Assemblyman Don Guardian (R-Atlantic City) plans to run for re-election in 2027 after squeaking through a close race this year, he told the New Jersey Globe on Monday.
Guardian, the former mayor of Atlantic City, will represent the 2nd legislative district alongside a Democrat for the next two years after his assemblymate, Claire Swift (R-Margate), lost re-election. He finished first in the general election, but by far less than most expected: when all the votes were tallied, he had only about a 700-vote buffer.
The 2025 elections constituted the most Democratic-friendly environment in years, and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill won the 2nd by almost 9 percentage points; Guardian received a return ticket to Trenton from ticket-splitting voters.
“I love representing South Jersey, and I like being part of the legislature in Trenton,” he said.
Guardian is buckling down during a chaotic period for Atlantic City. Its mayor, Marty Small Sr., faces child abuse charges; closing arguments in his trial are being held on Tuesday. Meanwhile, New York City just approved permits for three casinos in the Big Apple, another potential blow to Atlantic City’s ever-loosening grip on the Northeast’s gambling industry.
In his first two terms, Guardian believes he’s proven himself capable of steering the district in a stronger direction, which is why he thinks voters split their ticket to keep him. He is among the legislature’s most moderate Republicans and has a strong relationship with Democratic legislative leaders.
“I bring the perspective of having a good working relationship with Central and North Jersey, with Democrats and Republicans, and I appreciate the opportunity to bring issues that are specific to South Jersey … everyone’s attention,” he said.
The outgoing Swift, the fourth-place finisher in November, ended up almost 900 votes behind Assemblywoman-elect Maureen Rowan. Rowan, a retired attorney, will be the first Democratic woman to represent Atlantic County in the legislature. The 2nd legislative district was expected to remain in GOP hands, but a strong night for Sherrill and Atlantic County Democrats pulled Rowan into second place.
Guardian said he believes his time as mayor gave him an advantage over the other candidates, but said the anti-Donald Trump sentiments and the then-ongoing government shutdown proved him and Swift were vulnerable. He argued, however, that Swift would have won re-election if voters had looked deeper into her record rather than her partisan label.
“She has a very good record of representing South Jersey,” Guardian said. “And I think if people looked harder at her record, as opposed to the fact that she was a Republican, I think she would be with us again [next year].”
Guardian met Rowan during the campaign and shared a congratulatory call with her after the election; he said they have a respectful relationship and that he’s helping her with the transition to office.
New York City officials on Monday granted final approval to a trio of new casinos in New York City — two will be in Queens, and one will be in the Bronx. Atlantic City officials say those casinos could devastate the city, potentially leading to a 30% revenue loss amid increased competition.
Guardian, the city’s former mayor, said the proliferation of online gambling and casinos means Atlantic City needs to offer more than just its own casinos to maintain its clout. Instead, it should double down on re-establishing its role as a destination in the Northeast, a hub for families and conventions.
He said the work starts simply: making sure the main streets of Atlantic City are paved, landscaped, and visibly safe. He said police officers should be more visible in the city, arguing the “perception of safety” is important to visitors.
“It’s going to be the city working together with the gaming industry that will determine whether or not gaming in Atlantic City can compete with gaming in New York City,” he said.
