In the 1977 Democratic primary for the Senate seat, Hawkins and tennis star Althea Gibson challenged incumbent Frank J. Dodd, who had the support of Essex County Democratic organization under County Chairman Harry Lerner.
Hawkins successfully sought designation as a “Transit village”, triggering state technical and financial help for transit-oriented development around Orange’s two train stations.
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Having moved to Orange, he was preparing to run for the City Council in the May 2008 municipal elections when the incumbent mayor, Mims Hackett was indicted for bribery in a federal corruption probe.
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Hawkins’ reform campaign won the support of State Senator and former Governor Richard Codey, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and two members of the Orange City Council.
Coleman Hawkins | John Hawkins | Jack Hawkins | Ronnie Hawkins | Charles Hawkins | Jennifer Hawkins | Howie Hawkins | Eldridge Cleaver | John Hawkins (Columnist) | George Hawkins | Florence Eldridge | William Hawkins | Sophie B. Hawkins | Screamin' Jay Hawkins | Hawkshaw Hawkins | Erick Hawkins | Spike Hawkins | Paula Hawkins | John Isaac Hawkins | Jeff Hawkins | Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur | Ernie Hawkins | Eldridge M. Moores | Eldridge, Iowa | Dan Hawkins | William Hawkins (songwriter and poet) | Sir Christopher Hawkins, 1st Baronet | Sadie Hawkins dance | Richard Hawkins | Phil Hawkins |
In 1971, following legislative redistricting, Wilson lost his seat in a close contest to Democrats Eldridge Hawkins and Peter G. Stewart.