The New Jersey AFL-CIO has endorsed all but one of the incumbent members of the New Jersey congressional delegation for re-election, backing Democrat Amy Kennedy in her bid to unseat Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) in the 2nd district.
The union had backed Van Drew in his 2018 House bid as a Democrat. Van Drew switched parties late last year after refusing to support the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
“We are living in unprecedented times and must work harder than ever to protect South Jersey’s working families,” said Kennedy. “In Congress, I’ll fight alongside our unions to ensure that working families have the benefits they need and I’ll work tirelessly to give our frontline heroes the protections they deserve.”
The other Republican in the New Jersey delegation, Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Hamilton), was endorsed by the AFL-CIO. Smith has enjoyed strong labor support in previous re-election bids.
In the mostly seriously contested House races, the AFL-CIO is backing Reps. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) and Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair).
U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, also received New Jersey AFL-CIO support.
“This year’s endorsed candidates understand the incredible stress that working families are under,” said Charles Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. “They will work tirelessly so that New Jersey’s middle class benefits from the restoration of jobs and creation of new ones in safe workplaces, protected from infection and injury. These candidates will advocate for skills training and effective education, affordable and plentiful health care, and a secure retirement.”
This story was updated at 2:37 PM to include comment from Kennedy.
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