1977Final resultsIncumbent defeated
1977 election for New Jersey Legislative District 2
New Jersey General Assembly · New Jersey
2 seats: Michael J. Matthews (D), William L. Gormley (R) won.
2 seatsMichael J. MatthewsDemocrat · winner
25.9%31,305
William L. GormleyRepublican · winner
24.3%29,375
Howard KuppermanRepublican · incumbent
24.0%29,030
Rocco S. CarriDemocrat
23.3%28,138
Joseph J. PolilloOther party
2.5%3,048
120,896 votes
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1977
Races before and after
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The candidates
Michael J. Matthews (D)William L. Gormley (R)Howard Kupperman (R)Rocco S. Carri (D)
Also on the ballot: Joseph J. Polillo (Other party), 2.5%