TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey’s top elections official won’t certify nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis as a candidate for state Senate.

Republican Secretary of State Kim Guadagno (GWAH’-dah-noh) says the Democratic former track star doesn’t meet New Jersey’s four-year residency requirement to run.

Lewis grew up in Willingboro and says he’s owned a home in New Jersey since 2005. But he attended college in Texas and also owns a home and business in California.

Lewis’ lawyer asked Tuesday for immediate intervention from the federal judge hearing the case. Bill Tambussi says Guadagno’s conduct in the case raises “important issues that require urgent attention.”

An appeals panel allowed the 50-year-old Lewis to appear on the June primary ballot. He would face Republican Sen. Dawn Addiego for the 8th legislative district seat.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.