Samuel D. Thompson

Sam Thompson
Member of the New Jersey Senate
from the 12th district
In office
January 10, 2012 – January 9, 2024
Preceded byJennifer Beck
Succeeded byOwen Henry
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
from the 13th district
In office
January 13, 1998 – January 10, 2012
Preceded byJoann H. Smith
Succeeded byDeclan O'Scanlon
Personal details
Born (1935-07-31) July 31, 1935 (age 89)
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic (2023–present)
Republican (until 2023)
SpouseJacqueline Thompson
Children3
Residence(s)Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Arkansas (BS)
Louisiana State University (PhD)
WebsiteLegislative Website

Samuel D. Thompson (born July 31, 1935) is an American politician and scientist who served in the New Jersey Senate from 2012 to 2024, representing the 12th Legislative district. Before redistricting in 2011, he served in the General Assembly from 1998 to 2012, representing the 13th district.

Thompson was first elected as a Republican, but facing a difficult primary over his age, he switched parties in February 2023 and said he would seek re-election as a Democrat.[1] He however reversed his decision and announced on February 27, that he would not run for re-election.[2] His party switch increased the Democratic State Senate majority to 25-15.

  1. ^ Wildstein, David (February 13, 2023). "Sam Thompson will switch parties and seek re-election to N.J. Senate as a Democrat". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  2. ^ Wildstein, David (February 13, 2023). "Thompson won't seek re-election after party switch". New Jersey Globe. Retrieved February 13, 2023.