NEWARK, N.J.— The following statement may be attributed to Kevin Brown, 32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey State Director:
“Yesterday’s election results represents a major a victory for hardworking residents of New Jersey who wake up every morning to go to work looking for a better life for their families. Voters once again chose a strong slate of progressive candidates across New Jersey in municipal elections.
“We extend warm congratulations to Jeff Martin, who removed the Republican incumbent Mayor of Hamilton and Melonie Marano who secured a Democratic majority in Somerset County for the first time in over 50 years. Our union is proud to see that we have secured an even greater progressive majority in the General Assembly, maintaining a healthy blue majority. Our members knocked on thousands of doors and made even more calls this election season to make this a reality.
“Union workers have played a pivotal role in this year’s state and local elections. Just one year out from the national elections in November 2020, 32BJ SEIU members are strengthening their political muscle. 32BJ is proud to have canvassed, door-knocked, phone banked and more this election season in order to help elect progressive candidates who we know will deliver not only for workers but for our families and the communities we support. Tuesday’s election victory comes on the heels of high-profile labor activity including the GM strike, Chicago teacher’s strikes and the opening of bargaining for 7,000 New Jersey cleaners. Labor’s recent resurgence has been paralleled by the rise of successful campaigns for the rights of workers, immigrants, women, people-of-color, the LGBTQ community, and others often marginalized in our society. Tonight, we all rose up as one, and we will continue to do so through 2020 and beyond.”
32BJ SEIU extends a hearty congratulations to the winning candidates:
New Jersey State Legislature
John Murzichelli and Adam Taliaferro (District 3)
Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey (District 11)
Daniel Benson and Wayne Deangelo (District 14)
Craig Coughlin and Yvonne Lopez (District 19)
Annette Quijano and Jamel Holley (District 20)
Mila Jasey and John McKeon (District 27)
Nicholas Chiaravalotti and Angela McKnight (District 31)
Thomas Giblin and Britnee Timberlake (District 34)
Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly (District 35)
Gary Schaer and Clinton Calabrese (District 36)
Valerie Huttle and Gordon Johnson (District 37)
Chris Tuttle and Lisa Swain (District 38)
Mayor of Hamilton Township
Jeff Martin
Hudson County Executive
Thomas DeGise
Bergen Freeholders
Thomas Sullivan
Germaine Ortiz
Mary Amoroso
Somerset Freeholder
Melonie Marano
Union Freeholders
Bette Jane Kowalski
Sergio Granados
Rebecca Williams
Madison City Council
Rachel Ehrlich
Morristown Council
Stefan Armington
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With more than 175,000 members in 11 states and Washington DC, including 13,000 in New Jersey, 32BJ SEIU is the largest building service workers union in the country.