Report: Possible Sweeney Senate Opponent Emerges

A Republican challenger for state Senate President Stephen Sweeney's seat might be making moves toward declaring candidacy, PolitickerNJ reports.

The political news website reported Niki Trunk resigned from the state comptroller's office, a move thought to be tied to running for the state Senate's 3rd District seat. 

Sweeney, a West Deptford resident, has held the district seat since 2002. He took over as president of the state Senate in 2010. Sweeney recently announced he wouldn't challenge incumbent Chris Christie for the governor's seat, saying it was more important to keep the Legislature under Democratic control.

Trunk previously served as deputy mayor in Harrison Township. She stepped down when her elected position conflicted with a state job, the Gloucester County Times reported in 2010. According to a biography on an old campaign site, Trunk has a bachelor's degree from The College of New Jersey, and an MBA and law degree from Temple University. She also previously served on Harrison Township's planning board and beautification committee board, the Gloucester County bar association's board of trustees and with Mullica Hill's Relay for Life.

Candidates for state Senate have until April 1 to file to run in the primary election on June 4.