The South Jersey Black Political Caucus is taking sides in four Democratic primaries, including an endorsement of Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination.
Endorsements went to Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel), who is seeking Kim’s open 3rd district seat, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), and Tim Alexander, who wants a rematch with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) in the 2nd.
The group is run by Logan Mayor Frank Minor, who is part of a small group of elected officials in South Jersey that has opposed candidates backed by Democratic powerhouse George E. Norcross III. Former Cumberland County Commissioner Donna Pearson and former Salem Mayor Charles Washington, Jr. are also part of the organization.
“We determined that these candidates’ positions on the issues would best serve our collective communities,” the group said in a statement. “We look forward to helping them achieve success during the upcoming election cycle.”
The death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) last month left Watson Coleman as the only Black House member from New Jersey.
The South Jersey Black Political Caucus picked Murphy over Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. (D-Delran), who would become the first Black congressman from South Jersey if he wins the June 4 Democratic primary.
Minor, a six-term mayor, sought the 1st district congressional seat in 2014 after Rep. Rob Andrews (D-Haddon Heights) resigned. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), then a state senator, won the Democratic primary by a 72%-15% margin, with Minor finishing third with 13%.