Saddle River Council President and former Clerk to the Board of Chosen Freeholders Karen Mastriano today formally announced her plans to seek the Republican nomination for the New Jersey State Assembly in District 39.

That is the seat currently held by indicted Assemblyman Robert Schroeder.

Mastriano said she plans to compete for the endorsement of the Northeast Republican Organization (NERO) at its convention and for the support of the Bergen County Republican Organization (BCRO).

Currently serving her sixth year on the Saddle River Council, Mastriano has served as liaison to the board of education, parks and recreation, master plan review committee and law and public safety.

“It’s important that the constituents of District 39 continue to have strong, well-respected Republican representation in Trenton," she said. "My experience in government, both on the local and county levels, has provided me with the skills and institutional knowledge needed to be a strong advocate for the residents of this district. Governor Christie has done an outstanding job getting our state back on the right track during his first term. I look forward to being the conservative voice in the state Assembly that our Governor needs in order for him to continue his success in a second term."

Mastriano is married with five children.

“I recognize and understand the complex issues affecting New Jersey families and the residents of District 39 and I’d be honored to have the opportunity to be their representative in Trenton," she said.

Every significant party leader, including Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, BCRO Chairman Bob Yudin, state Sen. Gerry Cardinale (R-39), and Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-39) – wants Schroeder gone.

As previously reported on PolitickerNJ.com, since the GOP assemblyman's indictment last year on state check kiting charges, a list has emerged of prospective Assembly swap-ins: Robert Auth, chairman of the Old Tappan Municipal Committee; Old Tappan Mayor Victor Polce; Westwood Councilwoman Cindy Wanack; former Bergen County Freeholder Rob Hermansen; and Mastriano.

The 39th District is made up of the Bergen County towns of Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Washington Township, and Woodcliff Lake. District 39 also includes the Passaic County municipalities of Bloomingdale, Ringwood and Wanaque.