Healthcare union backs Fulop in ’25 governor’s race

Another labor union has endorsed Steve Fulop for governor, with the 10,000-member District 1199J, National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, taking sides in the 2025 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.

This is Fulop’s first show of support from an American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) affiliate, and his first show of support from the healthcare industry.

Fulop, a three-term mayor of Jersey City, U.S. Marine veteran, and the lone announced Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has already secured support from the Amalgamated Transit Union International and its New Jersey State Council, and four Teamsters Union locals.

“Steven Fulop has a proven track record of not just being a vocal advocate for organized labor, but of actually getting the job done for working families by treating employees with dignity and respect, increasing wages and benefits, and always respecting collective bargaining rights,” said Susan Cleary, the said District 1199J president.  “Our next governor should be someone with a dynamic vision for the future of New Jersey, and I know that we have that candidate in Mayor Steven Fulop.”

District 1199J represents workers at healthcare facilities, prisons, residential reentry centers, and public agencies.  Their members come from a wide range of healthcare and social services professionals.

“From local government to the healthcare sector and beyond, dedicated employees are providing the essential services every day that keep New Jersey running, and we need a comprehensive plan to invest in these workers and continue growing the middle class,” Fulop stated.  “As Governor I will build on the record I’ve established in Jersey City of being an advocate and an ally for organized labor, while also collaboratively seeking out new ideas, approaches, and technologies that can improve outcomes for everyone.”

Since entering the race in April, Fulop has been unimpeded in his pursuit of a steady flow of money and endorsements.  He raised nearly $2.2 million in the first 80 days of his candidacy – with matching funds under the state’s public financing program that’s worth about $6.3 million – and has secured endorsements from twelve mayors and two county chairmen.   A super PAC connected to him has roughly $6.5 million cash-on-hand.

While he’s alone in the field now, that won’t last.  Other potential candidates include: Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) and Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair); Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver; former Senate President Steve Sweeney; Newark Mayor Ras Baraka; Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin; Senate President Nicholas Scutari; Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo; former Deputy U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jim Johnson; and Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, the president of the New Jersey Education Association.