NJ Assemblyman Hutchison Won’t Seek Re-election, Cites Family & New Role
Assemblyman Daniel Hutchison (D-Gloucester Township) has announced he will not seek re-election in 2027, a decision prompted in part by his son’s battle with skull-based brain cancer. The announcement comes as Hutchison transitions into a new role as the full-time Township Solicitor for Gloucester Township.
The diagnosis occurred during the 2025 campaign cycle and the family made the difficult decision last year that this would be Hutchison’s final term in the Assembly. Hutchison’s decision to publicly share the reason for his departure was influenced by a recent report by POLITICO regarding his new position, which highlighted the financial benefits without acknowledging the personal challenges his family was facing.
“Over the past year, however, my family faced an incredibly difficult challenge. While I was running for re-election, my son was battling brain cancer. Watching him face that fight with such courage and strength was both humbling and inspiring,” Hutchison stated. “Thankfully, he is doing well today, and we remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness so many people showed our family during that time.”
The experience led Hutchison to re-evaluate his priorities, balancing his commitment to public service with the needs of his family. He explained that he began planning adjustments to both his career and public service responsibilities earlier this year. This included stepping away from the demands of his law practice and accepting the position of Township Solicitor.
The role of Township Solicitor offers a substantial change in compensation, with an annual salary of $175,000, compared to the $82,000 he earned as a member of the Assembly. Hutchison emphasized that this shift will allow him to dedicate more time to his family, “finding the balance that is right for us moving forward.”
Hutchison assured his constituents that he remains committed to serving them until the end of his current term. “Until my term ends, I will continue to work tirelessly for the people I represent and remain committed to the issues and communities that have entrusted me with this responsibility,” he said. “Public service has meant a great deal to me, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Hutchison was initially elected to the Assembly in 2023, filling a vacancy created when two incumbents in the 4th Legislative District chose not to run for re-election. Paul Moriarty successfully ran for the Senate following the retirement of Fred Madden, while Gabriela Mosquera also stepped down after five terms. Hutchison and Codey Miller were then elected to replace them.
The 4th Legislative District underwent redistricting following the 2023 election, potentially making it a more competitive race. Hutchison and Miller ultimately secured their seats, defeating Republican challengers Amanda Esposito and Matt Walker after a closely contested campaign. They were re-elected last November by a margin of over 10,000 votes.
Hutchison’s political journey began as a Republican, with a bid for Congress in 2004 against Rep. Rob Andrews. He later transitioned to the Democratic party, winning election to the Gloucester Township Council in 2006 and subsequently being re-elected four times.
Codey Miller, 36, also brings a background in public service, having served as a Monroe councilman from 2015 to 2020 and on the Monroe school board since 2022. He previously served on the Rowan Board of Trustees before taking a full-time position with the Rowan University Foundation.
Hutchison’s departure marks the first announced departure among the 120 New Jersey legislators up for re-election next year. Given that Gloucester Township is the second-largest municipality within the 4th district, it is anticipated that his replacement will likely come from within the township.
The broader context of brain cancer diagnoses highlights the challenges faced by families navigating this disease. According to data cited by Dr. Leona Mercer, health editor at memesita.com, approximately 86,980 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with a primary or secondary brain tumor in 2024. This underscores the significant emotional and logistical burden placed on families dealing with a serious illness.