Newark Mayor Cory Booker is reportedly planning to officially enter the special election to replace deceased New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg on Saturday. According to the Associated Press, Booker’s plans were confirmed by a member of his campaign staff. Booker did not respond to a request for comment from TPM.
Last December, Booker announced he was considering running for Senate in 2014, after the end of his term in Newark. After Lautenberg’s death, Gov. Chris Christie scheduled a special election to replace him on Oct. 16. The primary is scheduled to take place Aug. 13.
Polls have shown Booker well ahead of his potential Democratic rivals, Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Holt announced his candidacy Thursday. Pallone is reportedly running but has yet to make an official announcement. Wealthy Democratic activist and Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason is also reportedly considering throwing her hat into the ring.
