The Garden State Equality Action Fund today formally released its endorsements for this year’s election cycle:
FEDERAL
As attacks on LGBTQ+ rights ramp up, particularly against queer and trans youth, it’s more urgen than ever to elect federal candidates who will unapologetically defend LGBTQ+ communities both in the Garden State and across the country.
President: Kamala Harris
U.S. Senate: Andy Kim
CD 1: Donald Norcross*
CD 2: Joe Salerno
CD 3: Dr. Herb Conaway Jr.
CD 4: Matt Jenkins
CD 5: Josh Gottheimer*
CD 6: Frank Pallone*
CD 7: Sue Altman
CD 8: Rob Menendez*
CD 9: Nellie Pou
CD 10: LaMonica McIver
CD 11: Mikie Sherrill*
CD 12: Bonnie Watson Coleman*
*Incumbent
LOCAL
This year, we have endorsed more local candidates than ever before, as we know public servants who demonstrate a commitment to creating change on the most cellular level are often the most critical agents of change for the LGBTQ+ community.
BERGEN
Kristian Rasmussen and Lisa Bontemps for Westwood Borough Council
Tracy Zur and Steven Tanelli for Bergen County Commissioner
Jennifer Harris, Leila Amirhamzeh and Eugina Gilmore for Hackensack Board of Education
BURLINGTON
Jason Fajgier, Casey Carty and Bjana Swinson for Mount Holly Council
Eric Holliday for Bordentown Council
Susan Mammarella, James Barry and Christopher Keating for Moorestown Council
Samantha Loveman for Hainesport Council
Felicia Hopson and Tyler Burrell for Burlington County Commissioner
ESSEX
Monica Charris Tabares for Bloomfield Council-at-Large
Jenny Mundell for Bloomfield Mayor
Tammy Williams for West Orange Council
Arun Vadlamani, Bethany Joseph and Qawi Telesford for South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education
Nicholas Scotti for Nutley Board of Education
Amir Jones for Essex County Sheriff
GLOUCESTER
Jo Miller for Woodbury Council, 1st Ward
MERCER
Jennifer Williams for Trenton City Council, North Ward
Teska Frisby for Trenton City Council, West Ward
Mark Freda for Princeton Mayor
Terrance Stokes, Samuel Frisby and Kristin McLaughlin for Mercer County Commissioner
Ari Meisel and Chris Santarpio for Princeton Board of Education
MIDDLESEX
Ron Rios and Shanti Narra for Middlesex County Commissioner
MONMOUTH
Eileen Chapman, Yvonne Clayton and Amy Quinn for Asbury Park Council
Jose Pujols and Brian Dougherty for Atlantic Highlands Council
Michael ‘Mike’ Morris for Middletown Council
Kimberly Karalovich for Neptune City Council
Nikki Darling for Allentown Council
Derel Stroud for Neptune Township Committee
Danielle Mastropiero for Monmouth County Commissioner
MORRIS
Ben Weisman for Boonton Council
Janice Bakera for Jefferson Township Council
Justin Strickland, William ‘Bud” Ravitz and Jonathan Sackett for Morris County Commissioner
Karol Ruiz for Dover Township Councilmember
TC McCourt for Dover Board of Education Board
OCEAN
Zachary Dougherty for Toms River Council, 2nd Ward
SOMERSET
Frank ‘Skip’ Stabile and Aimee Corzo for North Plainfield Council
Sara Sooy and Shanel Y. Robinson for Somerset County Commissioner
SUSSEX
Jason Boehm for Sussex County Commissioner
UNION
Danni Newbury for Rahway City Council, 5th Ward
Kimberly Palmer Mouded, Alexander Mirabella and James E. Baker Jr for Union County Commissioner
Leslie Rippon for Rahway Board of Education
WARREN
Christopher Bauknight for Washington Borough Council
As New Jersey’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization for over 20 years, we endorse candidates across the political spectrum who demonstrate a strong commitment to uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community through education, advocacy, and a steadfast dedication to equality in New Jersey and nationwide. This year, protecting LGBTQ+ youth is our top priority in response to escalating political attacks from well-funded national campaigns.
In solidarity,
Garden State Equality Action Fund
The Garden State Equality Election Fund, a political action committee dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and equality in New Jersey, has recently released its endorsements for the upcoming election. The organization has carefully selected candidates who have shown a commitment to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the key endorsements made by the Garden State Equality Election Fund is for Governor Phil Murphy, who is seeking re-election. Governor Murphy has been a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community, signing legislation to protect transgender individuals from discrimination and working to ensure equal rights for all New Jersey residents.
In addition to Governor Murphy, the Garden State Equality Election Fund has endorsed a number of other candidates running for various offices across the state. These endorsements are based on each candidate’s record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, as well as their commitment to advancing equality and inclusivity in New Jersey.
The endorsements made by the Garden State Equality Election Fund are important for the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey, as they provide voters with guidance on which candidates are most likely to champion their interests and fight for their rights. By supporting these endorsed candidates, voters can help ensure that the progress made in advancing LGBTQ+ equality in New Jersey continues.
In a statement announcing the endorsements, the Garden State Equality Election Fund emphasized the importance of electing leaders who will prioritize LGBTQ+ rights and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. The organization encouraged voters to consider the endorsements when casting their ballots in the upcoming election.
Overall, the endorsements released by the Garden State Equality Election Fund serve as a valuable resource for voters who are passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and equality. By supporting endorsed candidates, voters can help shape the future of New Jersey and ensure that the state remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all residents.
