As we get closer to the May 10 municipal elections followed by the June 7 primary election date, North-JerseyNews.com will post a weekly notebook of press releases produced by the candidates.
Congressional
5th Congressional District
Nick De Gregorio released the following statement in response to his decisive victory at the Bergen County Republican Organization’s (“BCRO”) Annual Convention. The vote count was as follows: Nick De Gregorio: 302; Frank Pallotta: 116; Fred Schneiderman: 15; and Seb Skenderi: 3.
“I am honored beyond words to have received overwhelming support from the place I have called home for my entire life,” said De Gregorio. “For months, our campaign of grassroots supporters has worked tirelessly to earn the votes of the Bergen County Committee through hundreds of hours of door knocking and phone calls. Both our success tonight and the enormous turnout at the Convention point to the kind of momentum that will fuel our campaign to victory in the primary and ultimately against Josh Gottheimer this fall. We will proudly fight for Bergen County communities against the Biden-Gottheimer inflationary agenda all the way to victory this November. We will need all hands on deck to defeat Josh Gottheimer, and I ask my primary opponents to join me in this next phase of this critical campaign.”
De Gregorio, as winner of the BCRO County Convention, has earned a key position on the Republican Party line in the June primary. In the newly-drawn Fifth Congressional District, Bergen County makes up over 80% of the population, and success there will be crucial to prevailing in both the primary and general elections
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Republican Congressional candidate Frank Pallotta has continued to pick up the support of Republican leaders in his race against incumbent Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D). Not only has Mr. Pallotta won the recommendation of the Sussex County Republican Committee’s screening committee but he has also been endorsed by Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada.
“As a businessman, Frank Pallotta understands the challenges residents are facing and has the background and experience to come up with real solutions. He has been unwavering in his support of our party and candidates over the years,” Sheriff Strada stated. “Crime is on the rise due to ‘defund the police’ activists and politicians. Frank knows the importance of supporting the men and women in law enforcement who put on the uniform each and every day to keep us safe.”
Sheriff Strada continued, “Frank is the only proven conservative candidate of all those seeking the GOP nomination. He understands the financial burden facing our residents and is aligned with our values, having previously obtained the endorsement of New Jersey Right to Life and the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund.”
Pallotta won the support of the Sussex GOP and Sheriff Strada after also being awarded the Passaic County Republican Organization’s support by an overwhelming margin on January 28th.
Mr. Pallotta said, “I am grateful to the Sussex County Republican Committee and to Sheriff Strada. We are at a tipping point in this country given the lack of leadership in Washington. New Jerseyans need a conservative voice in Congress to push back against an agenda that is costing residents at the pump, at the grocery store, and on their tax bills. I’m encouraged that with the organizational Support of Passaic County and the Sussex County Screening Committee, we are in a great position to take back District 5!”
Despite wanting its support, Pallotta noted candidate Nick De Gregorio did not even bother to appear before the Sussex County Republican Committee’s screening committee, which is made up of several conservative leaders around New Jersey, to answer questions regarding 2021.
7th Congressional District
Tom Kean, Jr. won the Somerset County Republican convention on Tuesday, giving him a clean sweep of Republican organization lines in his bid to oust Rep. Tom Malinowski in New Jersey’s 7th district.
Kean defeated Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) by a wide margin, 85 to 47 (59%-33%), with John Henry Isemann finishing third with 10 votes (7%). U.S. Navy veteran Sterling Irwin Schwab received 2 votes (1%), with no votes going to Fredon Mayor John Floria or salon owner Rob Trugman. Phil Rizzo did not compete in Somerset.
Kean, the former minority leader of the New Jersey State Senate, ends the convention season with organization lines in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset and Union counties and the endorsement of the Warren County Republicans.
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Congressman Tom Malinowski and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters announced the endorsement of Congressman Malinowski’s re-election campaign by the union today.
“Having leaders in Washington that step up for hard-working union families and fights for real investment for them is important,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, “The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters is proud to announce we stand behind Congressman Malinowski’s re-election and are committed to working with him to ensure the infrastructure investment he fought so hard for puts skilled New Jersey workers in the best position to support their families.”
“I’m proud to have delivered for New Jersey’s working men and women by bringing home good-paying jobs, apprenticeships, and protecting prevailing wage, and look forward to partnering with the Carpenters to advance our shared values,” said Congressman Malinowski.
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2021 Republican Nominee for Governor Jack Ciattarelli announced his support of Tom Kean Jr. ahead of the Somerset County Republican Organization Convention.
“ As a Hillsborough Township County Committee Member and former Somerset County officeholder, I have the privilege of casting a vote at the convention,” said Ciattarelli. “The goal of elections is to win. With that singular goal in mind, I’ll be casting my vote for Tom Kean, Jr., for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, as he unquestionably is the best candidate in this race to flip this seat.”
“Two years ago, under incredibly challenging circumstances, Tom came within 1% of beating the incumbent. His name recognition, ability to raise money, and an experienced political team are all unique to his candidacy and are critical attributes to winning this election. I know and respect all the candidates. They all have the District’s best interest at heart. But Tom is in the absolute best position to unseat Tom Malinowski, return the seat to our party, and bring some mainstream, common sense conservatism to Washington, DC.”his positions and candidacy.
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The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund has endorsed Tom Malinowski in his campaign to hold New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. LCV Action Fund is committed to helping to protect and expand the pro-environment House and Senate majorities.
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund, the connected federal political action committee (PAC) of the League of Conservation Voters, works to elect leaders who stand up for a clean, healthy environment and to defeat anti-environment candidates who oppose climate action. Since the 1990 election cycle, LCVAF has helped elect and re-elect 95 U.S. Senators and 462 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Over the last several years, their efforts have also helped elevate climate change and clean energy as critical issues in key elections.
“LCV Action Fund is proud to support this diverse group of climate champions for re-election to the U.S. House – the urgent need for climate action and environmental justice could not be more clear,” said LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld. “These members representing diverse communities across the country have been stalwart advocates for the transformational climate, clean energy, and jobs investments we need and we know they will continue to fight until protections for our climate and democracy are delivered.”
“The time for aggressive action on climate change is now,” said Malinowski. “I’ve prioritized this fight in the House through supporting legislation that would protect our waters and open spaces, build climate-resilient infrastructure, transition us away from fossil fuels, and grow our clean energy economy. I’m ready to continue tackling the climate crisis alongside our leaders at LCV Action Fund.”
8th Congressional District
The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) announced its support of Robert Menendez, Jr., for Congress.
“There is little doubt that like his father, Bob Menendez, Jr., will take with him to Washington a strong belief in collective bargaining, which is critically important to New Jersey’s working families. IFPTE is proud to support him,” said Gerry Newsome, IFPTE Executive Vice President/Atlantic Area Vice President.
Barry Kushnir, Local 194 President, added “IFPTE Local 194 is proud to support Robert Menendez, Jr., in his candidacy to represent New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. Menendez shares our commitment to respect, inclusiveness and the belief that all working people should have the tools to succeed. He will be an outstanding representative for the state and New Jersey’s 8th District.”
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Rob Menendez and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters announced the endorsement of Menendez’s campaign for New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District.
“Hard working union families are witnessing a moment in history where more and more union supporting leaders are taken steps to help defend workers’ right, grow opportunity for workers, and protect union apprenticeship,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, “As the funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is beginning to be allocated, we need to support candidates like Robert Menendez Jr. We trust in his ability to support local projects and represent New Jersey union families.”
“I am honored to earn the endorsement of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. They represent the hard-working families that I’m fighting for, the families I want to strengthen,” said Rob Menendez “Organized labor literally built our country, and I want to go to Congress to make sure that unions remain a strong part of helping create a stronger middle class.”
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Democratic congressional candidate Rob Menendez has picked up the endorsement of the Hudson County Central Labor Council as he seeks to succeed retiring Rep. Albio Sires (D-West New York) in New Jersey’s 8th district.
“In a time where the right to organize is at great risk and our hardworking union brothers and sisters are consistently being asked to work more for less, Rob Menendez will be the ally that we need and deserve in Congress,” said Hudson County Central Labor Council President Barry Kushnir. “Rob understands the needs of the working men and women that power our county every single day, and that is why we are proud to stand with him as he runs to represent us in Congress. We look forward to getting to work to ensure that come January 2022, Rob is in Washington to fight for union labor and our rights to advocate for well-paying jobs and safe work conditions.”
9th Congressional District
U.S. Air Force veteran Billy Prempeh won a landslide victory in his bid for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 9th district, defeating Patrick Quinn, 154-20, an 89%-11% victory at tonight’s Bergen County Republican convention.
Passaic County Republicans have already awarded Prempeh their organization line. Rep. Bill Pascrell is the incumbent.
Quinn, a Pompton Lakes realtor, had initially sought the Republican nomination for Conrgess in the 11th district against Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair). He switched to the 9th after his hometown was redistricted there.
10th Congressional District
Gov. Phil Murphy endorsed Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. in the upcoming Democratic primary election in the 10th District, which includes parts of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties. Praising Congressman Payne’s record of delivering for working families, Governor Murphy enthusiastically backed the veteran Democrat and believes that his leadership is essential on major federal projects that are critical for New Jersey’s future, like the Gateway Program.
“Congressman Payne is a fighter for working families who stands up for our communities every day. He’s never failed to deliver – from helping create 400,000 middle-class, union jobs at major infrastructure projects, to ensuring that lifesaving cancer screenings are covered by Medicare, to providing funding to remove lead pipes from homes in our cities, to protecting a woman’s right to choose, to supporting much-needed funding for COVID-19 response and Hurricane Ida recovery and much more,” said Governor Murphy. “A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Payne understands the challenges that our urban communities face and is absolutely the right leader to continue delivering the resources we need to keep our neighborhoods safe, create more good-paying job opportunities, and protect our rights and our values. I’m eager to support Congressman Payne’s re-election and look forward to continuing to work closely with him to deliver for the people of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties.”
Congressman Payne thanked Governor Murphy for his endorsement and praised his leadership, saying: “I’m so thankful to have a Governor like Phil Murphy who has a real record of progress. Governor Murphy is a champion for New Jersey’s working families, delivering on issues like raising the minimum wage, protecting workers’ rights, expanding health care coverage and always getting the job done here in New Jersey. I’m proud to have Governor Murphy’s support and to call him a friend and a partner. Together, we will keep fighting for the people of the 10th District.”
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U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) is announcing the endorsement of the leaders of the County Board of Commissioners in each of the counties within the 10th Congressional District. Essex County Commissioner President Wayne Richardson, Hudson County Commission Chair Anthony Vainieri and Union County Commission Chair Rebecca Williams are the latest public officials to join the Payne for Congress campaign.
“I served in county government and know how much the work that gets done there can impact residents’ quality of life, so I’m very thankful to receive this support from the leaders of each county board,” said Congressman Payne. “Elected officials at the local and county level know what their constituents need from the federal government, and I’m gratified they recognize the work we’re doing to deliver for working families across the 10th District.”
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark), releasing a video showcasing her support that was played at last night’s inaugural “Women for Payne” fundraising event. Speaker Pelosi praised Congressman Payne’s leadership on critical issues like job creation, public safety and health care.
“I’m proud to endorse Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., because he’s a proven champion for working families and a leader his district can count on,” said Speaker Pelosi in the endorsement video. “Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Biden’s Infrastructure bill, landmark legislation that will help create over 400,000 jobs in New Jersey, and he’s been a leader in expanding access to affordable health care. I’m glad to call Donald Payne, Jr., not just a colleague, but a friend.”
Headlined by First Lady Tammy Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, the campaign’s “Women for Payne” event was held last night at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark and was attended by hundreds of guests who were there to show their strong support for Congressman Payne. The Payne campaign will be hosting additional events through “Women for Payne” and will work to connect with female Democratic voters from throughout the 10th District over the coming weeks.
“Nancy Pelosi is a true icon and someone who has accomplished more than any other House Speaker before her, so earning her support today is incredibly humbling,” said Congressman Payne. “I’m proud to have stood with Speaker Pelosi to deliver real progress for working families, like passing the Infrastructure bill I co-wrote to create quality middle class jobs and provide more economic opportunities for New Jersey residents. I thank Speaker Pelosi for her gracious support and look forward to continuing to work with her to get the job done for the American people.”
11th Congressional District
The race for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district has a new candidate: Ruth McAndrew, a registered nurse and third generation farmer from Randolph.
A clinical manager at Bayada Home Health Care, McAndrew has worked as a hospice nurse and as a pulmonary staff nurse at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. She owns Miller’s Hill Farm in Randolph.
“It’s time for the people to take back the House,” McAndrew said. “As you congresswoman, I will go wild on DC.”
McAndrew did not participate in the Morris County convention or Passaic County screening committee. She filed her nominating petitions with the New Jersey Secretary of State this week but has not yet filed with the Federal Election Commission.
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Larry Casha has ended his campaign for Congress in CD-11 after Casha lost the Morris County endorsement by 15 votes two weeks ago to Tayfun Selen.
“Thank you to everyone who dedicated their time and money to our effort to improve representation for the 11th congressional district,” he said in a Facebook post. “Debra and I deeply appreciate it.”
Casha is a former councilman in Kinnelon and a county representative on the state Republican committee. Long an active Republican, a number of Casha’s attempts to win election to the state Legislature and now Congress have been unsuccessful.
Two years ago, he willingly backed out of the CD-11 race in deference to Rosemary Becchi, who lost to Mikie Sherrill by almost 30,000 votes.
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U.S. Army combat veteran Toby Anderson plans to continue his bid for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district despite losing the Morris County GOP organization line.
A first-time candidate and relatively late entrant into the race, Anderson caught some notice with an unexpectedly strong third place finish at the Morris Republican convention on March 5. He came within five votes of securing a runoff berth against Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen.
“I’m not a political insider or a career politician – I’m a three tour Iraq Veteran, small business owner, and father of three young children that is disgusted with what I see happening in Congress and concerned for our future,” Anderson said. “Under Joe Biden and congressional liberals, we have seen record inflation, global unrest, open borders and endless mandates. Today, New Jersey families are less wealthy, less safe, and less free.”
Anderson is trying to rebrand Sherrill, who was called “Montclair Mikie” in her 2018 House race, to “Mute Mikie” in 2022.
“Make no mistake, we’re not going to defeat Mikie Sherrill with another political insider or entrenched politician. To beat Mikie Sherrill we need an outsider, a conservative fighter who will stand up to the broken machine to get this country back on track,” said Anderson. “I’ve fought for my country before, and with your support, I’m ready to continue that service.
