Overview

Erik K. Simonsen represents New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District, encompassing Cape May County and portions of Atlantic and Cumberland counties. First elected to the General Assembly in 2019, Simonsen assumed office on January 14, 2020.

Prior to his legislative service, Simonsen served as Mayor of Lower Township from 2016 to 2020. He previously represented the 2nd and 3rd Wards on the Lower Township Council from 2011 to 2016. Simonsen worked as Athletic Director at Lower Cape May Regional High School (2017–2025). He previously taught special education, music and art at Cape May County Special Services (1993–2011) and served as vice principal at Richard M. Teitelman Middle School (2011–2017).

Simonsen has served as an ordained deacon at Macedonia Baptist Church in Cape May since 2009, and has worked as a professional musician and singer-songwriter with the band Twelve:01 since 1988.

Political Career

Lower Township Council, 2nd Ward (2011)

Lower Township Council, 3rd Ward (2013–2016)

Mayor, Lower Township (2016–2020)

New Jersey General Assembly, 1st District (2020–present)

Re-elected to General Assembly: (2021), (2023), (2025)

Key Policy Areas

Special education funding and policy

Offshore wind energy opposition

Coastal community flood insurance and REAL regulations

South Jersey regional transportation

Tax credits for educational tutoring services

Municipal tax reduction and fiscal management

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Reduced Lower Township taxes and increased municipal surplus by $1.5 million during mayoral tenure

Authored legislation to provide coaching opportunities for honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey schools

Led successful effort to reopen the Cape May County Motor Vehicle Commission agency

Education

The College of New Jersey, Bachelor of Fine Arts (1993)

Rutgers University, Master’s degree in Special Education and Teaching (2002)

University of Scranton, Master’s degree in Educational Administration (2007)

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: Lower Township, New Jersey