TRENTON – State Assemblyman Gilbert “Whip” Wilson (D-5) said that he wouldn’t mind filling the state Legislative District 5 gap created by the recent victory of incumbent State Sen. Donald Norcross (D-5) in New Jersey’s First Congressional District race.
“I’m interested,” Wilson, 67, of Camden, told PolitickerNJ on Thursday, steps away from the state Assembly chamber floor in Trenton.
“The Fifth District is made up of many different places, not just urban ones. And I would be a full-time person,” added Wilson, who has represented the Camden and Gloucester counties-centered district since 2010. “Look, I’m the vice-chair of the Assembly Agriculture committee. Imagine that. I’m a city kid, lived in Camden my whole life, and all I know is Campbell’s Soup? Come on now.”
Wilson, a 26-year veteran of the Camden Police Department and a Vietnam veteran, also served on the Camden City Council.
Others named have been mentioned as replacements for Norcross, who defeated Republican Garry Cobb earlier this month to fill the CD 1 Congressional seat left open by U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-1), who resigned in February. These names include state Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D-5) and Camden County Surrogate Patricia Jones.
Whatever other names are in the mix, Assemblyman Wilson remained focused on the Senate seat.
“There should be others names involved,” Wilson said. “But I’m still interested.”
Fuentes, who was also present in Trenton for Thursday’s legislative session. had a different outlook about the LD 5 Senate seat.
“I’ve always been a team player,” said Fuentes, 53, of Camden, who has served in the Assembly since 2010 and who praised the records of Wilson and Jones. “I’m not hungry for the position, but if it is offered, I’ll consider it.”
