Mayor Marty Small Pledges Support for Kaleem Shabazz in Potential 2027 State Senate Race

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. says he intends to support longtime City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz if Shabazz enters the 2027 race for New Jersey's 2nd Legislative District state Senate seat, adding another potentially significant development to an increasingly competitive political landscape in Atlantic County.

Small made the comments Monday during an appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, just days after Democrats scored major victories across Atlantic County in the November 3 election.

"I know that Kaleem Shabazz is going to run, and if that is the case, I told everyone I would have to support Kaleem Shabazz," Small said.

The mayor later reinforced his position.

"So I will be supporting Kaleem Shabazz as he goes forward with his campaign," Small said.

The comments represent a public commitment from one of Atlantic County's most prominent Democratic elected officials, although Shabazz's formal candidacy status was not established during the interview.

A Potential Democratic Primary Battle

The 2nd Legislative District Senate seat is currently held by Republican Vince Polistina, who has said he intends to seek reelection in 2027 despite the Democratic gains in the November election.

Former Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman has already emerged as a prospective challenger, setting the stage for a potentially competitive Democratic nomination contest if Shabazz also enters the race.

The district includes Atlantic City and other Atlantic County communities that have recently demonstrated shifting political allegiances.

Democrats made significant gains in the November 3 election, capturing several countywide offices and reducing the Republican majority on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners to 5-4.

The victories included Democratic wins in the races for Atlantic County sheriff and county clerk, along with several commissioner seats.

Those results have increased attention on next year's legislative contests and whether Democrats can carry their recent momentum into the 2027 election.

Small Cites Long Relationship With Shabazz

When Cronick asked whether he had encouraged Shabazz to enter the Senate race, Small said he had not pushed anyone to become a candidate.

"Well, I didn't push anybody to run," Small said.

However, the mayor explained that his support for Shabazz reflects a relationship extending back decades.

"I've been knowing Kaleem Shabazz since I was a kid," Small said. "And he's been someone that has been always involved in the community."

Small also credited Shabazz with helping him advance politically during his earlier years on Atlantic City Council.

"He was one of my swing votes on city council when I was first on council," Small said.

The mayor recalled winning a closely contested 5-4 vote for City Council president, a position that eventually helped place him in line to become mayor.

Small said Shabazz and Republican Councilman Jesse Kurtz were important to that victory.

The mayor's comments underscore the personal and political ties that could influence the upcoming Democratic nomination process.

Shabazz currently serves as Atlantic City's Third Ward councilman and City Council vice president. He has been involved in municipal government, community organizations and civil rights advocacy for many years.

Small Says Other Candidates Have the Right to Run

Despite expressing his preference for Shabazz, Small emphasized that other prospective candidates have every right to seek the nomination.

"People have a right to run," Small said. "No one should be upset with anyone who throws their hat in the ring."

He also acknowledged the challenges involved in seeking public office.

"Running and campaigning isn't for the weak," Small said.

The mayor suggested that the political field may continue evolving before candidates formally submit their petitions.

"Again, there's a lot of people that they want to run, be it Senate, Assembly, and more," Small said. "So we'll just have to see when those petitions are turned in."

His comments leave open the possibility of a contested Democratic primary involving Shabazz, Suleiman and potentially other candidates.

Democratic Victories Reshape Atlantic County Politics

Much of Monday's interview focused on the implications of the recent election, which Small described as an extraordinary victory for Democrats.

"A lot of people said this wasn't no blue wave, this was a blue tsunami," Small said.

The mayor noted that Democrats made gains in communities that had previously been difficult territory for the party.

But he cautioned Democratic officials against assuming their recent victories guarantee future success.

"Because there's no need to spike the football," Small said.

He said newly elected Democrats must demonstrate that they can govern effectively and deliver results.

"Now that you have the opportunity, you have to govern," Small said. "You have to do things to show people who voted for you that there was a reason that they voted for you."

Small warned that political momentum can change quickly.

"Anybody can lose that's on the ballot," he said.

That warning could prove particularly relevant in the 2nd Legislative District, where Republicans and Democrats have both demonstrated an ability to win competitive elections.

Polistina won reelection in 2023 and has indicated that he plans to defend his seat in 2027.

Atlantic City Council Elections Also Loom

The mayor also highlighted another major political contest approaching next year: elections for all six Atlantic City ward council seats.

"This is the equivalent of the Atlantic City midterm," Small said. "So all six wards are up."

He described the current nine-member City Council as cooperative despite its partisan differences.

"All nine, you know, seven Democrats and two Republicans are working together," Small said. "There is no drama. There is synergy."

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that every ward seat will be subject to the electoral process.

"All six wards are going to be in play," Small said.

The upcoming council elections could further reshape Atlantic City's political leadership at the same time the county prepares for another round of major legislative and countywide races.

A Race Worth Watching

Small's endorsement pledge adds another layer to the developing Senate contest.

Shabazz has an established political base in Atlantic City, while Suleiman brings experience as a former county Democratic chairman.

Polistina, meanwhile, enters the election cycle as an incumbent who has won competitive races in the district before.

The question of who ultimately emerges as the Democratic nominee could become one of the most closely watched political developments in Atlantic County over the coming months.

For now, Small has made clear where his support would go if Shabazz becomes a candidate.

"I will be supporting Kaleem Shabazz as he goes forward with his campaign," the mayor said.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. made his comments during an interview on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND. The program airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.