26 progressives back Kennedy for Congress

Amy Kennedy has won the endorsement of 26 South Jersey progressive leaders for her bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd district.

Kennedy, a former public school teacher, is one of five Democrats competing in the July 7 Democratic primary to take on Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis).  Van Drew was elected as a Democrat in 2018 but switched parties last December after refusing to vote to impeach President Donald Trump.

“Our communities have been struggling to break free of the same old politics that got us Van Drew and pursue progressive legislation that serves the people of South Jersey,” said Harrison Township Democratic Municipal Chair Kelly Redkoles.  “Amy knows this community, she’s part of this community. She’s a genuine, empathetic and down to earth mother and wife and I know we can count on her to serve the people of South Jersey.”

Progressives backing Kennedy include Cape May Indivisible leader Julia Hankerson and Shaun Moran, the president of the Great Bay Democratic Club in Ocean County.

“Too often, I have seen South Jersey’s leaders attempt to profit from their power rather than do right by the residents of our community,” Moran said.  “We need Amy’s integrity and leadership to push South Jersey forward in a time of crisis.”

Other names on Kennedy’s endorsement list include Millville Planning Board member Denise Arrigo and Wayne Lewis, a 2016 Bernie Sanders delegate and the 2019 Democratic Assembly candidate in the 9th district.

Kennedy is claiming the mantle of progressive Democrats in the race to pick Van Drew’s opponent.

“I have done more than anyone in this race to lay out a vision for the progressive goals I will achieve for NJ-2 in Congress,” Kennedy said.  I will never stop fighting for this vision, because I want to make sure South Jersey is a community where all children have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. We must be willing to stand up to power and fight for what’s right for working families.”