Soaries to kick off run for House

DeForrest Soaries

The Rev. Dr. DeForrest "Buster" Soaries Jr., the former New Jersey secretary of state, will kick off his campaign for the 12th Congressional District seat held by Rush Holt (D-12) April 17 on the steps of the Hall of Records, Freehold.

Soaries is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset section of Franklin Township. Since Soaries assumed leadership, the church membership has grown from 1,500 to 6,000 members.

Soaries led First Baptist in the construction of its $17 million church complex, and led it in forming many nonprofit entities to serve the community such as the First Baptist Community Development Corp., the Renaissance Education and Technology Academy, and the Harvest of Hope Family Services Network.

Appointed by former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, he served as the state’s secretary of state from 1999-2002. During his tenure, Soaries was responsible for the creation and implementation of "V-Free," a statewide youth-led violence prevention program.

Soaries received his bachelor of arts degree from Fordham University, New York City, a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, and a doctor of ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary. He resides in Franklin Park with his wife, Donna, and their twin sons, Malcolm and Martin.