Atlantic City Council Candidate Leaves Race: Fiancé Has Cancer

A candidate for Atlantic City, New Jersey Council has left the race effective immediately.

John Devlin was running on the Atlantic City Mayoral candidate Bob McDevitt slate.

The McDevitt team is running against Atlantic City Mayor Marty Smalls’ ticket in the June, 2025 Democrat Primary election.

It is a big loss to the McDevitt ticket, as Devlin has tremendous local government experience.

Devlin served for 20 years on the Atlantic City, Board of Education, many of those years as the president of the board. Devlin also served as the chairman of the Atlantic City municipal utilities authority.

Devlin reached out to notify us regarding his unavoidable decision.

Unfortunately I have to suspend my campaign. My fiancé has been diagnosed with xxxxxxx cancer. She is my right hand, and after a long thought out process … I have decided suspend my run for city council. I wanted you to hear it from me first. Horrible year after losing my father, a disabled veteran and a legend in Atlantic City, said Devlin.

Devlin also wrote a close-knit group about his decision last night:

“Hello everyone:

Sorry for the late text. I wanted to tell you that Tara was at University of Penn all day today. Although the news wasn't great, she is very strong and brave. She has a long road ahead of her as l'm sure you are aware. With that being said, I have to terminate my council bid. With the passing of her mother in August and my father in November this has been a very trying year to say the least.

Unfortunately I won't be able to continue our journey with you at this time; however I will be as supportive as I can under present circumstances. I will definitely help to find my replacement and help collect signatures. I am proud of our team, I know you guys will be successful.

Please respect my decision, it did not come easy.

Stay safe and healthy, peace and blessings-“

JD

In closing, we have been trying to gain public awareness about the deplorable condition of the Atlantic City Chelsea, Little League baseball stadium. The complex is in significant disrepair, with graffiti everywhere and trash throughout.

Here are photos that incontrovertibly show that this is the case, see below: