NJ voters hand primary victories to incumbents

    New Jersey voters have handed all 18 incumbent state legislators who faced primary challenges the right to run again in the November general election.

    Three incumbents in the heavily Democratic 20th District fended off a slate of candidates affiliated with the Elizabeth Board of Education.

    Sen. Ray Lesniak and Assembly members Joe Cryan and Annette Quijano are virtually assured of re-election after surviving a tough primary.

    In his victory speech Tuesday, Lesniak told supporters, “We met the challenge, and we’re going to go to Trenton and every day we’re going to work for everyone here.”

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    Republican Sen. Anthony Bucco fought off a serious challenge in Morris and Somerset counties.

    And remember the Carl Lewis ballot saga?  Well, he won his Democratic primary in a New Jersey state Senate race.

    He still has legal hurdles ahead before he can appear on the general election ballot in November–a judge may still keep him off the general election ballot.

    For more primary election results, check NJ.com’s coverage.

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