Nine-time gold medal winner, who grew up in Willingboro, is poised to run in 8th Legislative District against Republican incumbent Dawn Addiego
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Carl Lewis takes a victory lap around the track of the Los Angeles Coliseum after winning the gold medal in the Olympic 100-meter dash in 1984. MOUNT HOLLY — Nine-time Olympic gold medal winner Carl Lewis will hold a press conference today to announce his political plans.
Lewis emailed a media advisory to reporters saying he will be giving a speech at 2 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse in Mt. Holly to "make an announcement regarding his political plans."
Democrats have been in talks with Lewis about a potential state Senate run in the 8th Legislative District against incumbent Dawn Addiego (R-Burlington). Lewis, a 49-year-old Medford resident, has never run for office.
The prospect of Lewis's candidacy was first reported Friday by The Star-Ledger on NJ.com.
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Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis is expect to announce his candidacy for the state Senate today.Lewis grew up in Willingboro and in recent years has lived in Los Angeles, Calif. and Houston, Tex.
He gained national fame in 1984, when he won four gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympics. He went on to win two golds and a silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, two golds at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and one gold for the long jump at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics — the last one he competed in.
The 8th District, where Lewis will run, leans Republican. But Democrats feel that a famous and wealthy candidate like Lewis could make the seat competitive.
Burlington County is familiar with famous athlete candidates. Last year, former Philadelphia Eagle lineman Jon Runyan, in his first try at elected office, unseated the late U.S. Rep. John Adler. And in 2007, former NHL star Brian Propp ran unsuccessfully in Assembly in the 7th Legislative District
Previous Coverage:
• Olympic track, field gold medalist Carl Lewis considers run for N.J. Senate
• Democrats in talks with Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis for legislative run
• Count Basie, Jack Nicholson, Les Paul make New Jersey Hall of Fame
• N.J. Hall of Fame names 30 for its '10 class
• Looking back: Carl Lewis wins long jump gold
