On Tuesday, Sept. 5, Margate’s Colin Bell got the nod to fill the Senate seat of NJ State Sen. Jim Whelan, who died of a heart attack last month. Bell still needs to be sworn-in to make it official though.
The capable Bell, a former Atlantic County Freeholder, was strongly endorsed by Whelan when the late Senator announced his retirement this year.
Colin Bell is running against Republican Assemblyman Chris Brown for the NJ Senate seat on November 7.
South Jersey Democrats, like Colin Bell, will likely benefit from outgoing GOP Gov. Christie’s dismal 15% approval rating.
Growing criticism towards NJ GOP pols like Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian and NJ Congressman Frank LoBiondo will also play a major role on Nov. 7.
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Bell says he’ll put more focus on reducing over-reliance on casino gaming revenue. Property-tax relief is another top priority for the Senator-select.
In 2012, Colin defeated a two-term incumbent to win election to an at-large seat on the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Bell is well known for opposing the repeal of a pay-to-play ordinance designed to keep money out of politics. The Senator-select also wants to make it easier for cities to enter into shared service and cost-sharing agreements.
Senator-select Bell lives in Margate with his wife Sarah Beth and their children, Asher, and Sloane.
Colin Bell is a 5th generation resident of Atlantic County. He served as an Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor.