2002 United States Senate election in New Jersey
November 5, 2002
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| Turnout | 46%[1] ( 26pp) | ||||||||||||||||
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Lautenberg: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Forrester: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in New Jersey |
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The 2002 United States Senate election in New Jersey was held on November 5, 2002. Former U.S. senator Frank Lautenberg was elected to an open seat over Republican businessman Doug Forrester, after incumbent senator Robert Torricelli dropped out of the race on September 30, facing ethical misconduct allegations, a formal admonishment by the U.S. Senate, and falling poll numbers against Forrester. Primary elections were held on June 4. Torricelli was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, while Forrester won a competitive Republican primary over state senators Diane Allen and John Matheussen. Another leading candidate, Essex County Executive James W. Treffinger, dropped out on April 22 amid a federal criminal investigation for bribery.
In the general election, Torricelli, who was the target of a federal ethics probe, steadily fell behind Forrester in public polling and dropped out in late September. The New Jersey Democratic Party sought to replace him with Frank Lautenberg, who had held the state's other U.S. Senate seat from 1982 to 2001. After Forrester's campaign filed legal proceedings aimed at forcing Torricelli's name to remain on the ballot, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Lautenberg could replace Torricelli.
On election day, Lautenberg defeated Forrester by a 9.9% margin, winning a fourth, non-consecutive term as a U.S. senator. At 78, Lautenberg became the oldest non-incumbent to win a Senate election.[2] Lautenberg became the state's junior senator for the second time when he was sworn in on January 3, 2003. Jon Corzine, who had been elected to Lautenberg's old Senate seat in 2000, became the senior senator, as Lautenberg's previous term in the Senate was not counted for purposes of seniority.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Robert Torricelli, incumbent U.S. senator
Although Torricelli would later withdraw from the race, he was unopposed for the Democratic nomination on June 4.
Republican primary
Candidates
- Diane Allen, state senator from Moorestown
- Doug Forrester, businessman and former mayor of West Windsor (1981–1982)
- John J. Matheussen, state senator from Mantua
Withdrew
- Guy Gregg, State Assemblyman from Washington Township (Morris County)[3] (withdrew April 8; endorsed Treffinger)[4]
- Robert W. Ray, former Whitewater controversy special counsel (withdrew April 8)[4]
- James Treffinger, Essex County Executive and candidate for Senate in 2000[5] (withdrew April 22)[6]
Declined
- Lewis Eisenberg, former chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey[5]
- Steve Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine and candidate for president in 1996 and 2000[5]
- Thomas Kean, former governor of New Jersey (1982–90)[5]
Campaign
Many Republicans were eager to take on Torricelli, who was the subject of a federal investigation into his fundraising practices in his 1996 election.
James W. Treffinger became the first candidate to officially announce his campaign in November 2001, shortly after the state elections which ended a decade of Republican rule. Much speculation at the time revolved around popular former Governor Thomas Kean, whom party chair Joe Kyrillos referred to as a "star player."[5]
At the April 8 filing deadline, the two trailing candidates, Assemblyman Guy Gregg and attorney Robert Ray, dropped out of the race. Gregg endorsed Treffinger, who seemingly became the front-runner for the nomination.[4] However, Treffinger's campaign collapsed less than two weeks later, when his office was raided by federal agents as part of an investigation into his acceptance of campaign contributions in exchange for public contracts. Many state and national Republicans withdrew their support from Treffinger. Four days after the raid, he withdrew from the race.[6][7]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Doug Forrester | 97,275 | 44.56% | |
| Republican | Diane Allen | 80,476 | 36.87% | |
| Republican | John J. Matheussen | 40,549 | 18.58% | |
| Total votes | 218,300 | 100.00% | ||
Aftermath
Treffinger was arrested in October and indicted by U.S. Attorney Chris Christie on twenty counts of extortion, fraud, obstructing a federal investigation, and conspiracy.[9] He pleaded guilty in May 2003 to one count of obstruction and one count of mail fraud.[10][11]
General election
Candidates
- Doug Forrester, businessman and former mayor of West Windsor (Republican)
- Ted Glick (Green)
- Frank Lautenberg, former U.S. senator (1982–2001) (Democratic)
- Elizabeth Macron (Libertarian)
- Greg Pason, national secretary of the Socialist Party USA and perennial candidate (Socialist)
- Norman E. Wahner (Conservative)
Withdrew
- Robert Torricelli, incumbent U.S. Senator since 1997 (Democratic)
Campaign
On July 30, the Senate Ethics Committee issued a letter which "severely admonished" Torricelli for failing to disclose gifts he received and accepted from a donor.[12] In late September, evidence was revealed about the relationship between Toricelli and the donor, and the donor was interviewed on WNBC in a segment dubbed "The Prisoner and the Politician".[13] Torricelli dropped out of the race on September 30 due to ethical problems and poor poll numbers against Forrester, a relatively unknown opponent.[14] Various candidates were sought after to replace Toricelli, including former U.S. senator Bill Bradley, Congressman Bob Menendez and Congressman Frank Pallone.[13] The New Jersey Democratic Party eventually chose former U.S. senator Frank Lautenberg as the party's candidate. In the case of The New Jersey Democratic Party v. Samson, 175 N.J. 178 (2002), Forrester sued to stop Democratic Party efforts to have Lautenberg replace Torricelli. The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously on October 2 that the party could switch Lautenberg's name in for Sen. Torricelli's on the ballot.[15] Forrester received the endorsement of President George W. Bush.[16]
- Complete video of debate, September 5, 2002
- Complete video of debate, September 12, 2002
- Complete video of debate, October 30, 2002
- Complete video of debate, November 2, 2002
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[17] | Lean D | November 4, 2002 |
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Bob Torricelli (D) |
Doug Forrester (R) |
Other / Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac[18] | January 22–28, 2002 | 1,018 RV | ±3.1% | 50% | 26% | 22% |
| Quinnipiac[19][20] | February 28–March 4, 2002 | 1,005 RV | ±3.1% | 53% | 26% | 21% |
| Quinnipiac[21] | April 17–22, 2002 | 837 RV | ±3.4% | 47% | 29% | 24% |
| Rutgers-Eagleton[22] | June 5–9, 2002 | 626 RV | ±4.0% | 43% | 29% | 21% |
| Quinnipiac[23][24] | June 11–17, 2002 | 736 RV | ±3.6% | 44% | 36% | 21% |
| Quinnipiac[25][24] | July 31–August 6, 2002 | 879 RV | ±3.3% | 37% | 37% | 28% |
| Torricelli internal[24] | August 2002 | ? LV | ? | 40% | 40% | 20% |
| Forrester internal[24] | August 19, 2002 | ? LV | ? | 35% | 47% | 18% |
| SurveyUSA[24] | August 21, 2002 | 978 RV | ±3.3% | 37% | 48% | 15% |
| Rutgers-Eagleton[22] | September 3–8, 2002 | 537 LV | ±4.0% | 37% | 33% | 30% |
| Quinnipiac[26][24] | September 3–10, 2002 | 1,341 LV | ±2.7% | 45% | 41% | 14% |
| 861 LV | ±3.3% | 44% | 48% | 9% | ||
| Rutgers-Eagleton[22] | September 18–25, 2002 | 547 RV | 34% | 41% | 26% | |
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Frank Lautenberg (D) |
Doug Forrester (R) |
Other / Undecided |
| Quinnipiac[27] | October 2–6, 2002 | 514 LV | 4.3% | 49% | 45% | 6% |
| Rutgers-Eagleton[22] | October 3–6, 2002 | 801 A | ±4.0% | 46% | 40% | 14% |
| 530 LV | ±4.5% | 44% | 44% | 12% | ||
| Rutgers-Eagleton[22] | October 13–17, 2002 | 793 RV | ±3.5% | 44% | 35% | 22% |
| Quinnipiac[28][29] | October 16–20, 2002 | 603 LV | ±4.0% | 52% | 43% | 4% |
| NYT–CBS News[30] | October 19–24, 2002 | 772 RV | ±? | 46% | 39% | 21%[c] |
| SurveyUSA[31] | October 27–29, 2002 | 732 LV | ±3.7% | 51% | 41% | 8% |
| Rutgers-Eagleton[22] | October 27–31, 2002 | 909 RV | ±3.5% | 51% | 34% | 14% |
| 458 LV | ±3.5% | 52% | 40% | 8% | ||
| Quinnipiac[32] | October 28–November 3, 2002 | 574 LV | ±4.1% | 50% | 39% | 11% |
| Research 2000/The Record[33] | November 1–2, 2002 | 600 LV | ±4.0% | 51% | 42% | 8% |
with Diane Allen
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Robert Torricelli (D) |
Diane Allen (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac[19][20] | February 28–March 4, 2002 | 1,005 RV | ±3.1% | 49% | 30% | 20% |
| Quinnipiac[21] | April 17–22, 2002 | 837 RV | ±3.4% | 44% | 32% | 24% |
with Guy Gregg
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Robert Torricelli (D) |
Guy Gregg (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac[18] | January 22–28, 2002 | 1,018 RV | ±3.1% | 51% | 25% | 24% |
| Quinnipiac[19][20] | February 28–March 4, 2002 | 1,005 RV | ±3.1% | 52% | 26% | 21% |
with John Matheussen
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Robert Torricelli (D) |
John Matheussen (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac[19][20] | February 28–March 4, 2002 | 1,005 RV | ±3.1% | 52% | 28% | 20% |
| Quinnipiac[21] | April 17–22, 2002 | 837 RV | ±3.4% | 46% | 31% | 23% |
with Robert Ray
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Robert Torricelli (D) |
Robert Ray (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac[19][20] | February 28–March 4, 2002 | 1,005 RV | ±3.1% | 53% | 28% | 20% |
with James Treffinger
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Robert Torricelli (D) |
James Treffinger (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac[18] | January 22–28, 2002 | 1,018 RV | ±3.1% | 49% | 28% | 23% |
| Quinnipiac[19][20] | February 28–March 4, 2002 | 1,005 RV | ±3.1% | 51% | 27% | 21% |
| Quinnipiac[21] | April 17–22, 2002 | 837 RV | ±3.4% | 45% | 29% | 26% |
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Frank Lautenberg | 1,138,193 | 53.88% | ||
| Republican | Doug Forrester | 928,439 | 43.95% | ||
| Green | Ted Glick | 24,308 | 1.15% | ||
| Libertarian | Elizabeth Macron | 12,558 | 0.59% | ||
| Conservative | Norman E. Wahner | 6,404 | 0.30% | ||
| Socialist | Greg Pason | 2,702 | 0.13% | ||
| Total votes | 2,112,604 | 100.00% | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
By county
| County[35] | Frank Lautenberg December |
Doug Forrester Republican |
Various candidates Other parties |
Margin | Total votes cast | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | % | # | % | # | % | # | % | ||
| Atlantic | 33,277 | 53.85% | 27,236 | 44.07% | 1,288 | 2.08% | 6,041 | 9.78% | 61,801 |
| Bergen | 139,241 | 54.81% | 110,272 | 43.40% | 4,547 | 1.79% | 28,969 | 11.41% | 254,060 |
| Burlington | 61,476 | 51.71% | 54,846 | 46.13% | 2,563 | 2.16% | 6,630 | 5.58% | 118,885 |
| Camden | 77,640 | 63.21% | 41,628 | 33.89% | 3,564 | 2.90% | 36,012 | 29.32% | 122,832 |
| Cape May | 14,760 | 44.59484% | 17,751 | 53.63164% | 587 | 1.77352% | -2,991 | -9.03680% | 33,098 |
| Cumberland | 17,020 | 54.63534% | 13,189 | 42.33757% | 943 | 3.02709% | 3,831 | 12.29777% | 31,152 |
| Essex | 114,624 | 71.09% | 44,072 | 27.33% | 2,541 | 1.58% | 70,552 | 43.76% | 161,237 |
| Gloucester | 41,009 | 55.474% | 31,140 | 42.124% | 1,776 | 2.402% | 9,869 | 13.350% | 73,925 |
| Hudson | 74,127 | 72.76% | 25,194 | 24.73% | 2,560 | 2.51% | 48,933 | 48.03% | 101,881 |
| Hunterdon | 13,890 | 34.572% | 25,124 | 62.533% | 1,163 | 2.895% | -11,234 | -27.961% | 40,177 |
| Mercer | 53,675 | 57.5863% | 37,195 | 39.9054% | 2,338 | 2.5084% | 16,480 | 17.6809% | 93,208 |
| Middlesex | 98,019 | 58.64% | 65,128 | 38.96% | 4,009 | 2.40% | 32,891 | 19.68% | 167,156 |
| Monmouth | 79,730 | 46.24% | 88,424 | 51.28% | 4,278 | 2.48% | -8,694 | -5.04% | 172,432 |
| Morris | 55,592 | 40.29% | 79,984 | 57.97% | 2,406 | 1.74% | -29,640 | -17.68% | 137,982 |
| Ocean | 69,328 | 45.243% | 80,592 | 52.594% | 3,315 | 2.163% | -11,264 | -7.351% | 153,235 |
| Passaic | 53,275 | 56.14% | 39,822 | 41.96% | 1,806 | 1.90% | 13,453 | 14.18% | 94,903 |
| Salem | 10,232 | 50.47% | 9,487 | 46.79% | 556 | 2.74% | 745 | 3.68% | 20,275 |
| Somerset | 36,476 | 43.42% | 45,590 | 54.26% | 1,951 | 2.32% | -9,114 | -10.84% | 84,017 |
| Sussex | 13,673 | 34.34% | 25,099 | 63.04% | 1,045 | 2.62% | -11,426 | -28.70% | 39,817 |
| Union | 70,085 | 57.73% | 49,243 | 40.56% | 2,074 | 1.71% | 20,842 | 17.17% | 121,402 |
| Warren | 11,044 | 36.16% | 17,423 | 57.05% | 2,074 | 6.79% | -6,379 | -20.89% | 30,541 |
| Totals | 1,138,193 | 53.88% | 928,439 | 43.95% | 45,972 | 2.17% | 209,754 | 9.93% | 2,112,604 |
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic
- Salem (largest municipality: Pennsville Township)
See also
Notes
- ^ Robert Torricelli was originally the Democratic Party nominee, but withdrew and was replaced on the ballot by Lautenberg
- ^ a b Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ 5% were for "other candidates."
References
- ^ "General Election Data - 1924 to 2022" (PDF). NJ.gov.
- ^ Would Ted Strickland be the oldest freshman senator ever elected? Here's his competition.. Vox. 25 February 2015.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Barbara (January 6, 2002). "WORTH NOTING; Yet Another Republican Wants to Take on Torricelli". The New York Times.
- ^ a b c Peterson, Iver (April 9, 2002). "2 Quit Primary as the G.O.P. Gets Ready for Torricelli". The New York Times.
- ^ a b c d e "Treffinger Enters 2002 Race For Torricelli's Senate Seat". The New York Times. November 21, 2001.
- ^ a b Peterson, Iver (April 23, 2002). "After U.S. Raid, Treffinger Quits Senate Race In New Jersey". The New York Times. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
- ^ "Treffinger Drops Out of Senate Race After Search". Los Angeles Times. April 23, 2002. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
- ^ "NJ US Senate - R Primary". OurCampaigns.
- ^ Mansnerus, Laura (October 29, 2002). "U.S. Charges Essex Leader With Extortion". The New York Times. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
- ^ "Former Essex County Executive James Treffinger Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice, Mail Fraud". United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. May 30, 2003. Archived from the original on August 30, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2010.
- ^ Smothers, Ronald (May 31, 2003). "Treffinger Pleads Guilty To Corruption". The New York Times. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
- ^ Kocieniewski, This article was reported by David; Golden, Tim; Hulse, Carl; Golden, Written By Mr (July 31, 2002). "ETHICS COMMITTEE FAULTS TORRICELLI ON GIFT VIOLATIONS". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Kornacki, Steve (June 3, 2013). "The luckiest day of Frank Lautenberg's life". Salon. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
- ^ "Online NewsHour Update: Torricelli Quits Re-election Bid -- Sept. 30, 2002". PBS. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
- ^ "Online NewsHour: Vote 2002 -- New Jersey Senate Race". PBS. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
- ^ Remarks by the President at Doug Forrester for Senate Event, White House press release dated September 23, 2002
- ^ "Senate Races". www.centerforpolitics.org. November 4, 2002. Archived from the original on November 18, 2002. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Torricelli At 50 Percent In First Look At Senate Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Most New Jersey Voters Say Ethics Probe Has No Impact". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. January 30, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Torricelli Strong Leader, But So-So On Other Traits, New Jersey Voters Tell Quinnipiac University Poll; Diane Allen Runs Slightly Better In No-Name Pack". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. March 6, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Peterson, Iver (March 10, 2002). "Latest Polling Figures Give Diane Allen a Ray of Hope". The New York Times. p. NJ2.
- ^ a b c d "Republican Challengers Close Gap Against Torricelli, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Torricelli, Gov. McGreevey Stuck With So-So Approvals". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. April 24, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Rutgers-Eagleton
- ^ "GOP Challenger In Striking Distance Of Torricelli, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Senate Race Pits Unknown Vs. Unliked". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. June 19, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Mansnerus, Laura (August 22, 2002). "Polls Suggest Torricelli Has An Even Race". The New York Times. p. B1.
- ^ "Ethics Probe Leaves Torricelli In NJ Horse Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; DEM Defectors Not Moving To GOP Challenger". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. August 8, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "Forrester Ahead By A Nose In New Jersey Horse Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Most Vote Against Torricelli, Not For Challenger". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. September 12, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "Launtenberg Inches Ahead In Jersey Senate Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; 54% Say Democratic Candidate Swap Was Unfair". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. October 7, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ "Lautenberg Widens Lead In Jersey Senate Race, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Lead Grows Among Independents And Women Voters". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. October 22, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Stainton, Lilo H. (October 23, 2002). "Lautenberg leads Forrester, poll finds". Camden Courier-Post. Gannett State Bureau. p. 3. Retrieved October 14, 2002.
- ^ Kocieniewski, David; Connelly, Marjorie (October 26, 2002). "Democrats Stronger with Lautenberg, Poll Shows". The New York Times. p. B1.
- ^ SurveyUSA
- ^ "Lautenberg Has 50-39 % Lead In Jersey Senate Race, Final Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Forrester Gains No Ground In Two Weeks". Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. November 4, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Stile, Charles (November 3, 2002). "All the polls pointing to Lautenberg". p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ "NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive". nj.gov. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
- ^ "2002 Senate Election (Official Returns)" (PDF). Commonwealth of New Jersey by county.