East Brunswick Councilman Elected To State Assembly In 18th Dist.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Councilman Sterley Stanley from East Brunswick was elected to the New Jersey State Legislature from the 18th district on Tuesday night.

He became the first South Asian to represent Middlesex County. Stanley captured the seat left vacant after Nancy Pinkin resigned to become the new Middlesex County Clerk. He will fill the remainder of Pinkin’s term, which is set to expire in January 2022.

"I am honored to serve the residents of the 18th District and eager to roll up my sleeves to address the needs of our wonderful, diverse district and state," Stanley told Patch in a statement.

On Tuesday night, he defeated Edison Councilman Joseph Coyle 184 to 135 — a 58%-42% margin.

Stanley is a two-term East Brunswick councilman, who took oath of office on Jan. 5.

The councilman said the events of the past year have "shown us the danger of divisive forces." "Truly listening to one another will allow us to better understand the issues and each other and to develop and implement nuanced, detailed solutions that reflect every community’s situation," he said.

It’s not clear when he’ll take office.

New Jersey’s 18th district has the highest percentage of Asian Americans of any legislative district in the state. It includes East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Highland Park, Metuchen, South Plainfield and South River.

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