Assemblyman Michael J Inganamort of the State of New Jersey said on April 19 that, ‘Today’s LD24 is a wholly unique creation.’
The statement addresses the impact of redistricting cycles on accurate representation and historical comparisons in New Jersey legislative and congressional districts. The topic has gained attention as district boundaries have shifted following recent census data, affecting which communities are grouped together for electoral purposes.
Inganamort made his remarks in a social media reply to analysis by the director of the Rebovich Institute for NJ Politics on electoral performance in the 11th Congressional District. Assemblyman Mike Inganamort provided perspective on how district maps have shifted over time in the state as reported in the X thread. The exchange centered on the continuity of areas represented under longstanding district labels after periodic reapportionment.The exchange centered on the continuity of areas represented under longstanding district labels after periodic reapportionment.
According to Inganamort, ‘I’m beginning to think we need to name our Districts like the Brits, and then come up with fresh names when there’s a new map. Rodney Frelinghuysen never represented this district. What we now call NJ11 didn’t exist prior to 2020. In some ways it resembles the district RF held, but it’s an entirely distinct area. People say I represent Steve Oroho’s district. Actually, I don’t. The district number is the same, yes. But SO didn’t represent Roxbury, and I don’t represent Blairstown.’
New Jersey’s 24th Legislative District encompasses all of Sussex County along with specific municipalities in Morris and Warren counties including Chester Borough, Chester Township, Mount Olive Township, Netcong, Roxbury and Washington Township in Morris plus Allamuchy Township and Independence Township in Warren. The configuration reflects adjustments made in the most recent redistricting cycle to align with population data. Inganamort represents constituents across this reconfigured area that includes communities previously assigned differently,according to NJ Spotlight News.
The New Jersey Apportionment Commission adopted updated legislative district maps in February 2022 following delays tied to the 2020 census data release. These maps divided the state into 40 districts with roughly equal population while attempting to preserve municipal boundaries and communities of interest where feasible. The process ensures fair representation for residents across New Jersey as required by state guidelines,according to Ballotpedia.
Inganamort was sworn into the New Jersey General Assembly in January 2024 after winning election to represent the 24th District. The Republican lawmaker previously served as mayor of Chester and worked in communications and public policy roles in Washington before returning to northwestern New Jersey. He focuses on issues important to small towns and rural communities in his district,according to his official biography.
