Proposal to Rename Delaware Bay Sparks Debate in South Jersey

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY — A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate is calling for a rebrand of one of the state's most well-known waterways. State Senator Michael Testa of Cumberland County is pushing legislation that would rename the Delaware Bay to the “Bay of New Jersey.” The proposal is drawing swift reaction from residents and regional observers, many of whom are questioning the need for such a change. Supporters of the bill argue the bay plays a more significant role for New Jersey than Delaware, particularly along the South Jersey shoreline. They claim the name change would better represent the communities the bay directly supports.
The Delaware Bay, which has held its current name for centuries, serves as a natural border between the two states. While its historical identity is tied to early colonial exploration, Senator Testa’s bill aims to reframe the name to reflect New Jersey's modern stake in its economy, ecology, and recreation. The bill is currently in committee and would need full Senate approval before advancing. No timeline has been announced for a vote. This isn’t the first time a geographic name change has drawn public attention. Comparisons are already being made to past high-profile suggestions, including a previous proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico. For now, the Delaware Bay remains unchanged, but the idea is officially on the table — and the reaction across South Jersey has been a mix of curiosity, confusion, and criticism.