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NEW JERSEY 7 : North and Central - Parts of Woodbridge and Union

Redistricting in 1992 removed urban, industrial and Democratic Elizabeth from the 7th, a district that starts outside Newark and heads southwest into the middle of the state. Many expected the change would turn the district into reliable GOP territory. But despite the presence of many traditionally Republican communities and the election of a Republican representative, the 7th has stayed Democratic at the local level.

The central part of the 7th has a Democratic base in Woodbridge, Plainfield and Franklin, industrial towns with significant black populations. North of Plainfield, the towns are mostly suburban, white and Republican. Many are bedroom communities for commuters traveling to Newark and New York City.

A growing source of GOP strength can be found in southern Somerset County, where corporate and industrial growth has led to a small population boom. Much of Bridgewater, once dotted by horse farms, has been developed into office parks and shopping malls.

The Democratic strength is pushing westward from communities near Newark and making inroads at the local level. In state and county races in 1998, the Democrats took over some historically Republican towns, including Westfield and Scotch Plains. Prominent local issues include infrastructure, aircraft noise and the cleanup of superfund toxic waste sites.

Major Industry
Pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, telecommunications

Population
594,844 (1990)

Cities
Plainfield, 46,254 (1996); Union (pt.) 45,371 (1990); Westfield 29,125 (1996)

People
96% urban; 14% age 65+ (ranks sixth of 13 in state; top third nationally); 64% married couples, 27% married couples with children; 32% college educated (ranks fourth of 13 in state; top third nationally); 71% white collar (ranks third of 13 in state; top third nationally), 19% blue collar (ranks 10 of 13 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)

Race
84% white, 10% black, 5% Asian; 5% Hispanic origin (1990)

Median Household Income
$50,996 (ranks fourth of 13 in state; top third nationally) (1990)

Unusual Features
The 7th's median household income is one of the 10 highest in the nation; James E. McGreevey, the 1997 Democratic gubernatorial nominee, has been mayor of Woodbridge Township since 1992.

© 2002 The Washington Post Company