Key Races Unfold in NJ Primary Elections Amid Controversy

Today is the day of the NJ Primary 2024 Election. There are important races happening. CBS New York's Christina Fan will tell us when the polls open and who is running for office this year. In New Jersey, Democrats and Republicans are choosing who will represent their parties for the U.S. Senate. This election is different because the current Democratic Senator, Bob Menendez, is facing a corruption trial. He is not on the primary ballot. Democratic voters can choose between Rep. Andy Kim, labor leader Patricia Campos-Medina, and grassroots organizer Lawrence Hamm. Republicans see this as a good chance to win the Senate seat after 52 years. President Joe Biden and Trump are also on the ballot. The Democratic Socialists of America are encouraging a protest vote for delegates to the Democratic national convention. They want to send a message to Biden about his policies on the war in Gaza. This year, New Jersey Democrats will not use the "county line" system on the ballot. This system grouped candidates with party support together, leaving others at a disadvantage. This change came after a lawsuit by Kim and other Democratic candidates. The 3rd District contest is between Democratic Assembly colleagues Herb Conaway and Carol Murphy. The June 4 contests in New Jersey are full of intrigue. The corruption trial of Senator Robert Menendez and a court ruling that changed the ballot design are unexpected factors. The ruling affects all Democratic primaries in the state, as it stopped the use of the "line" layout that favored candidates endorsed by party leaders. New Jersey voters will choose candidates for the Senate and 11 of 12 congressional seats.