SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Longtime New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney has accepted his stunning defeat in last week’s election.
Speaking to reporters in Trenton on Wednesday, Sweeney conceded the election to previously unknown Republican challenger Edward Durr.
“The results of Tuesday’s elections are in,” Sweeney said. “All votes have been fairly counted. And I, of course, accept the results. I want to congratulate Mr. Durr and wish him the best of luck.”
Sweeney called the election a “red wave” and said many more voters in Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem counties went to the polls this time compared to four years ago.
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“We have to focus on the things that are important to people in the state and we have to listen to them,” he continued. “Like I said, 12,000 more people came out. I lost by 2,000 votes.”
There is speculation that Sweeney may run for governor in four years, though he wouldn’t talk about his future.
“I’m not going away,” he assured. “I won’t say what I’m doing, but I can tell you something: I’ve been a believer in making New Jersey affordable for a long time.”
He said he is not going to ask for a recount.
Sweeney has represented New Jersey’s third senatorial district since 2002. He’s been Senate president since 2010.