New Jersey's 4th legislative district is one of 40 electoral districts in the U.S. state of New Jersey that each elects one State Senator and two General Assembly members to the New Jersey Legislature. The district’s boundaries are determined by decennial redistricting following the United States Census.
Geographic composition
As defined by the 2022 redistricting plan, the 4th district includes the following municipalities, grouped by county:
- Atlantic County: Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Margate City, Pleasantville, Somers Point, and parts of Galloway Township.
- Camden County: Winslow Township (partial) and parts of Gloucester Township (partial).
- Cape May County: Part of the county’s southern mainland, including portions of Lower Township and other adjacent areas.
The district is largely coastal, encompassing key resort and tourism areas on the Jersey Shore, as well as inland suburban and rural communities.
Demographics
Based on the 2020 United States Census, the 4th district’s population was approximately 227,000 residents. Racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with notable percentages of White, African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian residents. The district has a median household income slightly below the state average, reflecting its mix of affluent shore communities and lower‑income urban areas.
Political representation
- State Senate: As of the 2024 legislative session, the district is represented by a Democratic senator.
- General Assembly: The two Assembly seats are held by Democrats, reflecting recent electoral trends in the district.
Election history
The 4th legislative district has historically been competitive, shifting between Republican and Democratic representation. In recent election cycles (2017‑2023), Democratic candidates have predominated, aided by changing demographics and voter registration patterns favoring the Democratic Party.
Redistricting and boundary changes
New Jersey’s legislative districts are redrawn every ten years by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission. The 4th district’s boundaries have been adjusted in each redistricting cycle (post‑2010, post‑2020) to account for population shifts, particularly the growth of coastal municipalities and the depopulation of certain inland areas.
Notable features
- Atlantic City: The district’s most populous municipality, a major Atlantic‑coast tourist destination known for its casinos, boardwalk, and Convention Center.
- Transportation: The district is served by the Atlantic City Expressway, U.S. Route 30, and NJ Transit rail lines, providing connections to Philadelphia and New York City.
- Economy: The local economy is heavily oriented toward tourism, hospitality, and gaming, with supplemental contributions from education, healthcare, and small‑business sectors.
Legislative priorities (as of the latest session)
Legislators from the 4th district have emphasized:
- Revitalization of Atlantic City’s economy and infrastructure.
- Coastal resiliency and flood mitigation projects.
- Education funding for local schools.
- Healthcare access, particularly for underserved communities.
References
- New Jersey Legislature, “Legislative Districts” (official state website, 2023‑2024).
- United States Census Bureau, “2020 Census Redistricting Data Summary File” (2021).
- New Jersey Apportionment Commission, “2022 Legislative Redistricting Maps” (2022).
