1997Final results
1997 election for New Jersey Legislative District 8
New Jersey General Assembly · New Jersey
2 seats: Francis L. Bodine (R), Larry Chatzidakis (R) won.
2 seatsFrancis L. BodineRepublican · winner · incumbent
28.8%35,865
Larry ChatzidakisRepublican · winner
27.2%33,871
James B. SmithDemocrat
21.3%26,463
Robert S. ShestackDemocrat
20.8%25,947
Janice PresserIndependent
1.9%2,385
124,531 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 1997
Races before and after
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The candidates
Francis L. Bodine (R)Larry Chatzidakis (R)James B. Smith (D)Robert S. Shestack (D)
Also on the ballot: Janice Presser (Independent), 1.9%