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Antwan McClellan

Antwan McClellan is a New Jersey Assemblyman representing the 1st Legislative District since 2020 and currently serves as the Assembly Minority Deputy Leader. A lifelong resident of Ocean City, McClellan has held local office on the City Council and Board of Education. He also serves in the Cape May County Sheriff's Department and is active in community organizations like the Ocean City Historical Museum and South Jersey Field of Dreams. His legislative focus includes public safety, economic justice, ballot design reform, and support for tourism and the arts.

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Rating Explanation

Antwan McClellan

Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan have historically been more accessible than many local candidates in Cumberland County, regularly attending Republican breakfasts and participating in public meet-and-greet events. That pattern already placed them above average compared to the regional status quo, where many candidates remain largely invisible between election cycles... or at least invisible to people who aren't already political insiders.

Since the end of the primary election, both have made plans to expand their outreach further heading into the general election season. While their joint radio interview scheduled for July 1 had to be adjusted—Erik ultimately needed to cancel—Antwan followed through and appeared live on air. Erik has indicated he will reschedule his radio interview in the near future, and both plan to participate in a longer, podcast-style interview later in the summer.

If these commitments materialize, they will be on track to provide a reasonable amount of information and public dialogue before October, when most voters begin to focus on the race in earnest.

Given the longstanding pattern of inaccessibility that plagues many campaigns related to Cumberland County, InformTheVoteNJ will continue monitoring closely to see whether these promised interviews and public appearances occur as planned.

For now, based on demonstrated efforts to improve communication this cycle, Simonsen and McClellan’s transparency and accessibility merit an updated rating of average to above average, with cautious optimism that further improvements will follow.

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Antwan McClellan

Running for:
State Assembly - Legislative District 1
Incumbent
Challenger

Websites

This election is on November 4th, 2025

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Transparency/Accessibility Rating: Above Average

Events

InformTheVoteNJ Radio Hour Interview


Assembly GOP Video Biography


Agenda

  • Reduce Taxes, Government Spending & State Debt
    Committed to restoring fiscal sanity by cutting taxes and limiting government overreach.

  • Oppose “Giveaways” to Illegal Immigrants
    Stand against using taxpayer resources to support undocumented individuals.

  • Enhance South Jersey Infrastructure, Healthcare & Education
    Invest in foundational systems that benefit working families and communities.

  • Promote Small Business Recovery and Growth
    Foster economic development by supporting locally owned businesses.

  • Defend Law Enforcement and Public Safety
    Uphold policies that respect and strengthen police and emergency services.


Assemblyman Antwan McClellan has sponsored a broad range of legislation focused on regional equity, small business growth, and infrastructure access—particularly for South Jersey. His proposals include expanding loan access to broadband providers (A3050), eliminating tax exemption caps in Urban Enterprise Zones (A3059), and creating manufacturing-focused grants and marketing for southern counties (A3057, A3058). He has also supported healthcare measures like requiring mammogram coverage based on medical need (A3053, “Michelle’s Law”) and trauma-informed training for child custody cases (A3062). On the accountability front, McClellan has advocated for timely crime data reporting (A3063), restoring in-person state services (A3054), and ensuring all counties have access to MVC services (A3052). He has also worked on policy reforms around property taxation (A3064, ACR95) and veterans' services (A3055, AJR212), while expressing concern over recent DEP environmental rulemaking (ACR150). Overall, his record highlights a commitment to practical local governance, economic development in underserved regions, and improving access to state-level services.

Candidates Forum Statements from 2023 (he was running for the same position)

At the Candidates Forum held at Bridgeton High School, when asked about what makes him most qualified for the specific position of assemblyman, McClellan spoke about his commitment to God, family, and community. He also said that he shows up to do his job as incumbent every day, not just during election season.

When asked about addressing the state's budget deficit and maintaing fiscal responsibility, McClellan spoke about the state wasting money on a French museum, and then questioned the fairness of Bergen County receiving money for a jail and money going to Hudson County's infrastructure. He wants more transparency in the budgeting process through requesting more time to look over budget proposals. He wants to use the money he is able to acquire through these oversights to invest in schools.

When asked how to handle gun violence, McClellan spoke about taking the hand cuffs off the officers (let them do their jobs), part of the problem being that guns are being transported across state lines, and suggesting a gun buyback program.

Experience

Antwan McClellan is a New Jersey Assemblyman representing District 1 since January 14, 2020, and currently serves as the Minority Deputy Leader. A lifelong resident of Ocean City, he has a background in local government and community involvement, including serving seven years on the Ocean City Council and three years on the local Board of Education. His public service also includes roles as a trustee for the Ocean City Historical Museum and volunteer with the South Jersey Field of Dreams. Professionally, McClellan works as the Confidential Assistant, Personnel Director, and Public Information Officer at the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department. He serves on several legislative committees, including Appropriations, Ballot Design, Public Safety, Tourism, and Economic Justice. He is also a member of the Cape May County NAACP and has a long history of youth sports coaching.