Olympics Legend Carl Lewis Barred From NJ Senate Race

Olympics legend Carl Lewis has fallen at the first hurdle in his bid to become an elected politician. The nine-time gold medalist has been barred from running for a seat in the New Jersey state Senate because he hasn’t lived in the state long enough, the New York Daily News reports.

Carl Lewis will appeal, his lawyer says. (Getty Images Photo)

Lewis had wanted to appear on the Democratic primary ballot in Burlington County but was ruled ineligible because candidates have to have lived in the state for four years, ruled New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.

Lewis has had addresses in New Jersey for six years, but Guadagno overturned a state judge’s ruling because, she said, his principal residence for much of the time was in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Lewis’ lawyer, Bill Tambussi, attacked the Republican Guadagno and said an appeal is likely as Lewis attempts to get on the June 7 ballot. "It is clear that this administration will do anything to keep Carl Lewis off the ballot,” he said.

Lewis is one of the greatest Olympians of all time. He won golds for the long jump in four consecutive games between 1984 and 1996. He won five more for sprinting events. He also won one silver.

Even if he wins his appeal and the primary, he would face an uphill battle unseating Republican Dawn Marie Addiego in November. The Republican she replaced midterm won the seat in 2007 with 61 percent of the vote.