3 State Legislators Vie for Open Seat in Congress

The surprise retirement announcement by Rep. Rush Holt in February set off a scramble to fill the 12th District seat held by the Democrat for nearly 20 years.

Though as many as seven candidates expressed interest in succeeding Holt, three have emerged to compete in the June 3 Democratic primary.

No Republicans have filed as of midday Monday to run in the safely Democratic district representing parts of Mercer, Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties.

State Sen. Linda Greenstein of Middlesex County was the first to declare her intent to run.

Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman of Mercer County and Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (chih-vih-KOO'-lah) of Somerset County have filed petitions for the race.

New Jersey's 12 congressional seats are up for election in November.

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