Rep. Rush Holt Announces Bid for Open U.S. Senate Seat

With the filing deadline approaching, Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) threw his hat in the ring for New Jersey's vacant U.S. Senate seat.

“As you know, I have never shied away from a tough political fight, and I have never wavered in my commitment to advancing progressive priorities," Holt said in a statement issued on Thursday. 

Candidates have until Monday, June 10 at 4 p.m. to file for the Aug. 13 special primary. The seat became available when Sen. Frank Lautenberg died due to complications from viral pneumonia. On Tuesday, Gov. Chris Christie announced a special general election will take place on Oct. 16 to fill the vacant spot.

“As an educator and a scientist, I know that investing in education, research, and infrastructure are the keys to a stronger, more secure middle class," Holt said in the statement. “We need a United States Senator who will recommit our nation to these progressive values, who will make the investments needed to keep the American Dream alive in the 21st century. This is not a time for easy cynicism; it is a moment to do the hard work to get our nation back to our best ideals.”

Holt launched a campaign website with the announcement. He was first elected to Congress in 1998, and has been re-elected seven times. Holt joins a list that already includes Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) and, possibly, NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver.

On Thursday morning, Newark Mayor Cory Booker told nj.com he has begun collecting the 1,000 signatures necessary to get on the ballot.

After Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Union) told nj.com he will not run for the seat, conservative activist Steve Lonegan remains the only Republican seeking the seat. Lonegan will hold a kickoff rally tonight at the Peterpank Diner in South Amboy Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.