Statement of Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones on midterm elections

“Last night, New Jersey voters proved – again –  that extremist Republican policies have no place in our state. And New Jersey Democrats proved — again — that, even under a consensus redistricting map, when we unite and organize as a party, we win.

Democrats outperformed expectations for a midterm election, not only maintaining control of both chambers of the State Legislature, but picking up seats and winning decisively in many of the state’s most contested races. And we did it by focusing on the issues that matter most to New Jersey: standing up for reproductive rights; putting money back in people’s pockets through historic property tax relief for the middle class and seniors; ensuring the safety of our communities through common sense, gun safety laws; funding our public schools; and maintaining steady leadership in the statehouse. These are New Jersey values. In contrast, the Republican Party continues to be driven by grievance, misinformation, conspiracy theories, attacks on reproductive freedom and blind fealty to Donald Trump. New Jersey voters made a statement last night: they do not want this extremism in Trenton.

I would like to congratulate Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and their respective teams for running exceptional campaigns up and down the state. I am grateful to Governor Phil Murphy for steadfastly supporting our Democratic candidates and passing an agenda that continues to move New Jersey forward. I want to thank the Democratic members of the New Jersey Apportionment Commission who had faith in our party’s ability to win under the new map. And to all the incumbents and newly minted members of our legislature, I congratulate you.”