MOUNT OLIVE — Former Morris County freeholder David Scapicchio announced he is running for the 24th District Assembly seat.
Scapicchio, a former Mount Olive mayor, will team up with state Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus in her Republican primary challenge to Sen. Steve Oroho.
“I like what’s Gail’s been doing,” Scapicchio said of Phoebus, who diverged from Oroho after he sponsored legislation raising New Jersey’s gas tax and recently announced her candidacy for State Senate.
Phoebus, contacted Monday by NJ Advance Media, confirmed the alliance.
“He approached me and I think it’s a good fit,” Phoebus said.
Oroho did not immediately return a phone call.
Phoebus, elected to the Assembly in 2015 with Oroho’s backing, recently moved out of their shared district office.
Oroho has formed a re-election ticket with Assemblyman Parker Space and former state Labor Commissioner Harold Wirths, who is seeking the district’s second seat in the lower chamber.
Asked whether he and Phoebus would attempt to recruit a second Assembly candidate, Scapicchio said, “As of right now, I’m not sure if we’re looking for another teammate.”
Phoebus said “that’s something that’s still up in the air,” adding that they are looking for a campaign manager.
The candidate filing deadline for the June 6 primary is April 3.
Scapicchio was elected to the Morris County freeholder board in 2012. He lost his bid for a second term in the 2015 Republican primary.
Mount Olive is the most populated municipality in District 24, which includes all of Sussex County and 11 municipalities in Warren County.
Oroho, Space, Wirths and Phoebus all live in Sussex County.
Scapicchio said he is planning a formal campaign announcement next week.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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