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Diane B. Allen (born March 8, 1948) is an American politician and television journalist. A member of the Republican Party, she represented the 7th legislative district in the New Jersey Assembly from 1996 to 1998 and New Jersey Senate from 1998 to 2018.[1] Allen was the senate majority whip from 1998 to 2001, deputy Republican conference leader from 2002 to 2003, and later deputy minority leader. In 2002, she was an unsuccessful candidate for United States Senate, finishing second in the Republican primary.

Key Information

Allen was the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2021 after Jack Ciattarelli announced she had agreed to join his ticket.[2] The pair narrowly lost the general election to the incumbent Democratic ticket of Phil Murphy and Sheila Oliver.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Allen grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey and graduated as the valedictorian of the Moorestown High School class of 1966.[2][4]

In 1969, Allen was crowned Miss Burlington County.[2]

Allen received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Bucknell University.[1]

In 1973, Allen won a national hang gliding competition.[2]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Allen began her broadcast news career in 1970 with WJJZ, an AM radio station based in Mount Holly, New Jersey.[2] She worked at the New Jersey Network before joining an ABC affiliate in Chicago.[2]

In 1976, Allen returned home to cover New Jersey politics for KYW-TV, the then-NBC (now CBS) affiliate in Philadelphia.[2] In 1985, she co-moderated the New Jersey gubernatorial debate between Governor Thomas Kean and Peter Shapiro. She left the network in 1988 and later won a lawsuit against CBS for discriminatory practices.[2][5]

In 1989, she joined WCAU, the then-CBS (now NBC) affiliate in Philadelphia, and remained there until 1994.[6]

In 2000, Allen briefly served as an interim anchor for CN8 while another anchorwoman was on vacation. This prompted criticism from Senate Minority Leader Richard Codey, who criticized her for conducting her duties as an officeholder while reporting on politics.[2]

Allen is the president of VidComm, Inc., a media production company she founded after her broadcasting career ended.[1][2]

Accolades

[edit]

During her career, Allen won eight Daytime Emmy Awards.[2] The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia inducted Allen into their Hall of Fame in 2005.[7]

Political career

[edit]

Allen first sought elective office in the 1970s when she ran for the Board of Education of the Moorestown Township Public Schools.[8]

New Jersey Assembly

[edit]

1995 election

[edit]

Allen was recruited to state politics by Burlington County Republican chair Glenn Paulsen, who asked her to run for Assembly in 1995 to set up a 1997 campaign for State Senate.[2] In the 1995 general election, Allen and Republican running mate Carmine DeSopo were elected over Democratic incumbent Steven M. Petrillo and his running mate, newcomer Joseph P. Dugan.[9][10] The $1.1 million spent in the 1995 Assembly race made it the first in New Jersey to cross the $1 million spending mark.[11][12]

New Jersey Senate

[edit]

Elections

[edit]

In 1997, Allen announced her campaign for Senate as expected.[2] Incumbent Democrat Jack Casey announced late that he would not to stand for re-election, citing health complications;[2] Allen defeated Democratic nominee Robert P. Broderick with 54% of the vote.[13][14]

Despite her district's solid Democratic lean—during her entire twenty-year tenure, her district never elected one of her Republican running mates to the Assembly—Allen consistently won re-election with little trouble.[2]

In 2001, Allen defeated U.S. Navy SEAL reservist Louis Gallagher with 54% of the vote. Gallagher was called up for active duty late in the race following the September 11 attacks, and Allen debated his wife instead.[2][15]

In 2003, Allen defeated Diane F. Gabriel with 60% of the vote.[16]

In 2007, Allen defeated Rich Dennison of Florence with 56% of the vote.[17][18][19]

In 2011, Allen defeated a primary challenge from Carol Lokan-Moore with 90% of the vote and won the general election against Gail Cook with 57%.[20]

In 2013, Allen defeated Gary Catrambone with 60% of the vote.[21]

Tenure

[edit]

Throughout her career in the Senate, Allen was an advocate for stricter enforcement of discrimination and workplace harassment restrictions. During her final year in office, Allen worked to override Governor Chris Christie's veto of an equal pay law. Three months after she left office, new governor Phil Murphy signed the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, which he said, "cement[ed Allen's] legacy as a lawmaker who worked across the aisle to do the right things for our state.”[2]

In addition to her work on women's equality, Allen authored the NJSAVER rebate plan[clarification needed] and sponsored legislation assisting senior citizens in doubling their Homestead Rebate checks.

In November 2013, Allen was elected Chair of the National Foundation for Women Legislators. The organization represents the near 1800 female state legislators in America, and supports elected women from all levels of governance.[22]

After leaving office, Allen founded a political action committee dedicated to encouraging women to run for public office on a non-partisan basis.[2]

2002 United States Senate campaign

[edit]
Main article: 2002 United States Senate election in New Jersey § Republican primary

In 2002, Allen ran to unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli. Early in the race, the favorite was Jim Treffinger, who had run in 2000. However, Treffinger was forced to drop out under an ethics cloud after the FBI raided his Newark office. The party leadership coalesced behind Doug Forrester, a multimillionaire businessman who pledged to personally fund his campaign.[2]

During the primary, Allen was endorsed by The New York Times.[2] She faced criticism from fellow Republicans for her Quaker faith and pacifism, which conflicted with the national mood following the September 11 attacks.[2]

Allen finished a close second to Forrester, who won the primary with 44.6% of the vote to Allen's 36.9%.[23] She carried every county in South Jersey except for Gloucester, home of third-place finisher State Senator John J. Matheussen, and Ocean.[2] Forrester lost the general election to Frank Lautenberg, who entered the race after Torricelli withdrew amid ethics concerns and poor polling.

Other offices

[edit]

Senator Allen has served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1996, 2000, as well as in 2004 and 2012.

In 2008, Allen was a leading candidate to succeed Jim Saxton in the U.S. House.[2][24] However, she announced on November 29, 2007 that she would not run for the seat, citing factionalism in the Burlington County Republican Party.[25]

In 2009, Allen was a leading candidate to join Chris Christie's ticket as the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor. Christie ultimately chose Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno instead.[2]

2021 lieutenant gubernatorial campaign

[edit]
Main article: 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election

Republican nominee for Governor Jack Ciattarelli announced his selection of Allen as his running mate on August 4, 2021. Allen was an early supporter of Ciattarelli's campaign and supervised his campaign's anti-harassment policies.[2] The pair lost the general election to the incumbent Democratic ticket of Phil Murphy and Sheila Oliver.[26]

Election results

[edit]
1995 New Jersey Assembly election[10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen 22,242 27.7
Republican Carmine de Sopo 20,480 25.5
Democratic Steven M. Petrillo (incumbent) 17,129 21.3
Democratic Joseph P. Dugan 17,014 21.2
Independent George Guzdek 1,188 1.5
Independent Susan Normandin 453 0.5
Independent Charles L. Normandin 314 0.4
Independent Dixie Lee Patterson 1,386 1.7
Republican gain from Democratic
New Jersey State Senate elections, 1997[14]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 30,875 53.7
Democratic Robert P. Broderick 25,501 44.3
Independent Norman E. Wahner 1,121 2.0
Republican gain from Democratic
New Jersey State Senate elections, 2001[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 29,756 54.1
Democratic Lou Gallagher 25,293 45.9
Republican hold
New Jersey State Senate elections, 2003[16]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 26,331 60.3
Democratic Diane F. Gabriel 17,331 39.7
Republican hold
New Jersey State Senate elections, 2007[27]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 23,185 55.6
Democratic Richard S. Dennison, Jr. 18,511 44.4
Republican hold
New Jersey State Senate primary elections, 2011[28]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 3,904 90.4
Republican Carol M. Lokan-Moore 416 9.6
Republican hold
New Jersey State Senate elections, 2011[20]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 27,011 57.0
Democratic Gail Cook 20,370 43.0
Republican hold
New Jersey State Senate elections, 2013[21]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Diane Allen (incumbent) 38,350 60.4
Democratic Gary Catrambone 25,106 39.6
Republican hold

Personal life

[edit]

As of 2021, Allen and her husband, Sam, live in Edgewater Park Township. They have two children.[2][29]

She is a Quaker.[2] Allen and her husband are members of Mt. Laurel Friends Meeting and Moorestown Friends Meeting, where she currently serves on the Ministry Committee.[citation needed]

In addition to her hang gliding and beauty pageant career, Allen is a judoka, national swimming champion, pilot, and sharpshooter.[2]

Health

[edit]

On November 9, 2009, Allen announced that she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of oral cancer.[30] Though doctors had initially thought that treatment would require removal of her tongue and that she would be unable to speak normally, surgery performed in 2010 did not greatly impair her speech, and she has since undergone radiation and laser treatments.[31]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Diane Allen

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Diane B. Allen (born March 8, 1948) is an American Republican politician and former broadcast journalist who represented 's 7th legislative district in the State Assembly from 1996 to 1998 and the State Senate from 1998 to 2018. Prior to her political , Allen worked for over 30 years in media, beginning as a radio reporter covering the and advancing to television news anchoring in , where she earned eight , a Peabody Award, and numerous other honors for her journalism. In the Senate, she served as deputy Republican conference leader from 2002 to 2003 and focused on issues including education, health care, and consumer protection, establishing a reputation as a moderate voice within her party during her 20-year tenure. Allen opted not to seek re-election in 2017, concluding her legislative service after two decades. She holds a B.A. in philosophy from Bucknell University and later served as president of VidComm, a communications firm.

Early Life and Education

Upbringing and Family Background

Diane Allen was born on March 8, 1948, in Newark, New Jersey. Her mother was born and raised in Newark, where she also married. Allen grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey, located in Burlington County, where her family settled after her birth. By 2011, she had lived in Burlington County for nearly five decades, indicating her family's relocation to the area occurred around 1961 or earlier. She attended Moorestown High School, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1966. Limited public records detail her early family dynamics, though her upbringing in suburban Burlington County preceded her pursuit of higher education and a career in broadcasting.

Academic and Early Influences

Allen graduated as from Moorestown High School in 1966, having been recognized as a National Merit Scholar Finalist for her academic achievements. Born in , on March 8, 1948, she was raised in Moorestown in Burlington County, where she developed an early interest in through teenage volunteering for missions in . She attended Bucknell University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1970. At Bucknell, Allen displayed leadership by founding the women's swimming team, which she captained to the AAU Nationals, and by competing on the rifle team, activities that highlighted her initiative and competitive drive. These academic experiences and extracurricular pursuits, combined with her early service-oriented volunteering, shaped Allen's trajectory toward journalism and public affairs broadcasting upon graduation, where she began at WWJZ Radio in Mount Holly, New Jersey, emphasizing community programming. Her philosophy education likely fostered analytical skills evident in her later investigative reporting and policy work.

Broadcasting Career

Entry and Rise in Journalism

Allen entered broadcasting immediately after graduating from Bucknell University in 1970 with a degree in philosophy, starting with public service programming at WWJZ radio in Mount Holly, New Jersey, before advancing to reporter and news director roles there. She then moved to the New Jersey Network, covering the State House beat as a reporter and eventually serving as the station's news anchor. In 1976, Allen joined in as host of a weekly women's program, quickly rising to noon anchor for and later hosting her own daily . She subsequently worked at an ABC affiliate in , contributing to her experience in major markets. By 1982, upon returning to , she had progressed to primary anchor, producer, and reporter, leading coverage of significant stories and producing documentaries. Allen's career ascent continued after 1989 at WCAU-TV, a CBS-owned station in , where she served as , evening , and education reporter until 1994. Over nearly two decades in across radio and television in and , she earned eight , a Peabody Award, and induction into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2005. This trajectory from local radio to executive roles in network-affiliated television underscored her rapid rise through investigative reporting, anchoring, and production in competitive markets.

Key Roles, Achievements, and Accolades

Allen served as a primary anchor, producer, and reporter at in from 1982 to 1989, where she covered local and regional news stories, including legislative developments in . Earlier in her career, she worked as a news anchor and television personality at WCAU-TV (Channel 10) and NJN, contributing to public affairs programming and on-air reporting in the market during the and . Her broadcasting tenure spanned over 30 years, during which she earned eight for excellence in news reporting and anchoring, recognizing her investigative work and on-air delivery. Allen also received a Peabody Award, one of broadcasting's highest honors, for distinguished achievement in , along with dozens of additional national and international accolades for her . In 2005, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia inducted Allen into their Hall of Fame, honoring her contributions to the region's media landscape as a pioneering female who advanced standards in television news. Following her departure from network television in 1994, she founded VidComm, a media production company that specialized in documentaries and corporate communications, extending her influence in broadcast production.

Discrimination Complaint and Departure

In June 1992, Diane Allen, then 44 years old and co-anchor of the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts at -TV (Channel 10), a CBS-owned station in , filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging age and sex discrimination. She contended that the station demoted her to anchoring only the 5 p.m. newscast as a result of bias against her age and gender, despite her established on-air presence since joining in 1989. The complaint escalated into a civil suit against , WCAU's parent company, focusing on discriminatory practices that curtailed her primary anchoring duties. In the proceedings, the government determined in Allen's favor, validating her claims of bias. She ultimately prevailed in the matter, securing a resolution that affirmed the station's actions as improper. Following the 1994 outcome, Allen chose to exit broadcasting entirely, citing the experience as a pivotal factor in redirecting her career toward and . This departure marked the end of her over two-decade tenure in , during which she had risen to prominence as a respected Philadelphia-area .

Political Career

New Jersey General Assembly Service

Diane Allen, a Republican, was elected to the from the 7th legislative district in the general election held on November 7, 1995. She won the Republican primary on June 6, 1995, securing the nomination for one of the district's two Assembly seats. Allen assumed office on January 9, 1996, representing parts of Burlington County including Edgewater Park, where she resided. During her tenure, which lasted until early 1998, she focused on issues affecting women and families, reflecting her background in and community service. In June 1996, she was appointed chairperson of the Assembly Advisory Council on Women, a body advising on gender-related policy matters. Allen's Assembly service was abbreviated as she successfully campaigned for the state in November 1997, defeating Democrat Rob Broderick and assuming the seat in January 1998, thereby vacating her Assembly position. Specific legislative sponsorships from this period are limited in public records, with her subsequent career yielding more extensive initiatives on health, education, and economic issues.

1995 Election and Initial Term

Diane Allen, a Republican, was elected to the from the 7th Legislative District in the general election held on November 7, 1995, assuming office on January 9, 1996, for a two-year term. The 7th District encompassed parts of Burlington County, including municipalities such as Bordentown, Burlington, and Delran. Her victory marked her entry into elective office following a career in , amid a Republican wave that year under Governor . During her initial Assembly term from 1996 to 1998, Allen focused on issues affecting women and families, including serving as chairperson of the Assembly Advisory Council on Women starting in June 1996. This role involved advising on policy matters related to , , and economic opportunities. She did not seek re-election to the Assembly in 1997, instead successfully campaigning for a seat in the State Senate, where she began serving in January 1998.

New Jersey State Senate Tenure

Diane B. Allen served as a Republican in the State representing the 7th legislative district from January 13, 1998, to January 8, 2018. Following her terms in the General Assembly, she won election to the in November 1997, assuming office at the start of the 1998–1999 session. During her tenure, Allen held leadership positions including Majority Whip from 1998 to 2001, Deputy Republican Conference Leader from 2002 to 2003, Republican Conference Leader in 2003, and Deputy Republican Leader in 2018. She served on committees such as those on , Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens, Military and Veterans' Affairs, and Public Schools. Allen secured re-election in 2001, 2005, 2007 (with 55.6 percent of the vote), 2011 (57 percent), and 2013 (60.4 percent). In January 2017, she announced she would not seek re-election that year, citing the need to address personal health issues after two decades in the legislature. Allen focused her legislative efforts on issues including women's rights, criminal justice, veterans' affairs, and education. She authored New Jersey's first anti-bullying law in the late 1990s, which has been updated periodically to address evolving challenges. She advocated for enhanced domestic violence protections, improving legal responses for victims including women and children. In criminal justice, Allen supported reforms requiring inmates to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences, effectively ending early-release programs, and establishing drug courts to divert minor offenders from incarceration with more serious criminals. For veterans, she sponsored S-307 to prioritize mental health treatment, such as for PTSD, over punitive measures. Allen also championed pay equity legislation imposing stricter penalties for sex-based wage discrimination, though a version was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie; the state later enacted the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act in April 2018, effective July 1, named in her honor. Additionally, she backed infrastructure projects like the River Line light rail in South Jersey despite initial opposition. Recognized as a moderate Republican, Allen engaged in bipartisan collaboration on measures promoting equality and public safety, often prioritizing practical outcomes over partisan lines. Her approach emphasized evidence-based reforms grounded in direct constituent needs rather than ideological extremes.

Elections and Re-elections

Allen was first elected to the State Senate in the November 4, 1997, general election for the 7th legislative district, an open seat following the retirement of Republican incumbent William E. Barbour; she received 54 percent of the vote against Democrat John A. Hartmann Jr. She won re-election on November 6, 2001, defeating Democrat Lou Gallagher in the district, which includes Republican-leaning suburbs in Burlington County. Allen secured further victories in the 2005, 2009, and 2013 general elections, facing Democratic challengers in each cycle but benefiting from the district's conservative tilt and her record as a pragmatic . In the November 5, 2013, contest, Allen defeated Democrat Gary Catrambone with 38,350 votes to 25,106, a margin exceeding 13,000 votes. Allen announced on January 31, 2017, that she would not seek a sixth term amid unspecified health concerns, concluding her service after the 2017-2018 legislative session.

Legislative Accomplishments and Key Initiatives

Allen was a primary sponsor and advocate for the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, signed into law on September 6, 2002, which required school districts to establish policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or on school buses. She continued to support enhancements to the law, including efforts in 2012 to accelerate tenure revocation for teachers found students and to preserve funding amid budget challenges. A key initiative was her sponsorship of the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, enacted on April 24, 2018, which amended the Law Against to prohibit pay disparities based on gender or other protected classes for substantially similar work, regardless of job title or geography, and imposed for violations. The legislation, named in her honor, expanded remedies and shifted the burden of proof to employers after one year of operation, reflecting her personal experiences with workplace bias. In veterans' affairs, Allen co-sponsored S-307, which established the Veterans Diversion Program under P.L. 2017, c.129, diverting eligible nonviolent veteran offenders with mental health or substance abuse issues from incarceration to treatment and case management, accounting for conditions like PTSD. She also contributed to establishing drug courts for non-violent offenders and supported mental health considerations in judicial proceedings for veterans.

Policy Positions and Notable Votes

Allen held moderate Republican positions, often aligning with bipartisan efforts on social and while supporting fiscal restraint. She advocated for stronger gun permit requirements, voting yes on A3689 in June 2016, which mandated justifiable need for handgun carry permits and passed the 22-17. On , she backed expanded use, including yes votes on S1707 (March 2016) to increase renewable portfolio standards (passed 23-15) and S988 (February 2016) authorizing offshore wind projects (passed 23-11), but opposed stringent regulations like cap-and-trade, voting yes on SCR125 (October 2014) to reject federal rules (passed 23-14). In healthcare, Allen supported access expansions for certain conditions, voting yes on A457 (August 2016) to authorize medical marijuana for PTSD patients (passed 28-9). She also endorsed reproductive options, voting yes on S866 (February 2015) to legalize enforceable gestational contracts (passed 21-13). On , she favored enhanced benefits for educators, voting yes on S2264 (June 2014) for additional teacher pension options (passed 21-15). Regarding fiscal matters, Allen supported restructuring for efficiency, including yes votes on A12 (October 2016) to reorganize certain state es (passed 24-14 with amendments) and A939 (October 2014) amending expenditure reporting (passed 23-14 with amendments). She also backed anti- measures, voting yes on S3067 (June 2017) prohibiting discrimination in public schools (passed 25-10). These votes reflect her pattern of crossing party lines on select issues, earning a as one of New Jersey's more centrist Republicans during her tenure.

Bipartisan Efforts, Compromises, and Criticisms

Allen frequently collaborated across party lines during her tenure, earning a reputation as one of New Jersey's more moderate Republicans. She spearheaded negotiations for pay equity legislation, working with Democratic Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Chris Christie's office to craft a bill that addressed business concerns over the original Democratic proposal's expansive salary history bans and damages provisions. In May 2017, Allen introduced S-992 as an alternative, which included strengthened penalties for wage discrimination but omitted certain Democratic demands, though Weinberg deemed it insufficiently comprehensive, stalling progress until a Democratic-led version passed under Phil in 2018 as the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act. Other bipartisan initiatives included her sponsorship of measures on veterans' issues and . In 2016, Allen co-sponsored legislation to divert nonviolent veteran offenders from traditional prosecution toward treatment programs, which advanced through committees with support from both parties. She also backed bills expanding training for public school teachers, requiring annual two-hour sessions, reflecting cross-aisle consensus on priorities. Allen voted in favor of mandates in 2016 (S-1707, passed 23-15), promoting increased use of clean sources, and supported stricter firearm permit requirements mandating justifiable need (A-3689, passed 22-17), positions that garnered some Democratic votes but highlighted her centrist approach within the GOP. These efforts drew mixed responses. Democrats occasionally criticized Allen's compromises as watered-down, as seen in Weinberg's rejection of her pay equity bill for lacking broader mechanisms. Within Republican ranks, her support for gun restrictions and environmental regulations elicited occasional conservative discontent, though she faced minimal overt intra-party challenges during her tenure, bolstered by her popularity in Burlington . Allen publicly lamented Democratic majorities blocking what she described as bipartisan Republican proposals on relief and other fiscal measures in . Overall, her pragmatic style facilitated passage of targeted reforms but underscored partisan divides on broader ideological issues.

2002 U.S. Senate Campaign

In February 2002, Diane Allen announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination in the U.S. race, seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Bob Torricelli amid his declining popularity due to ongoing ethics investigations and low approval ratings. Allen, a moderate Republican with a background in broadcasting and legislative experience, emphasized her bipartisan record and ability to appeal to independent voters in a state where Democrats held a registration advantage. The primary campaign pitted Allen against self-funded businessman Douglas Forrester and former John Matheussen, with Forrester emerging as the frontrunner due to his personal wealth enabling extensive advertising. Allen's strategy focused on her legislative accomplishments, such as advocacy for and fiscal restraint, positioning her as a credible alternative to Torricelli's perceived ; a poll in April 2002 showed her and Forrester narrowing the gap against the incumbent in hypothetical matchups. The New York Times endorsed Allen in the primary, praising her experience and electability over Forrester's lack of political background and Matheussen's regional focus. The Republican primary occurred on June 4, 2002, with Forrester securing the nomination after a competitive three-way contest.
CandidateVotesPercentage
Douglas Forrester97,27544.56%
Diane Allen80,47636.86%
John Matheussen40,86518.72%
Allen finished a close second, capturing strong support in suburban districts like her Burlington County base, but Forrester's financial resources proved decisive. Following the defeat, she returned to the State Senate, where she was appointed deputy Republican conference leader for the 2002-2003 session.

Later Campaigns and Activities

2021 Lieutenant Gubernatorial Campaign

In August 2021, Republican gubernatorial nominee selected former Diane Allen as his for , with the announcement made official on August 4 during an event in Moorestown. Allen, who had retired from the Senate in 2018 after two decades of service, was chosen for her record of bipartisan cooperation and success in winning elections in Democratic-leaning districts, aiming to broaden the ticket's appeal to moderate voters, independents, and women in suburban areas. The Ciattarelli-Allen campaign positioned Allen as a counter to Democratic incumbent Lieutenant Governor , emphasizing critiques of Governor Phil Murphy's administration on issues such as the treatment of women in state and services for vulnerable populations. Allen highlighted her legislative experience in advancing anti-discrimination measures, including a law bearing her name that protects victims of , while advocating for reduced property taxes, opposition to vaccine mandates, stricter immigration enforcement, and Second Amendment rights. Despite her moderate reputation, Allen's positions drew scrutiny for aligning with conservative stances on topics like and restrictions on athletes in school sports. Allen and Oliver participated in a single debate on October 6, 2021, hosted by , where they clashed over policies, federal responses under President , economic recovery, and education funding. Allen argued for greater parental choice in schools and criticized Democratic handling of and mandates, while Oliver defended the administration's pandemic measures and accused Republicans of undermining efforts. The general election occurred on November 2, 2021, pitting the Ciattarelli-Allen ticket against the Murphy-Oliver incumbents in a contest marked by high turnout and intense competition. Initial results showed Ciattarelli leading, but late-counted mail-in and provisional ballots from Democratic strongholds in urban counties shifted the outcome, securing victory for Murphy with 1,628,395 votes (51.2%) to Ciattarelli's 1,446,889 (45.5%). The Republican ticket conceded on November 12 after the margin held following certification, marking a narrow defeat despite gains in suburban and southern districts where Allen's name recognition aided turnout.

Post-Senate Advocacy and PAC Efforts

After retiring from the State Senate in January 2018 due to term limits, Diane Allen founded the bipartisan runWOMENserve in June 2018 to support the election of principled women candidates of both parties to the . The PAC's stated mission emphasizes recruiting, training, and funding women who demonstrate integrity and commitment to , regardless of partisan affiliation, addressing the underrepresentation of women in state politics. In October 2019, runWOMENserve endorsed several female Assembly candidates, including Republicans like Beth Anne MacDonald and Democrats such as Margie Donlon, highlighting its nonpartisan approach to increasing female legislative participation. Allen's advocacy through the PAC built on her legislative record of promoting women's issues, such as anti-discrimination measures, while focusing post-Senate efforts on expanding political pipelines for women via fundraising and mentorship rather than direct partisanship.

Electoral History

Assembly and Senate Election Results

Diane Allen was first elected to the representing the 7th Legislative District in the November 7, 1995, general election and re-elected on November 4, 1997, serving from January 9, 1996, to January 13, 1998. Allen won election to the State for the 7th District in the November 4, 1997, general election, defeating the Democratic incumbent, and assumed office on January 13, 1998. She secured re-election on November 6, 2001, November 6, 2007 (defeating Democrat Mark Capriotti), November 8, 2011, and November 5, 2013, before opting not to seek re-election in 2017. In the 2011 general election, Allen received 27,011 votes (57.0 percent) to Democrat Gail Cook's 20,370 votes (43.0 percent).
YearOfficePartyVotesPercentage
2011State Senate District 7Republican27,01157.0%
Democratic (Gail Cook)20,37043.0%
In the 2013 general election, Allen received 38,350 votes (60.5 percent) to Democrat Gary Catrambone's 25,106 votes (39.5 percent).
YearOfficePartyVotesPercentage
2013State Senate District 7Republican38,35060.5%
Democratic (Gary Catrambone)25,10639.5%

Major Campaign Outcomes

Allen's campaigns for the New Jersey State Senate in the 7th legislative district resulted in decisive victories, reflecting her strong local support in a politically mixed area spanning Burlington and Camden counties. In the 2003 , she secured 26,341 votes out of 44,939 ballots cast district-wide, defeating Democratic challenger Diane F. Gabriel. Her 2011 re-election bid yielded 27,011 votes against Democrat Gail Cook's 20,370, capturing approximately 57% of the vote in a contest that underscored her incumbency advantage amid challenges. Statewide efforts highlighted competitive but unsuccessful outcomes. In the June 4, 2002, Republican primary for U.S. , Allen placed second with 80,476 votes (36.86%), trailing business executive Doug Forrester's 97,275 (44.56%) in a field that included John Bannigan; the primary occurred amid uncertainty over Democratic Robert Torricelli's viability. Two decades later, as Jack Ciattarelli's for , Allen's ticket garnered 1,216,413 votes (46.5%) in the November 2, 2021, , falling short of Democratic incumbents Phil and Sheila Oliver's 1,339,471 (51.2%) in New Jersey's closest gubernatorial contest in over a decade.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Allen has been married to Samuel "Sam" Allen since meeting him in , where her early political interests also emerged. The couple has two children, Sarah and . As of 2025, Allen and her husband continue to reside together in Edgewater Park Township, Burlington County, in a historic originally built in 1748 and later expanded, which they listed for sale in January 2025 for $1.75 million.

Health Issues

In November 2009, Allen was diagnosed with late-stage , described by medical sources as an aggressive form originating in the mouth. She promptly began treatment, including surgery at the Hospital, with procedures occurring as early as the week following her public announcement on November 9. Allen underwent a six-month recovery period, during which she stepped away from legislative duties before returning to the New Jersey Statehouse in 2010. By April 2011, she had shared her experiences publicly, delivering a keynote address at Penn Medicine on her successful battle against the cancer. In January 2017, Allen announced her retirement from the Senate at the end of her term, citing unspecified health issues that she had previously attempted to disregard amid her ongoing responsibilities. No further details on these concerns were disclosed publicly, though her prior cancer treatment was noted in contemporaneous reporting.

Other Interests and Philanthropy

Allen has pursued a range of adventurous personal interests, including competitive , in which she and her husband won dozens of trophies and the in 1973. She also competed on the rifle team at and founded a team there that advanced to AAU Nationals. In , Allen is an avid collector of contemporary and emerging artists, beginning with a nude watercolor in the early 1980s and acquiring works by figures such as Ed Ruscha, , and Genevieve Gaignard. She supports artists through purchases, mentoring, and events like those at art fair, while serving on the board of Desert X since 2017 to host fundraisers and promote large-scale installations via VIA Art Projects. Allen's philanthropic efforts span health, community service, and women in leadership. In 2012, she donated a as a non-directed donor, sparking a chain of five transplants. She received the 2014 New Jersey Governor's Jefferson Award for activities including volunteering as a therapist at St. Barnabas , providing hand to retirees at Degnan Retirement House in West Orange, regular blood donations, and founding "A Mother’s Touch Therapeutic for Women" to aid local causes. As an survivor diagnosed in 2009, she has spoken at foundation events to raise awareness. She co-chairs Phase One Foundation, funding cancer clinical trials such as one for at Cedars-Sinai, and hosts "Art Versus Cancer" events. Additionally, she opened six recovery centers in and chaired the National Foundation for Women Legislators in 2014, producing fundraising videos for nonprofits through her company VidComm.

References

  1. https://ballotpedia.org/Diane_Allen
  2. https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/196414/Diane_B_Allen.html
  3. https://www.broadcastpioneers.com/dianeallen.html
  4. https://www.governing.com/gov-institute/wig/diane-allen.html
  5. https://www.thedailyjournal.com/story/news/2021/08/09/edgewater-park-senatordiane-allen-lieutenant-governor-pick-republican-candidate-jack-ciattrelli-2021/5471575001/
  6. https://observer.com/2011/02/diane-b-allen-r-burlington-2/
  7. https://ocf.donordrive.com/pages/1519
  8. https://sjmagazine.net/uncategorized/women-of-excellence-diane-allen
  9. https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2001/12/03/focus2.html
  10. https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2017/01/31/sen-diane-allen-retire-end-legislative-term/97291286/
  11. https://observer.com/2011/02/diane-b-allen-r-burlington/amp/
  12. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/8171/diane-allen
  13. https://southjerseymagazine.com/article/1975/A-Legislative-Legacy
  14. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1992/06/10/anchorwoman-alleges-age-sex-bias/
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/09/nyregion/in-person-seeking-the-spotlight.html
  16. https://www.phillyvoice.com/diane-allen-longtime-politician-and-former-broadcaster-retiring-office/
  17. https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1995/1995-general-election-results-general-assembly.pdf
  18. https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1995/1995-primary-election-results-general-assembly.pdf
  19. https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/news/2017/01/31/a-look-at-some-of-the-highlights/17653913007/
  20. https://www.nj.com/opinion/2017/10/after_3_decades_this_nj_leader_wont_be_back_in_tre.html
  21. https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562018/20180424a_equalpay.shtml
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/09/nyregion/results-of-senate-races-the-party-lines-hold-in-the-senate.html
  23. https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2013/2013-official-general-election-results-state-senate.pdf
  24. https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/news/2017/01/31/a-look-at-some-highlights/17653913007/
  25. https://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/2012/05/sen_diane_allen_proposes_accel.html
  26. https://observer.com/2012/01/allen-anti-bullying-law-must-be-saved/
  27. https://pub.njleg.gov/bills/2016/S0500/307_I1.HTM
  28. https://www.nj.com/opinion/2016/12/veterans_have_earned_right_to_treatment_not_jail_e.html
  29. https://votesmart.org/bill/21699/57458/8171/requires-justifiable-need-for-firearm-permits
  30. https://votesmart.org/bill/23372/60346/8171/prohibits-transgender-discrimination-in-schools
  31. https://votesmart.org/bill/21700/57459/8171/authorizes-medical-marijuana-treatment-for-ptsd
  32. https://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/8171/diane-allen
  33. https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/05/26/allen-introduces-new-pay-equity-bill-despite-sticking-point-for-weinberg-112374
  34. https://www.njspotlightnews.org/stories/17/05/30/gop-state-senator-offers-new-gender-pay-legislation-but-weinberg-won-t-support-it/
  35. https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2017/04/17-04-04-could-backroom-efforts-deliver-new-jersey-gender-pay-deal/
  36. http://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2016/06/bill-to-divert-nonviolent-veteran-offenders-clears-senate-panel-102740
  37. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/26/nyregion/new-jersey-bill-proposes-more-suicide-prevention-training-for-teachers.html
  38. https://votesmart.org/bill/21418/56191/8171/requires-increased-use-of-renewable-energy
  39. https://www.nj.com/times-opinion/2013/07/opinion_nj_democrat_leaders_bl.html
  40. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/03/nyregion/briefing-politics-diane-allen-for-senate.html
  41. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/28/nyregion/a-busy-legislator-who-hopes-to-challenge-torricelli.html
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/04/nyregion/voters-picking-candidate-to-run-against-torricelli.html
  43. https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release-legacy?releaseid=423
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/30/opinion/diane-allen-in-new-jersey.html
  45. https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?fips=34&year=2002&f=0&off=3&elect=2
  46. https://whyy.org/articles/jack-and-diane-take-on-nj-gov-murphy-over-state-services-treatment-of-women/
  47. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/ex-senator-tv-anchor-diane-allen-is-ciattarellis-running-mate/2911579/
  48. https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2021/08/02/ciattarelli-to-name-former-state-sen-diane-allen-as-his-running-mate-1389385
  49. https://newjerseymonitor.com/2021/08/05/in-allen-ciattarelli-finds-a-champion-for-women/
  50. https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2021/08/04/new-lieutenant-governor-candidate-allen-goes-after-murphy-on-treatment-of-women-1389470
  51. https://www.nj.com/politics/2021/08/touted-as-moderate-gop-lt-gov-candidate-diane-allen-veers-right-on-immigrants-guns-lgbtq.html
  52. https://patch.com/new-jersey/moorestown/who-ciattarellis-running-mate-diane-allen-see-key-issues
  53. https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/diane-allen-new-jersey-lieutenant-governor-campaign-20210822.html
  54. https://whyy.org/articles/candidates-for-lt-gov-spar-in-debate-welcome-biden-to-n-j/
  55. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/nj-lieutenant-governor-candidates-oliver-allen-set-to-debate/2981155/
  56. https://www.politico.com/election-results/2021/new-jersey/governor/
  57. https://newjerseymonitor.com/tag/diane-allen/
  58. https://www.npr.org/2021/11/02/1050183040/new-jersey-governor-election-results-murphy-ciattarelli
  59. https://whyy.org/segments/former-n-j-state-senator-diane-allen-starts-pac-to-help-women-get-in-politics/
  60. https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/06/08/allen-creates-pac-to-help/12030134007/
  61. https://cawp.rutgers.edu/node/4066
  62. https://newjerseyglobe.com/legistature/pac-founded-by-diane-allen-endorses-assembly-candidates/
  63. https://www.nj.com/elections/2007/11/7th_dist_three_republicans_see.html
  64. https://newjerseyglobe.com/section-2/diane-allens-last-day-in-trenton/
  65. https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2011/2011-official-gen-elect-state-senate-results-050817.pdf
  66. https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2003/2003-7th_legis_dist.pdf
  67. https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=2021&fips=34&f=3&off=5&elect=0&minper=0
  68. https://whyy.org/articles/diane-allen-selling-historic-mansion-new-jersey/
  69. https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/home/delaware-river-mansion-edgewater-park-new-jersey-for-sale-20250115.html
  70. https://www.nj.com/news/2009/11/nj_state_sen_diane_allen_is_di.html
  71. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/former-tv-anchor-diane-allen-has-cancer/1891032/
  72. https://observer.com/2009/11/allen-battling-cancer-to-undergo-surgery-as-early-as-this-week/
  73. https://www.nj.com/insidejersey/2010/08/back_from_surgery_for_oral_can.html
  74. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nj-sen-diane-allen-return_ws_568254
  75. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/senator-diane-allen-gives-keynote-speech-at-penn-medicine-about-her-battle-with-cancer/
  76. https://theartcollector.org/an-interview-with-art-collector-and-philanthropist-diane-allen/
  77. https://www.nj.com/helpinghands/jeffersonawards/2014/07/allen2014.html
  78. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=oralcancer&set=a.1368813889839552
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