Mayor of Northfield Vince Mazzeo wins provisional ballot count in District 2 Assembly race

New Jersey Democrats are expected to pick up an Assembly seat currently held by a Republican. After a final count of the votes, including provisional ballots, Democrat challenger Vince Mazzeo will unseat Republican Assemblyman John Amodeo, if the results are confirmed.  

On election night Nov 5 the race was too close to call. A judge later ordered that provisional ballots be counted. Provisional ballots are completed when it’s impossible to verify a voters eligibility at that time. If provisional ballots are needed, only those from verified voters are used. 

After 115 provisional ballots were counted, Vince Mazzeo came out ahead with 38 more votes than John Amodeo. 

Amodeo told The Press of Atlantic City he’ll study the numbers before conceding the race while Mazzeo is already looking ahead, “I’m glad it’s over, and I’m looking forward to doing the work of the people of District 2.” 

Mazzeo currently serves as the Mayor of Northfield, N.J. close to where the Atlantic City and Garden State parkways intersects.  

The district covers Absecon, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Buena, Buena Vista, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Folsom, Hamilton (Atlantic), Linwood, Longport, Margate City, Mullica, Northfield, Pleasantville, Somers Point and Ventnor City. 

The Atlantic County Clerk’s Office was expected to certify the results this afternoon. 

With today’s Democratic victory, it will leave the balance of power in Trenton unchanged leaving Democrats with majorities in both chambers. In the Assembly, Democrats hold 48 seats to the Republicans 32. In the Senate, Democrats hold 24 to the Republicans 16. 

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Associated Press contributed to this story.