1991 New Jersey State Senate election

1982–92

1992–2002

New Jersey Legislature before (left) and after (right) the 1991 redistricting

As required, the New Jersey legislature redistricted its state legislative districts in advance of the 1991 election. Redistricting was on balance considered to have favored Republicans, reflecting a growth in the suburbs relative to the state's urban cores during the 1980s.[1]

A centerpiece of the Florio administration's legislative agenda was the passage of a $2.8 billion tax increase. Republicans centered their 1991 campaign on opposition to the increase, as did even some incumbent Democrats, such as Senator Paul Contillo.[1]

According to the Florio administration, the tax increase was designed to aid blue-collar workers, who were "also the people most upset by enactment of the taxes."[1]

Another major legislative achievement of the Florio administration was a strict gun control measure. The bill's passage led the National Rifle Association to spend nearly $250,000 in the 1991 elections targeting candidates in both parties who had voted in favor of the bill and supporting those who pledged to repeal it.[2]

• Daniel Dalton (District 4)
• John F. Russo (District 10)
• Carmen A. Orechio (District 30)

Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%:

1. District 15, 1.8% gain
2. District 4, 3.4% gain
3. District 17, 4.0%
4. District 36, 4.0% gain
5. District 35, 6.4%
6. District 2, 6.6%
7. District 18, 7.0% gain
8. District 7, 7.2% gain
9. District 37, 7.2%