Denise Coyle Explains Decision to Retire From NJ Assembly

Late this week, 16th District State Assemblywoman Denise Coyle,  (R-Bernards) announced she would remain in her hometown and retire at the end of this year, rather than moving to Princeton and seeking re-election in the reconfigured 16th district.

Coyle is a former Somerset County Freeholder, and has been state assemblywoman since 2008. She formerly was mayor of Branchburg Township as well. Her hometown of Bernards Township was shifted to the 21st district under the . She announced the previous week she would to seek re-election in the redrawn 16th district, but said in this week's statement that she had decided such a move was "not feasable."

The following is the statement from Coyle's office:

“I am announcing today that I have withdrawn my candidacy for re-election to the New Jersey Assembly.  I will leave the Legislature upon completing my current term in December.

The new redistricting map created a great deal of uncharted territory and I initially believed I could relocate into the newly drawn 16th Assembly District. However, after reviewing the logistics and the realities of the current housing market, it is clear that a move is not feasible for me and my family. 

I have been honored to serve my constituents for the past twenty years, first as a mayor, then as a freeholder, and now as a member of the Assembly.  I appreciate the unfailing support and encouragement I have always received.  I am especially grateful to the Somerset County Republican Organization, my running mates, and all four counties in the newly created district for supporting my run for re-election.

I am proud of my record in public office and what we have been able to accomplish.  I look forward to continuing to serve my constituents.  I believe in public service and have been truly honored to represent the people of the state of New Jersey.” 

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Denise Coyle was a former Bernards Township mayor.