NJYD calls for progressive change by electing the right representation

Trenton, NJ - This election season, the New Jersey Young Democrats (NJYD) is proud to endorse 28 young Democratic candidates through the age of 40 and support 19 candidates 41 and over.

“In this climate, having the right representation in office is imperative. We have seen firsthand the damage that can be done by electing the wrong individuals. From access to quality health care to resources in underserved communities to an equitable, comprehensive education, there are real issues affecting real people's lives,” said NJYD President Fatima Heyward. “Now more than ever, we need to elect Democrats working to effect progressive change in the Great State of New Jersey. Our candidates recognize that need and are working hard to bring about real change. As leaders, community members, and entities, it is our job to uplift and support their efforts.”

NJYD endorsements were open to all Democratic candidates in good standing through the age of 40. They are required to complete the endorsement application and submit it by the September deadline.

Support from NJYD is given to any Democratic candidate over 41 who is in good standing and who completed NJYD’s support form by the established September deadline.

“As the next election draws close, we are proud to endorse another round of fantastic young Democrats and support seasoned Democrats running for office up and down the state. Helping young democrats is at the core of what NJYD does and stands for, and once again, we are excited to see such a great group running this year in NJ. We look forward to congratulating all candidates come November!” said NJYD Executive Vice President Brian Boyell.

New Jersey Young Democrats is proud to endorse the following candidates:

• Andy Kim (U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Congressional District 3)

• Rob Menendez (U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Congressional District 8)

• T.C. McCourt (Morris County Commissioner)

• Sergio Granados (Union County Commissioner)

• Justin Balunsat (Hunterdon County Commissioner)

• Joseph Signorello (Roselle Park Mayor)

• Harry Clewell (Mayor of New Providence)

• Debbie Di Donato (Mayor of South Toms River)

• Hailey Cruz (Perth Amboy City Council)

• Petra Gaskins (New Brunswick City Council)

• Fahim Abedrabbo (Clifton City Council)

• Sean Early (Middlesex Boro City Council)

• Ashley Neuman (Manville Borough Council)

• Emily Link (South River Borough Council)

• Christopher Bauknight (Washington Borough Council)

• Ryne J DeBo (Dunellen Council)

• Jeff Brooks (Rahway Council)

• Jameal Calhoun (South Toms River Council)

• Quinton Law (Moorestown Town Council)

• Odise A. Carr (Westampton Township Committee)

• Khushwant (Khush) Pall (Raritan Township Committee)

• Diana Levy (Tewksbury Township Committee)

• Lauren Spirig (Mendham Township Committee)

• Dr. Michael Penna (Asbury Park School Board)

• Quandell Iglesia (Monroe Township Board of Education)

• Johnathan Maxson (Mount Ephraim Board of Education)

• Joas A. Quiles (Perth Amboy Board of Education)

• Jasmin Melendez (Perth Amboy Board of Education)

New Jersey Young Democrats is proud to support the following candidates:

• Tim Alexander (U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Congressional District 2)

• Judith Hernandez (Morris County Commissioner)

• Baramdai "Alicia" Sharma (Morris County Commissioner)

• Pat Lepore (Passaic County Commissioner)

• Terry Duffy (Passaic County Commissioner)

• Richard Berdnik (Passaic County Sheriff)

• Jonathan Sackett (Mayor of Rockaway)

• Cindy Matute-Brown (Mayor of West Orange)

• Melissa Rawley-Payne (Mayor of Mendham)

• Jackie Veasy (Evesham Township Mayor)

• Heather Cooper (Evesham Township Deputy Mayor)

• Melissa M Wojcik (Mendham Borough Council)

• Melissa Young (Mendham Borough Council)

• Jonathan Torres (Randolph Town Council)

• Nicole Gillespie (Moorestown Town Council)

• Patricia Hansen (Evesham Township Council)

• Shari Seffer (Montville Township Committee)

• John Harmon (Montville Township Committee)

• Allison James - Frison (Newark Board of Education)

“We are in another election cycle filled with worthy Democratic candidates, whom New Jersey Young Democrats is thrilled to endorse. This year, NJYD also opened up a support form for candidates 41 and over, so NJYD can offer more versatility in its support of Democrats around the state,” said NJYD Political Director Stephanie Casella. She added, “Following the ruling on Roe v. Wade and the former president’s theft of confidential federal documents, and in the midst of the January 6th hearings, we are hoping for an inspired movement to the polls in November. Vote like your democracy and rights depend on it. The New Jersey general election is November 8, and early voting is open from Saturday, October 29 to Sunday, November 6.”

NJYD’s endorsements and support do not denote and are not an exhaustive list of all campaigns NJYD supports in New Jersey; these lists comprise those exclusively who applied for NJYD’s endorsement or support.

The New Jersey Young Democrats will hold an endorsement party in Trenton the week of October 24th. To stay up-to-date on event details and future opportunities, be sure to follow NJYD on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @njyoungdems.

NJYD members are making a difference at all levels of government. From grassroots activists to governmental staffers to elected officials, New Jersey Young Democrats is working to effect progressive change in the Garden State.

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