Report: Booker Joining Senate on Halloween

Mayor Cory Booker will officially become New Jersey’s next senator on Halloween, according to a published report.

Citing two anonymous sources, NJ.com reported Wednesday that Booker, who has served in city hall for more than seven years, will be sworn in on Oct. 31 and will assume his new duties immediately.

Booker, a Democrat, defeated Republican Steve Lonegan in a special election Oct. 16 by more than 10 points. The two were running to replace Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died in June. Lautenberg’s term will expire in early 2015 but Booker has said he will run again next year for a full six-year term.

When Booker steps down, the Newark Municipal Council must select an interim mayor to serve until the mayoral election in May 2014. Councilman Luis Quintana, who was recently appointed president of the council, is widely expected to be chosen interim mayor.

There are four declared candidates running for mayor next year: council members Darrin Sharif, Anibal Ramos and Ras Baraka, as well as Shavar Jeffries, a former president of the Newark Schools Advisory Board.