Norcross, Gustafson set for Congressional race rematch; Camden, Gloucester primary results

New Jersey's Republican and Demcrat voters chose their 2022 General Election nominees for congressional, county and local races Tuesday.

Congressional faces topped the ticket, with South Jersey's incumbent Democrats in the First, Second and Third Congressional Districts winning their parties nominations. They will go on to defend their seat in November.

First congressional district

In the First Congressional District — spanning much of Camden and Gloucester counties - Incumbent Democrat Donald Norcross declared victory over newcomer Mario DeSantis, a Collingswood teacher.

Norcross called the 41,477-to-11,940 vote a product of "overwhelming support" for the electrician-turned-legislator.

All votes are considered still-unofficial while counting of vote-by-mail ballots continues. Counties have until June 20 to certify tallies with the NJ Department of State.

Live 2022 NJ Congressional Primary Results

DeSantis told the Courier Post Wednesday, he's "never avoided doing what's right because of the fear of consequences."

"Despite the challenges of running for a federal office with only $9,000 while teaching full time, a last name that evokes disgust among Democrats, and an unimaginable level of resistance, I’m so proud of our accomplishments," he said.

"It is now up to Mr. Norcross to lead the fight for a single-payer universal healthcare system."

In November, Norcross will face a familiar adversary; Claire Gustafson won the Republican primary.

Norcross beat Gustafson in 2020's general election.

But Tuesday, the Collingswood businesswoman was victorious in her own party.

Gustafson received the Republican party's nomination to run for the first district seat in a 12,840-to-5,812 vote over Republican newcomer Damon Galdo, a union carpenter from West Deptford.

County commission

Incumbent Democrats Edward McDonnell and Carmen Rodriguez have won their party's nomination, and will run to maintain their seats on the Camden County Board of Commissioners.

Rodriguez was the top vote-getter with 31,269 votes. McDonnell was right behind with 29,893. They defeated Democratic challengers Rebecca Holloway (11,084) and Wilhelmus Schrieks (7,978), according to still-unofficial results.

The GOP primary for Camden County Commissioner was uncontested, with both Joe Miller (10,263) and Ian Gill (10,224) moving ahead to November to challenge Rodriguez and McDonnell.

More: Primary day in NJ: Who's going to be on the November ballot? Find out here

Gloucester County's primary races were uncontested, confirming incumbent Democrats Frank DiMarco and Denice DiCarlo will face Republicans Adam Wingate and Stephen Pakradooni for two seats on board.

These two seats are critical in deciding which political party takes control of the long-standing Democratically-controlled board.

It's currently made up of five Democrats and two Republicans, who were elected last year.

If Republicans can pick up both seats, they would win control over the board, with their members likely taking over director and deputy director positions come January.

DiMarco is currently the board's director, a position decided by sitting board members in the annual reorganization each January.

Carly Q. Romalino is a Gloucester County native who's covered South Jersey since 2008. She's a Rowan University graduate and a six-time New Jersey Press Association award winner. 

Romalino is based at the Courier Post and covers South Jersey schools and education issues for the Courier Post, Daily Journal and Burlington County Times.

She hosts NJ Press Pass, a live social media-based interview show diving into what matters to South Jersey residents. 

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: NJ primary 2022: Norcross, Gustafson set for congressional rematch