiDonato | 5,168 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,168 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Salvatore DiDonato, Mercer County Community College administrator (Democratic)
* Barry T. Parker, incumbent Senator (Republican)

#### Campaign

DiDonato attacked Parker for his alleged support for special interest groups, particularly those involving workers' compensation issues. Parker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pledged "complete honesty and integrity in government."

#### Results

8th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Barry T. Parker (incumbent) | 23,422 | 52.82% |
| | Democratic | Salvatoro L. DiDonato | 20,923 | 47.18% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 44,345 | 100.00% |

## District 9

This district consisted of most of Ocean County, except for Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, and Manchester. It also took in Woodland Township in Burlington County and Millstone in Monmouth County. The largest towns in the district were Toms River and Lakewood.

### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John F. Brown | 14,896 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,896 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Gaetano J. Alaimo, mayor of South Toms River
* Wesley K. Bell, mayor of Stafford Township
* Mark E. Egan, independent candidate for Freeholder in 1971
* John F. Russo, Ocean County Democratic Party chair and former Ocean County Prosecutor

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John F. Russo | 4,259 | 61.00% |
| | Democratic | Mark E. Egan | 1,295 | 18.55% |
| | Democratic | Wesley K. Bell | 1,070 | 15.33% |
| | Democratic | Gaetano J. Alaimo | 358 | 5.13% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,982 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Benjamin H. Mabie, Assemblyman from Pine Beach (Republican)
* John F. Russo, former Ocean County Prosecutor (Democratic)

#### Campaign

Tax reform was the overriding issue in the race. Mabie and his Republican running mates opposed an income tax and advocated using state lottery revenue and the $200 million budget surplus to fund public education. This plan was predicated on passage of federal legislation absorbing state welfare costs.

#### Results

9th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John F. Russo | 38,388 | 54.53% |
| | Republican | Benjamin H. Mabie | 32,010 | 45.47% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 70,398 | 100.00% |

## District 10

This Monmouth County district consisted of Wall Township and a series of shore towns: Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Interlaken, Ocean Township, Asbury Park, Neptune, Neptune City, Bradley Beach, Avon, Belmar, South Belmar, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt, Manasquan, Brielle, Point Pleasant, and Point Pleasant Beach.

### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Richard R. Stout | 10,248 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,248 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Herbert J. Buehler | 5,038 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,038 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Herbert J. Buehler, Ocean Township teacher (Democratic)
* Richard R. Stout, incumbent Senator (Republican)

#### Campaign

Buehler focused his attacks on Stout's transportation record, charging that he failed to attract state and federal grants to solve the region's railroad issues. Stout maintained that he and other Republicans had attempted to do so, but were obstructed by the bankruptcy of the Penn Central Railroad. Stout also backed Republican gubernatorial nominee Charles W. Sandman's proposal for a mass transit agency, while Buehler backed his party's candidate, Brendan Byrne, by proposing that the Port Authority should assume responsibility for electrifying the New York and Long Branch Railroad.
The district was considered a Republican stronghold; Stout had been in office for 22 years. However, Buehler hoped to benefit from the popularity of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brendan Byrne in the district.

#### Results

10th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Herbert J. Buehler | 29,819 | 55.11% |
| | Republican | Richard R. Stout (incumbent) | 24,294 | 44.89% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,113 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | {{{swing}}} | |

## District 11

This district was located entirely within Monmouth County. It included the municipalities of Atlantic Higlands, Colts Neck, Eatontown, Englishtown, Fair Haven, Farmingdale, Freehold, Freehold Township, Hazlet Township, Highlands, Holmdel, Howell Township, Little Silver, Manalapan Township, Marlboro Township, New Shrewsbury, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Township, and West Long Branch.

### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Alfred N. Beadleston | 6,845 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,845 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph Dietz | 5,288 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,288 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Alfred N. Beadleston, incumbent Senator and President of the New Jersey Senate (Republican)
* H. Joseph Dietz, Colts Neck businessman (Democratic)

#### Campaign

Beadleston took a low-profile approach to his campaign. Dietz, who ran an individual campaign separate from his Assembly running mates, challenged Beadleston to debates but was ignored or rejected. At one point, Dietz challenged Beadleston to a debate while Beadleston was serving as acting Governor.
Both candidates opposed a state income tax and supported cuts to welfare spending. They differed on how to reduce welfare spending, with Beadleston supporting a state takeover and Dietz supporting a federal takeover.

#### Results

11th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Alfred N. Beadleston (incumbent) | 27,718 | 54.05% |
| | Democratic | H. Joseph Dietz | 23,564 | 45.95% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 51,282 | 100.00% |

## District 12

This district was composed of the northern Monmouth County and southeastern Middlesex County. It included the Monmouth municipalities of Red Bank, Keansburg, Union Beach, Keyport, Matawan, Middletown Township and the Middlesex municipalities of Jamesburg, Madison Township (renamed Old Bridge in 1975), and Monroe Township.
Madison, Monroe, and Middletown were the largest and most politically significant municipalities.

### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Azzolina (incumbent) | 4,863 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,863 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Eugene J. Bedell, incumbent Assemblyman

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Eugene J. Bedell | 6,165 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,165 | 100.00% |

### General election
#### Candidates

* Joseph Azzolina, incumbent Senator (Republican)
* Eugene Bedell, Assemblyman and labor union manager (Democratic)
* Peter P. Garibaldi, Assemblyman and public accountant (Independent)
Peter P. Garibaldi, an incumbent Republican Assemblyman, entered the race after the Middlesex Republican Party denied him their nomination.

#### Campaign

This race featured three men who would serve in the Senate at some point: the incumbent Joseph Azzolina, the victor Eugene Bedell, and future Senator Peter P. Garibaldi. Though Garibaldi was a Republican, his campaign was expected to draw liberal Democratic voters away from Bedell.
One of the key issues in the campaign was the potential construction of a deepwater port. Azzolina was opposed to a port in the district; Bedell initially favored it before softening his stance. Bedell's Assembly running mates opposed a port until it could be deemed safe. Garibaldi received the highest score from the New Jersey Environmental Voters Alliance.

#### Results

12th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Eugene J. Bedell | 29,193 | 58.80% |
| | Republican | Joseph Azzolina (incumbent) | 17,492 | 35.23% |
| | United Ind. | Peter P. Garibaldi | 2,967 | 5.98% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 49,652 | 100.00% |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | {{{swing}}} | |

## District 13
### Republican primary
#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Patrick J. Wilder | 2,668 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,668 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph P. Merlino, incumbent Senator (District 6B)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph P. Merlino | 7,988 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,988 | 100.00% |

### General election

13th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph P. Merlino (incumbent) | 34,826 | 74.45% |
| | Republican | Patrick J. Wilder | 11,953 | 25.55% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 46,779 | 100.00% |

## District 14
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* William Schluter, incumbent Senator (District 6A)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William Schluter (incumbent) | 9,350 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,350 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Anne Clark Martindell, vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anne Clark Martindell | 7,346 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,346 | 100.00% |

### General election

14th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anne Clark Martindell | 29,512 | 51.53% |
| | Republican | William Schluter (incumbent) | 27,755 | 48.47% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,267 | 100.00% |

## District 15
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Wayne Dumont Jr., incumbent Senator since 1968 (District 15)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Wayne Dumont Jr. (incumbent) | 10,827 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,827 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Martin F. Murphy, West Milford attorney

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Martin F. Murphy | 5,883 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,883 | 100.00% |

### General election

15th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Wayne Dumont Jr. | 29,861 | 54.99% |
| | Democratic | Martin F. Murphy | 24,445 | 45.01% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,306 | 100.00% |

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

* Raymond Bateman, incumbent Senator since 1958 (District 8)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Raymond Bateman (incumbent) | 11,969 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,969 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Herbert Koransky

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Herbert Koransky | 3,927 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,927 | 100.00% |

### General election

16th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Raymond Bateman (incumbent) | 34,153 | 63.98% |
| | Democratic | Herbert Koransky | 19,230 | 36.02% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 53,383 | 100.00% |

## District 17
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Robert K. Harlig Jr.

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Robert K. Harling Jr. | 3,239 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,239 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John Lynch, incumbent Senator since 1956 (District 7)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Lynch (incumbent) | 6,133 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,133 | 100.00% |

### General election

17th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Lynch (incumbent) | 30,912 | 70.69% |
| | Republican | Dominic R. Ciardi | 12,434 | 28.44% |
| | American | John Giammarco | 381 | 0.87% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 43,727 | 100.00% |

## District 18
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Fuller H. Brooks

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Fuller H. Brooks | 4,149 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,149 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Bernard J. Dwyer, Mayor of Edison

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bernard J. Dwyer | 9,470 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,470 | 100.00% |

### General election

18th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bernard J. Dwyer | 36,606 | 63.22% |
| | Republican | Fuller H. Brooks | 21,301 | 36.78% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,907 | 100.00% |

## District 19
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Matthew E. Hawke

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Matthew E. Hawke | 1,785 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,785 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John J. Fay Jr., incumbent Assemblyman

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John J. Fay Jr. | 8,509 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,509 | 100.00% |

### General election

19th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John J. Fay Jr. | 38,496 | 78.55% |
| | Republican | Matthew H. Hawke | 10,511 | 21.45% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 49,007 | 100.00% |

## District 20
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Francis X. McDermott, incumbent Senator (District 9)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Francis X. McDermott (incumbent) | 8,450 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,450 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Alexander J. Menza, incumbent Assemblyman

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Alexander Menza | 6,654 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,654 | 100.00% |

### General election

20th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Alexander J. Menza | 34,040 | 56.33% |
| | Republican | Francis X. McDermott (incumbent) | 26,084 | 43.16% |
| | Individualist | Oscar B. Johannsen | 305 | 0.50% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 60,429 | 100.00% |

## District 21
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* William G. Palermo Jr.

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William G. Palermo Jr. | 2,505 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,505 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Thomas G. Dunn, incumbent Senator

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Thomas G. Dunn | 9,478 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,478 | 100.00% |

### General election

21st Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Thomas G. Dunn | 26,138 | 62.72% |
| | Republican | William G. Palermo Jr. | 14,396 | 34.55% |
| | Independent | Anthony Carbone | 1,137 | 2.73% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 41,671 | 100.00% |

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

* Jerome Epstein, incumbent Senator (District 9)
* Peter McDonough, incumbent Assemblyman

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Peter McDonough | 7,214 | 60.37% |
| | Republican | Jerome Epstein (incumbent) | 4,735 | 39.63% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,949 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* William Wright Jr.

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William Wright Jr. | 5,962 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,962 | 100.00% |

### General election

22nd Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Peter J. McDonough | 27,827 | 52.32% |
| | Democratic | William Wright Jr. | 25,361 | 47.68% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 53,188 | 100.00% |

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

* Josephine Margetts, incumbent Assemblywoman
* Joseph F. Warganz

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Josephine Margetts | 9,702 | 60.37% |
| | Republican | Joseph F. Warganz | 3,062 | 39.63% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,764 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Stephen B. Wiley, Morris Township attorney

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Stephen B. Wiley | 6,910 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,910 | 100.00% |

### General election

23rd Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Stephen B. Wiley | 27,303 | 53.06% |
| | Republican | Josephine Margetts | 24,157 | 46.94% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 51,460 | 100.00% |

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

* Peter W. Thomas, incumbent Senator (District 10)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Peter W. Thomas (incumbent) | 10,550 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,550 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John C. Keefe

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John C. Keefe | 5,212 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,212 | 100.00% |

### General election

24th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James P. Vreeland Jr. | 26,004 | 52.62% |
| | Democratic | John C. Keefe | 23,417 | 47.38% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 49,421 | 100.00% |

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

* James Wallwork, incumbent Senator (District 11)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James Wallwork (incumbent) | 10,727 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 10,727 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Donald S. Coburn
* Joel Wasserman

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joel Wasserman | 4,144 | 62.59% |
| | Democratic | Donald S. Coburn | 2,477 | 37.41% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,621 | 100.00% |

### General election

25th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James Wallwork (incumbent) | 30,552 | 54.24% |
| | Democratic | Joel Wasserman | 25,778 | 45.76% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 56,330 | 100.00% |

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

* Salvatore Beninanti

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Salvatore Beninanti | 3,380 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,380 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Frank J. Dodd, incumbent Senator (District 11)
* Joseph A. Lazaro

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank J. Dodd (incumbent) | 14,513 | 83.63% |
| | Democratic | Joseph A. Lazaro | 2,841 | 16.37% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,354 | 100.00% |

### General election

26th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Frank J. Dodd (incumbent) | 33,223 | 75.11% |
| | Republican | Salvatore J. Beninati | 11,012 | 24.89% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 44,235 | 100.00% |

## District 27
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Michael A. Giuliano, incumbent Senator (District 11)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Michael A. Giuliano | 8,565 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,565 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Carmen Orechio, mayor of Nutley

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carmen Orechio | 8,039 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,039 | 100.00% |

### General election

27th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carmen Orechio | 29,878 | 53.09% |
| | Republican | Michael A. Giuliano | 26,395 | 46.91% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 56,273 | 100.00% |

## District 28
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph Galluzzi

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Galluzzi | 3,160 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,160 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Martin L. Greenberg, attorney and candidate for Senator in 1971

##### Declined

* Ralph DeRose, incumbent Senator (District 11) (running for Governor)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Martin L. Greenberg | 7,432 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,432 | 100.00% |

### General election

28th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Martin L. Greenberg | 22,290 | 60.31% |
| | Republican | Joseph P. Galluzzi | 13,601 | 36.80% |
| | American | Chris Marciano | 1,070 | 2.89% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 36,961 | 100.00% |

## District 29
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Lillie Simpson

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lillie Simpson | 613 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 613 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Wynona Lipman, incumbent Senator (District 11)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Wynona Lipman (incumbent) | 7,360 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,360 | 100.00% |

### General election

29th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Wynona Lipman (incumbent) | 16,071 | 83.84% |
| | Republican | Lillie Simpson | 3,098 | 16.16% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 19,169 | 100.00% |

## District 30
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* C. Richard Fiore, incumbent Assemblyman from Newark

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | C. Richard Fiore | 2,641 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,641 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Gregory J. Castano, Newark Star-Ledger sportswriter
* Mary V. Senatore, Belleville Commissioner

#### Campaign

The campaign pitted the Hudson County Democratic Organization, which supported Castano, against the Essex County Organization, which supported Senatore.

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Gregory J. Castano | 9,231 | 54.01% |
| | Democratic | Mary V. Senatore | 7,859 | 45.99% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,090 | 100.00% |

### General election

30th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | For The People | Anthony Imperiale | 24,756 | 49.34% |
| | Democratic | Gregory J. Castano | 18,286 | 36.45% |
| | Republican | C. Richard Fiore | 7,131 | 14.21% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 50,173 | |

## District 31
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Franco Di Domenica
* Henry W. Kolakowski

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Henry W. Kolakowski | 1,304 | 86.19% |
| | Republican | Franco Di Domenica | 209 | 13.81% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,513 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* James P. Dugan, incumbent Senator (District 12)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James P. Dugan (incumbent) | 14,659 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,659 | 100.00% |

### General election

31st Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James P. Dugan (incumbent) | 36,921 | 79.46% |
| | Republican | Henry W. Kolakowski | 9,543 | 20.54% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 46,464 | 100.00% |

## District 32
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* John P. Errico

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John P. Errico | 1,876 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,876 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Michael J. Bell
* Joseph W. Tumulty, Jersey City attorney

##### Declined

* William F. Kelly Jr., incumbent Senator (District 12) since 1958

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph W. Tumulty | 16,691 | 67.09% |
| | Democratic | Michael J. Bell | 8,187 | 32.91% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 24,878 | 100.00% |

### General election

32nd Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph W. Tumulty | 35,770 | 74.72% |
| | Republican | John P. Errico | 10,955 | 22.88% |
| | Abolish County Govt. | Robert Habermann | 1,146 | 2.39% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 47,871 | 100.00% |

## District 33
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Thomas McSherry

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Thomas McSherry | 1,823 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,823 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Harry J. Leber
* William V. Musto, incumbent Senator (District 12)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William V. Musto (incumbent) | 16,156 | 66.46% |
| | Democratic | Harry J. Leber | 8,152 | 33.54% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 24,308 | 100.00% |

### General election

33rd Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William V. Musto | 30,176 | 78.04% |
| | Republican | Thomas McSherry | 8,492 | 21.96% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 38,668 | 100.00% |

## District 34
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Louise Friedman

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Louise Friedman | 5,605 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,605 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph Hirkala, incumbent Senator (District 14)

##### Declined

* William J. Bate, incumbent Senator (District 14) (ran for Assembly)

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph Hirkala (incumbent) | 5,605 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,605 | 100.00% |

### General election

34th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph Hirkala | 33,047 | 63.88% |
| | Republican | Louise Friedman | 18,682 | 36.12% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 51,729 | 100.00% |

## District 35
### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Dominic Cuccinello
* Michael U. DeVita, former mayor of Paterson (1948–51)
* Joseph A. Lazzara, incumbent Senator (District 14)
* Roy Leon Ward

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph A. Lazzara (incumbent) | 4,211 | 56.39% |
| | Democratic | Michael U. DeVita | 2,643 | 35.39% |
| | Democratic | Dominic Cuccinello | 358 | 4.79% |
| | Democratic | Roy Leon Ward | 256 | 3.43% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 7,468 | 100.00% |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Frank Davenport, Passaic County Sheriff

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frank Davenport | 3,272 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,272 | 100.00% |

### General election

35th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frank Davenport | 16,919 | 50.14% |
| | Democratic | Joseph A. Lazzara (incumbent) | 16,826 | 49.86% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 33,745 | 100.00% |

## District 36
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Harold A. Pareti

##### Declined

* Harold Hollenbeck

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Anthony Scardino Jr. | 6,279 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,279 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Anthony Scardino, mayor of Lyndhurst

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anthony Scardino | 5,695 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,695 | 100.00% |

### General election

36th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anthony Scardino | 35,953 | 62.01% |
| | Republican | Harold A. Pareti | 21,332 | 36.79% |
| | Socialist Labor | Kenneth Kowalczyk | 698 | 1.20% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,983 | 100.00% |

## District 37
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Joseph Woodcock, incumbent Senator (District 13)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Woodcock (incumbent) | 6,572 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,572 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Matthew Feldman, Bergen County Democratic chairman and former Senator

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Matthew Feldman | 9,320 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,320 | 100.00% |

### General election

37th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Matthew Feldman | 36,690 | 58.62% |
| | Republican | Joseph Woodcock (incumbent) | 25,524 | 40.78% |
| | Socialist Labor | Armand Milletari | 373 | 0.60% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 62,587 | 100.00% |

## District 38
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Frederick E. Wendel, incumbent Senator (District 13)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frederick Wendel (incumbent) | 6,554 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,554 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* John Skevin, former Assemblyman (1966–68)
* Joseph Ventricelli

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Skevin | 4,808 | 81.07% |
| | Democratic | Joseph Ventricelli | 1,123 | 18.93% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 5,931 | 100.00% |

### General election

38th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John M. Skevin | 31,677 | 57.61% |
| | Republican | Frederick E. Wendel | 23,307 | 42.39% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,984 | 100.00% |

## District 39
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Harry Randall Jr.

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Harry Randall Jr. | 6,474 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,474 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Raymond Garramone, mayor of Haworth

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond Garramone | 4,937 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,937 | 100.00% |

### General election

39th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Raymond Garramone | 31,999 | 54.29% |
| | Republican | Harry Randall Jr. | 26,942 | 45.71% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 58,941 | 100.00% |

## District 40
### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Garrett W. Hagedorn, incumbent Senator (District 13)

#### Results

Republican primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Garrett W. Hagedorn (incumbent) | 9,324 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 9,324 | 100.00% |

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Paul Z. Lewis

#### Results

Democratic primary :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul Z. Lewis | 6,811 | 100.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 6,811 | 100.00% |

### General election

40th Legislative District :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Garrett W. Hagedorn | 32,566 | 56.19% |
| | Democratic | Robert A. Pennachio | 25,394 | 43.81% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 57,960 | 100.00% |

## Leadership

Democrats chose Frank J. Dodd as the Senate President and Matthew Feldman as Majority Leader; Republicans named the outgoing Senate President, Alfred Beadleston as Minority Leader.