The political advocacy arm of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in New Jersey endorsed more than 20 Democratic Assembly candidates on Friday, weeks before next month’s primaries.
In a press release, the group said endorsements were “based on their responses to our endorsement questionnaire along with their dedication to justice, equity, and public service.”
“At a time when Muslim communities and other marginalized groups face growing political scapegoating and policy threats, we need legislators who are ready to lead with courage and principle,” said Ali Aljarrah, senior adviser for CAIR Action NJ. “These candidates reflect the values of inclusion, fairness, and dignity that we fight for every day.”
Thirteen of the 22 endorsees are running on Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s “Democrats for Change” slate.
In the crowded 32nd district primary in Hudson County, the group endorsed three candidates: incumbent Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City), Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh, and housing expert Katie Brennan.
Ramirez is one of six incumbents to receive an endorsement. The others are Assemblymembers Balvir Singh, Barbara McCann Stamato, Michael Venezia, Carmen Morales, and Al Abdelaziz.
CAIR Action NJ joined several other Muslim advocacy groups to endorse Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor last month.
The full list of endorsees:
LD-01: Carolyn Rush, Brandon Saffold
LD-04: Vonetta Hawkins, Brian Everett
LD-06: Rebecca Holloway, Kevin Ryan
LD-07: Assemblyman Balvir Singh
LD-08: Eddie Freeman
LD-12: Freshta Taeb
LD-16: Mahmoud Desouky
LD-17: Loretta Rivers
LD-23: Guy Citron
LD-28: Chigozie Onyema
LD-31: Jacqueline Weimmer, Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato
LD-32: Yousef J. Saleh, Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, Katie Brennan
LD-34: Assemblymembers Michael Venezia, Carmen T. Morales
LD-35: Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz
LD-39: Donna C. Abene
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