In the 2023 New Jersey General Assembly election, incumbent Republican Sean T. Kean won re-election, while Schnall won the second seat, more than 10,000 votes ahead of Republican incumbent Ned Thomson, while Schnall's Democratic running mate Salvatore "Sal" Frascino came in a distant fourth.[2][3] Schnall's victory was described as "a major upset" in a district that had traditionally been solidly Republican, reflecting the growing Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood Township and surrounding communities.[4] Schnall was one of 27 members elected for the first time to serve in the General Assembly in 2024, more than one-third of the 80 seats.[5]
^Johnson, Brent. "Democrats have big night in battle for N.J. Legislature", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, November 8, 2023, updated November 28, 2023. Accessed December 25, 2023. "In a major upset in the Shore’s 30th District, Democrat Avi Schnall won an Assembly seat in the longtime Republican stronghold that includes Lakewood, home to one of the East Coast’s fastest-growing Orthodox Jewish populations. Schnall, a top Orthodox leader in the township and a former Republican, ousted Republican Ned Thomson, whose two running mates — Sen. Robert Singer and Assemblyman Sean Kean — won re-election."
^Wildstein, David. "37 new lawmakers take office at noon", New Jersey Globe, January 9, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2024. "The 221st New Jersey Legislature begins today, with 37 new lawmakers – nearly one-third of the legislature – being sworn in at noon. That number includes ten new Senators and 27 new members of the General Assembly."