Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz Hints at Run for Higher Office in 2027

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz may be looking toward Trenton.

Shabazz, the city's 3rd Ward councilman and council vice president, acknowledged during an appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on WOND that he is considering a run for higher office in 2027 — and suggested an announcement could be coming.

Cronick directly asked Shabazz about a rumor that he may seek a state office next year.

Shabazz didn't deny it.

“Yes, I'm looking at 2027, and I think that an announcement might be coming up,” Shabazz said.

Shabazz stopped short of saying which office he might seek or when he would make a decision.

“My answer is not yet for that announcement,” he said.

But the timing is significant.

New Jersey's entire Legislature will be on the ballot in 2027. Atlantic City is part of the 2nd Legislative District, which is represented in the state Senate by Republican Vince Polistina and in the Assembly by Republican Don Guardian and Democrat Maureen Rowan. The official Legislature roster confirms the current delegation.

The district includes most of Atlantic County, including Atlantic City, Absecon, Brigantine, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hamilton Township, Pleasantville and the Downbeach communities.

That potentially leaves several possibilities for Shabazz, although he gave no indication during the interview whether he is considering the Senate, Assembly or another office.

Shabazz is currently serving a City Council term that runs through Dec. 31, 2027. He was most recently reelected in 2023 after receiving more than 81% of the vote in the Democratic primary and running unopposed in the general election, according to his official city biography.

Shabazz pointed to his record in Atlantic City when discussing why he might consider moving up.

“I think that I've made a good record here in Atlantic City,” Shabazz said. “I think I've been involved in bringing people together and making developments happen along with my council colleagues and the mayor.”

The 2027 races could be particularly interesting in the politically competitive 2nd District.

Guardian has already said he intends to seek reelection in 2027. He narrowly won another Assembly term in 2025, while Rowan defeated then-Republican Assemblywoman Claire Swift for the district's other seat.

That created an unusual split Assembly delegation, with one Republican and one Democrat representing the district.

Shabazz is a longtime Atlantic City political and civic figure. In addition to serving on council, he is president of the Atlantic City NAACP and chairman of City Council's Planning and Development Committee. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Stockton University.

For now, Shabazz said his immediate political attention remains on the 2026 election.

He criticized President Donald Trump during the WOND interview and said he wants to help elect candidates this year who share his political priorities.

But when Cronick returned to the possibility of Shabazz himself becoming a candidate, the councilman left little doubt that he's considering his options.

“If you're in government, you're always looking at higher office,” Shabazz said.

Cronick told Shabazz he believed he would make a strong candidate for either state Senate or Assembly and asked whether WOND would be among the first to know if he decides to run.

“Absolutely you will be one of the first to know,” Shabazz replied.

Then he offered one final hint about his political future.

“I love serving people,” Shabazz said. “I love serving Atlantic City, and I would not be against serving Atlantic County.”

For now, there is no campaign announcement.

But Shabazz has made one thing clear: 2027 is on his radar.