Erik Simonsen has been an assemblyman since 2019.

A lifelong resident of Lower Township, he previously served as councilman from 2013 to 2016 and mayor from 2017 to 2018.

Simonsen graduated from the College of New Jersey with a degree in fine arts. After earning a degree in special education from Rutgers University, he attended the University of Scranton where he received a master’s in educational administration. He is the athletic director of Lower Cape May Regional High School.

Simonsen has a diverse background beyond elected office. He is a singer, songwriter and front man of the band Twelve:01. Over the years, he has performed with They Might Be Giants, Nils Lofgren of The E Street Band, Edwin McCain, Jewel, and many more national artists.

Simonsen and his wife, Anna, have two daughters.