N.J. SEIU backs Bennett

The SEIU New Jersey State Council and 32BJ SEIU endorsed Democrat Rebecca Bennett in her campaign against Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) on Wednesday, the union announced.

The progressive union said Bennett, who beat three challengers in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, is best positioned to help New Jersey’s working families. Megan Chambers, president of the SEIU New Jersey State Council and co-manager of the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, said Kean hasn’t delivered for the district.

“Working families across New Jersey need leaders who understand the challenges they face every day and who are committed to advancing policies that create good jobs, protect workers’ rights, expand access to affordable healthcare, and strengthen our communities,” Chambers said in the announcement. “Tom Kean Jr. has done the opposite. He has sold out New Jerseyans, transferring our tax dollars to billionaires at the expense of working people.”

SEIU has more than 30,000 members in New Jersey.

32BJ SEIU had endorsed Brian Varela in the Democratic primary. He finished third.  

“We are proud to support her campaign because she shares our commitment to creating good union jobs, raising wages, and making New Jersey more affordable for working people,” Ana Maria Hill, the vice president and state director of 32BJ SEIU, said. “Flipping CD-7 is essential to restoring checks and balances in Washington and ensuring working families have leaders who will fight for them every day.”