Purdy Questions Timing of Suleiman Senate Bid, Says Early Announcement Could Hurt Democrats

Atlantic County Republican chairman welcomes potential 2027 showdown with former Democratic leader but questions his decision to begin fundraising before November election

ATLANTIC COUNTY — Atlantic County Republican Chairman Don Purdy says he would welcome Michael Suleiman as the Democratic challenger to state Sen. Vince Polistina in 2027, but he is questioning whether the former Democratic county chairman's decision to begin fundraising before this November's election could hurt candidates from his own party.

Purdy offered his assessment during an Oct. 9 appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, just days after Suleiman established a campaign account for a potential challenge to Polistina in New Jersey's 2nd Legislative District.

"I think we all knew, Scott, for the last year or so forth, that he was going to throw his hat in the ring," Purdy said.

But the Republican chairman suggested Suleiman's timing could create unnecessary competition for campaign contributions while Democratic candidates are still trying to raise money for the Nov. 3 election.

"I would have thought that he would have done it in November," Purdy said.

Suleiman raises $30,000 in first two days

Suleiman, who previously served a decade as Atlantic County Democratic chairman, has opened a state Senate campaign account with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.

According to the New Jersey Globe, he raised more than $30,000 in his first 48 hours.

The early fundraising effort positions Suleiman as a potential Democratic challenger to Polistina, a Republican who has represented the 2nd Legislative District in the Senate since 2021.

Suleiman has said he plans to hold off on a formal campaign launch until after the November election, with a broader rollout expected in December.

He also has defended his decision to begin raising money early, saying he can prepare for the 2027 race while continuing to support Democratic candidates seeking office this year.

"Right now, my focus is on helping our candidates win on November 3 while simultaneously laying the financial groundwork to take on Vince Polistina," Suleiman told the New Jersey Globe.

The district has long been one of New Jersey's more competitive legislative battlegrounds, making the potential contest a significant one for both parties.

Purdy says timing could complicate fundraising

Purdy argued that candidates currently on the ballot should be the immediate priority for county political organizations.

He said he has heard concerns from Democrats about Suleiman's early fundraising, although he did not identify those individuals.

Purdy suggested some contributions to Suleiman's campaign might otherwise have gone to candidates running this November.

"I would have never done that," Purdy said.

He acknowledged that getting an early start can be advantageous in politics, particularly when candidates need to establish themselves and build fundraising operations.

But he argued that announcing a campaign before the current election concludes creates an unnecessary distraction.

Suleiman's reported $30,000 fundraising total demonstrates early financial support for his potential candidacy. It does not, by itself, establish that his fundraising has reduced contributions to other Democratic candidates.

'I Would Love for It to Be Mike Suleiman'

Despite his criticism, Purdy made clear that Republicans are not intimidated by the prospect of Suleiman becoming the Democratic nominee.

"I really don't care who we run against," Purdy said.

Later, he was even more direct.

"I would love for it to be Mike Suleiman. I really would."

Purdy said Suleiman understands political campaigns and knows how to communicate with voters.

"Mike is no dummy," Purdy said. "He knows what he has to cater to, to get the votes."

But Purdy also questioned whether Suleiman's political messaging would appeal to every faction of the Democratic Party.

He characterized some of Suleiman's recent social media videos as more conservative than the positions generally associated with the party's progressive wing.

Purdy suggested that approach might help Suleiman appeal to moderate voters in a general election but could complicate a Democratic primary.

Suleiman has emphasized affordability, economic development, health care and protecting Atlantic City's casino industry in his early campaign statements.

He has also criticized Polistina's record, arguing that the senator has not done enough to address the economic challenges facing Atlantic County.

Will George Norcross Get Involved?

Another significant part of the discussion concerned George Norcross, the influential South Jersey Democratic figure who has played a major role in regional politics for decades.

Purdy was asked whether Norcross might support Suleiman and help finance a challenge to Polistina.

The Republican chairman said he did not know whom Norcross would support, but predicted he would carefully evaluate the field before committing significant resources.

"I think George is going to sit back and he's going to see what Mike does," Purdy said.

He suggested Norcross would consider Suleiman's fundraising, campaign organization and chances of winning before making a decision.

"He's not going to just back him, I think, blindly," Purdy said.

Purdy also acknowledged Norcross' considerable experience in competitive legislative campaigns.

"George knows what it takes to win a race," he said.

There has been no independently confirmed commitment from Norcross to support Suleiman's potential candidacy, and Purdy's comments reflected his own assessment rather than inside knowledge of Norcross' intentions.

Polistina Says He Is Running Again

The discussion also touched on speculation about whether Polistina would seek another term.

Cronick said Polistina had recently reaffirmed his intention to run in 2027, dismissing speculation that he might step aside.

Purdy said Republicans were preparing to compete regardless of which Democrat ultimately emerged.

"We're running, Scott," Purdy said.

Polistina first won the Senate seat in 2021 and was reelected in 2023.

The district's political balance has shifted in recent elections.

In 2025, Democrat Maureen Rowan defeated Republican Assemblywoman Claire Swift, while Republican Assemblyman Don Guardian retained his seat. That left the district represented by two Republicans and one Democrat.

The split underscores the district's competitiveness and helps explain why both parties are already looking toward 2027.

Republicans Will Wait Until After November

While Suleiman has begun laying the groundwork for his campaign, Purdy said the Republican organization intends to concentrate on the current election before making decisions about next year's legislative ticket.

"We're concentrating on this election cycle," Purdy said.

He said conversations about potential candidates would become more serious after November, with the Republican organization's convention expected in February.

That process could help determine who joins Polistina and Guardian on the Republican legislative ticket.

Purdy also discussed speculation surrounding the political future of former Assemblywoman Claire Swift and other possible candidates but made no announcements.

For now, Purdy said his party's attention remains on the county and congressional races on the November ballot.

An Early Start to a Potentially Expensive Race

Although the 2027 election is more than a year away, Suleiman's fundraising announcement and Purdy's response demonstrate how quickly attention is shifting toward the next legislative contest.

The race could feature two experienced Atlantic County political figures with sharply different views about the state's economy, taxes, casino industry and direction.

Suleiman has argued that Atlantic County needs new leadership to address rising costs and protect local jobs.

Purdy contends Democrats should be held accountable for the state's existing problems and questions whether Suleiman can successfully campaign against policies associated with his own party.

But both sides appear to recognize the importance of the seat.

For Suleiman, the early fundraising effort is intended to build the resources necessary to challenge an incumbent Republican senator.

For Purdy, the priority is winning the November election before turning attention to the next one.

And while Purdy questioned Suleiman's timing, he left no doubt that Republicans are preparing for a competitive race.

Don Purdy was interviewed Oct. 9 on Off The Press with Scott Cronick, airing weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.