DiAnne Gove Will Say Goodbye to Assembly, But Not to Helping Others

Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove (R-9th District) (Supplied Photo)

In the days since Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove learned she wouldn’t be named to the ticket to contend for another term representing the 9th District – a decision finalized at the Ocean County GOP’s nominating convention last Wednesday, March 8 – she’s been heartened by the “outpouring of support” she’s received from friends and constituents. She’s also had the chance to think about next steps. And while Gove does not see herself running off the party line to keep her seat, she does envision some sort of more informal public service in her future.

“I pursued it. I lived it and breathed it every day for months,” Gove remarked this past Monday in regard to her fight for endorsement. She made it clear that her role as a legislator was incredibly important to her, and said she’s always worked hard for the residents of her district. “I feel good about myself, and what I’ve done,” both in the nearly 15 years since she joined the Assembly and recently, she noted.

Gove, a former Southern Regional High School history teacher and Long Beach Township mayor who now lives in Barnegat, knew ahead of the convention that a place on the ticket was looking unlikely. She decided to pursue the nomination anyway, but came up just short at last week’s event.

Incumbent Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf of Little Egg Harbor Township garnered 95 votes, followed by current Stafford Township Mayor Gregory E. Myhre, with 67. Fifty-six votes, meanwhile, went to Gove.

Sen. Christopher J. Connors of Lacey Township, meanwhile, is stepping away from his tenure serving the 9th District, and Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. was the unopposed pick from the Republicans to run in his stead.

“I won’t be going to the primary,” Gove stated, “but instead will be focusing on my current role as an assemblywoman. … For me, it’s always been about helping people, as a teacher first and then as a public servant. I love helping people; for me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Gove offered sincere gratitude to all her constituents and other supporters, and said she is sure to find a way – outside of politics – to continue to be in the service of others.  —J.K.-H.