Shariq Ahmad is not running again for Edison Democratic chairman.

He’s taking a job with the Biden Campaign, a source told InsiderNJ.

In the mix for the job:  Mahesh Bhagia, Satish Poondi, Raj Pandya and Anthony Russomano.

As expected, Tim Howes of Peapack and Gladstone has submitted his name to serve as Somerset County GOP chairman.

Howes is hoping to succeed long-serving Chairman Al Gaburo.

It’s done, actually.

Gaburo is going to put all his chips on Jack Ciattarelli’s 2021 gubernatorial run.

This from Politico’s Matt Friedman:

Add Fernando Irizarry’s name to the list of those running for mayor of Perth Amboy.

The councilman is in.

So attorney are Joe Vas, Jr., and Councilman Helmin Caba.

All are running in the Nov. 3rd election against incumbent Mayor Wilda Diaz, who is pursuing her fourth term.

Read Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/2/2020

Following a tense swearing-in ceremony earlier this afternoon, the council voted for Councilman-at-Large Flavio Rivera to be the City Council President this afternoon and voted for Councilwoman-at-Large Lilisa Mimms for Vice President.

Outgoing Council President Davila said ‘my colleagues have not been the best at times, but I have always respected each and every one of them’. She added ‘unfortunately, I don’t have to say who respects and who doesn’t, because you all see it’.

Noting the current atmosphere, Councilman Abdelaziz said its ‘not an easy job leading nine of us’ and cracked to Rivera ‘good luck, I don’t why you’d want that position’.

Read Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/1/2020

Governor Murphy signed a three-month $7.632 billion budget extension this morning.  It cuts $1.2B in previously authorized spending, has across-the-board spending cuts, and protects services essential to the state’s recovery, according to the Governor.

From Paterson Times: Passaic County Superior Court judge Ernest Caposela ruled on Tuesday morning to block councilman-elect Alex Mendez from taking office at the City Council reorganization meeting on July 1.

“It would be a tremendous undermining of the voting system, the public trust, to let Mr. Mendez be sworn in tomorrow,” said Caposela in ruling against Mendez.

Mendez has been charged with voter fraud and election fraud.

Pamela Thomas-Fields released her official campaign ad today, which will also air locally on network television beginning Wednesday.

The ad features a voice over from Thomas-Fields that reads:

“I love Atlantic City. But after years of neglect and mismanagement, our community needs a healing. My name is Pamela Thomas-Fields, and I am running for mayor of Atlantic City. I believe Atlantic City can succeed, that we can all become healthy, wealthy, and wise. Together we can make clean and safe streets a reality. Together we can build a resilient local economy. I won’t come to you with empty promises, instead I will offer a seat at the table, an opportunity to finally make your voice heard. My name is Pamela Thomas-Fields, your voice for change. Please vote for me for Mayor of Atlantic City in Column B of your mail-in ballot, postmarked by July 7.”

Thomas fields has been endorsed by the Atlantic City Democratic Committee, Atlantic City Councilmembers Delgado, Dunston, and Zia, the Stockton Federation of Teachers Local 2275,
Assemblyman Tom Giblin and Local 68, the Bangladesh Community of Atlantic City, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and U.S. Senate candidate Lawrence “Larry” Hamm.