An Atlantic County source spoke to the Atlantic City mayoral contest and how it fits within the CD2 race.

The source in his/her own words:

Edge (Marty) Small. He has more support. A (Pamela) Thomas-Fields win would depend on the Callaway organization reaching a new high for ballot yield. That is possible, but not likely. Whitehead making noise, but not resonating. Organizationally, South Asians are fractured between Small and Fields. Callaway’s picks have enjoyed near-uniform support from growing South Asian ballot yield in last few cycles. With Small picking off some key SA leaders/operatives, hard to see Callaway and affiliates growing their total.

Comparing this to the Gilliam/Small race, Gilliam came to that race with significantly more stature than Fields: Councilman, former Council President, co-leader (with Tibbitt) of the opposition. Fields does not have the County, Camden Co., or notable North Jersey support. There are even fractures within the community of political women in town. Council is split in their endorsements: 4-4. Edge to Small based on work ethic and ability to produce votes. Pro-Fields argument is that the Callaway pool of votes grows steadily with each day through 7 July while Small’s vote slows down big time in the last few days of the election/ballot grab.

Pro-Small argument is that Callaway/Fields pool of voters is more limited than ppl think. Since everyone gets a ballot, the playing field is more level. Small has grown in stature over the last few years. As Mayor for a few months, Keeping the Boardwalk open, showing steady leadership during the night of violent riots, allowing open containers, municipal Covid testing sites, and the tax rate decrease this year are playing well with voters.

People underestimate Callaway at their peril, yet they do not win things alone. They compliment existing support. It is very hard to see enough additional support/votes to compliment Callaway and give Fields the win over Small.

(Amy) Kennedy has the clear edge in AC. Very little enthusiasm for (Brigid) Harrison.