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Erik Simonsen

Erik Simonsen is a New Jersey Assemblyman representing the 1st Legislative District since 2020. A lifelong educator and former mayor of Lower Township, he brings experience in local governance and school administration. Simonsen currently serves on multiple Assembly committees, including Education and State and Local Government. With a background in special education and community leadership, he emphasizes conservative fiscal policy, public safety, and support for small businesses and families in South Jersey.

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Rating Explanation

Erik Simonsen

Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan have historically been more accessible than many local candidates in Cumberland County, regularly attending Republican breakfasts and participating in public meet-and-greet events. That pattern already placed them above average compared to the regional status quo, where many candidates remain largely invisible between election cycles... or at least invisible to people who aren't already political insiders.

Since the end of the primary election, both have made plans to expand their outreach further heading into the general election season. While their joint radio interview scheduled for July 1 had to be adjusted—Erik ultimately needed to cancel—Antwan followed through and appeared live on air. Erik has indicated he will reschedule his radio interview in the near future, and both plan to participate in a longer, podcast-style interview later in the summer.

If these commitments materialize, they will be on track to provide a reasonable amount of information and public dialogue before October, when most voters begin to focus on the race in earnest.

Given the longstanding pattern of inaccessibility that plagues many campaigns related to Cumberland County, InformTheVoteNJ will continue monitoring closely to see whether these promised interviews and public appearances occur as planned.

For now, based on demonstrated efforts to improve communication this cycle, Simonsen and McClellan’s transparency and accessibility merit an updated rating of average to above average, with cautious optimism that further improvements will follow.

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Erik K. Simonsen

Running for:
State Assembly - Legislative District 1
Incumbent
Challenger

Websites

This election is on November 4th, 2025

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Transparency/Accessibility Rating: Average to Above Average

Events

Assembly GOP Video Biography


Agenda

  • Reduce Taxes, Government Spending & State Debt
    Prioritize fiscal responsibility to ease the tax burden and limit wasteful spending.

  • Oppose “Giveaways” to Illegal Immigrants
    Push back against policies seen as incentivizing undocumented immigration.

  • Invest in South Jersey Infrastructure, Healthcare & Education
    Improve local systems and public services through targeted investment.

  • Support Small Business Growth and Revitalization
    Focus on rebuilding the local economy by supporting small businesses.

  • Stand Firm with Law Enforcement
    Advocate for public safety and back police and first responders.


Simonsen’s current legislative work infers leans toward pro-veteran, pro-education, and public safety-centered reforms, mixed with a strong interest in workforce accountability and localized infrastructure concerns. His proposals reflect a practical, constituent-service-minded conservatism, with special attention to New Jersey's working class, veterans, and public school communities.

Experience

Erik Simonsen is a current New Jersey Assemblyman representing District 1, first sworn in on January 14, 2020. He previously served as Mayor of Lower Township and held positions on the township council. Professionally, he works in education as the Athletic Director for the Lower Township Regional School District and has previously served as an assistant principal and special education teacher. Simonsen holds degrees in education administration, special education, and general education. He is also an ordained deacon and former vice president of the Cape May County NAACP. He serves on several legislative committees including Education, Community Development and Women’s Affairs, State and Local Government, and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools.