Today, community activist John Hsu announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives. Hsu is facing off against incumbent Frank Pallone in the June 4th Democratic primary to represent New Jersey’s 6th congressional district, which covers more than half of Middlesex County, the Bayshore, and parts of Monmouth County.
Pallone has represented the sixth district since 1993 and the third district since 1988 before that, Hsu noted in a release. Most recently, he has come under fire for “repeatedly ignoring his constituents’ demands for a permanent and immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” said the challenger.
Recent polling shows that more than 75 percent of likely Democratic voters support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“I am running for the office of Congress because we always seem to have enough money for military aid and foreign interventions but not enough money for healthcare, education, and housing for our citizens,” said Hsu. “Voters who support a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza need someone to vote for who matches their values.”
Hsu describes himself as a labor, environmental and human rights activist who has helped the striking nurses at RWJ New Brunswick. He also led a successful grassroots campaign against the proposed power plant in Woodbridge and is now organizing for a ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian aid in Gaza. He was a former delegate for Bernie Sanders in 2020, former chair of the Edison Democratic Organization progressive caucus, and former chair of Our Revolution Middlesex.
“Like many other Central Jersey residents, I have called on Congressman Pallone to urge him to stand on the right side of history and use his voice to end the genocide in Gaza,” said Hsu. “We need someone who will truly stand and fight for progressive values.”
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New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone is facing a Democratic primary challenge in the upcoming election. Pallone, who has represented New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District since 1988, is being challenged by community activist and political newcomer Russ Cirincione.
Cirincione, a former teacher and small business owner, is running on a platform of progressive policies and promises to bring new ideas and fresh energy to the district. He has criticized Pallone for being too entrenched in Washington politics and not doing enough to address the needs of his constituents.
Pallone, on the other hand, touts his long record of service and accomplishments in Congress. He is the chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and has been a vocal advocate for healthcare reform, environmental protection, and consumer rights.
The primary race between Pallone and Cirincione is expected to be closely watched, as it could signal a shift in the Democratic Party towards more progressive candidates. Pallone has the advantage of name recognition and a strong fundraising base, but Cirincione’s grassroots campaign has been gaining momentum in recent months.
Ultimately, the outcome of the primary will depend on voter turnout and support for each candidate’s platform. New Jersey residents will have the opportunity to decide who they believe is best suited to represent their interests in Congress.
