NJ-04: Democrat beats petition challenge, is set to remain on primary ballot
Union electrician and Navy veteran John Blake is set to make the primary ballot for Congress in the 4th congressional district despite a challenge to his nominating petitions.
Miles Terrance Gray, who said he is a Democratic voter from Hudson County, challenged dozens of Blake’s signatures. Blake filed with 544 signatures, putting him at risk of disqualification, but of the 48 challenges, a judge struck just 33, leaving him with enough to stay over the 500-signature threshold.
Blake will be one of two Democrats seeking the nomination to challenge Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester). The other, communications professional Rachel Peace, has party support and filed with 702 signatures.
Almost two dozen of Blake’s signatures were disqualified because the signatory was not registered to vote. or was registered as a Republican or third party. One signer — Herb Conaway Jr. — was disqualified on account of the fact that he is the congressman from the 3rd congressional district, and thus does not live in the 4th congressional district.
https://newjerseyglobe.com/campaigns/democrat-beats-petition-challenge-is-set-to-remain-on-primary-ballot-in-nj-4/