In what could be the opening salvo of the 2027 legislative campaign, a think tank and issue advocacy group has launched a digital ad buy featuring its founder, Michael Suleiman, a possible candidate for State Senate in the 2nd district next year.
Suleiman founded South Jersey Forward, a 501(c)4 group, in 2023 to explore long-term ideas to strengthen the Atlantic County region. A former aide to State Sen. James Whelan (D-Atlantic City), Suleiman has been mentioned as a possible challenger to two-term State Sen. Vincent Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township) next year.
The ad features Suleiman as the narrator and features his own life story, along with advocating for issues facing Atlantic County.
He is not seeking re-election as Atlantic County Democratic chairman in June, furthering speculation that he’s preparing to run for the legislature.
The 2nd district is among the most competitive in the state. In 2025, Democrat Maureen Rowan (D-Atlantic City) ousted two-term Republican Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-Margate), and Gov. Mikie Sherrill won the district by nearly 9 percentage points; in 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy lost the 2nd by almost 7 points – a 15-point swing in favor of the Democrats.
The ad buy caps a busy 2025 for South Jersey Forward, which spent last year convening research and virtual roundtables on Wharton State Forest road closures, South Jersey’s shrinking local media landscape, housing and economic development, beach replenishment funding for shore communities, and the region’s banking sector.
“My story is not unique: growing up with parents who both worked in the casino industry to make ends meet,” said Suleiman. “While casinos and billionaires like Donald Trump were making money, thousands of South Jersey families were barely getting by. Then five casinos closed, and Atlantic County became number one in the nation for foreclosures. Living and working in South Jersey during those dark times shaped the person that I am and motivated me to create South Jersey Forward to solve our problems.”
Democratic strategist Michael Muller and his firm, TargetSmart,
Script: “I grew up in Galloway, but Atlantic City was where my parents worked to put food on the table. While casinos and billionaires were making money, thousands of South Jersey families were barely getting by. And then the collapse came, and I saw it up close. I remember my mom coming home with another story—of another neighbor losing their home. Of another family needing to start over. When foreclosures skyrocketed, North Jersey politicians stood idly by. You know, I remember the promises they made when I was a kid—a new grocery store, thousands of jobs, economic opportunities for everyone. And then… it all disappeared. I started my career working for the late Senator Jim Whelan. He reminded me a lot of my own father. Reassuring. Steady. Focused on people—always willing to lend a hand. Together, we passed dozens of bills—for seniors, for veterans, for communities too often overlooked in South Jersey. After Hurricane Sandy hit, I helped families wade through piles of paper just to get the help they were promised. These weren’t wealthy individuals. They were everyday folks, in modest homes, who lost everything—and were left waiting by Chris Christie. So many promises. So much hope for Atlantic City. And for decades—we’ve been forgotten. When we legalized Internet gaming and sports betting, I worked with Senator Whelan to make sure that revenue stayed tied to the brick-and-mortar casinos, saving thousands of jobs. Just this year, I led the effort against North Jersey casinos, and we won. But let’s be honest, folks. There’s still a lot more work that needs to be done. I’ve lived in this area my entire life. I’ve seen the highs, and I’ve lived through the lows. And despite our challenges, I still believe in this place. We’re more than a vacation destination. We’re a region full of people who work hard—and deserve better. I’m Mike Suleiman, and I have hopes for Atlantic County. Join me—as we fight to move South Jersey Forward.”
