Altman gets backing from CWA, first union to wade into NJ-7 primary

Former New Jersey Working Families Party director Sue Altman’s Democratic campaign for the 7th congressional district was endorsed this morning by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), one of New Jersey’s most prominent unions and a major player in state progressive circles.

“The 7th congressional district is one of the most important elections in all of America next year,” CWA state director Fran Ehret said in a statement. “There is no doubt Sue Altman will stand up for both working families and democracy in Washington, and that she’ll stand up to the MAGA fringe and those who do their bidding. There’s no doubt we can count on Sue Altman, because she’s long been a steadfast friend to CWA members and a trusted ally for all those who share our priorities.”

Ehret herself had already endorsed Altman’s campaign months ago, but an official endorsement from the union – which represents 70,000 New Jersey workers – means that the union’s money and manpower can now be directed towards Altman’s campaign.

“For years, Sue Altman has battled in the trenches alongside CWA and on behalf of New Jersey’s working families,” said CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor. “We know Sue, and we know she’ll bring a fresh voice, accountability and pro-union values down to D.C.”

Altman faces two opponents in the 7th district’s Democratic primary: former State Department official Jason Blazakis and Roselle Park Mayor Joe Signorello. Altman, who’s been in the race the longest, currently leads the pack in money and endorsements; among those endorsements is 32BJ state director Kevin Brown, though his union has yet to officially back any candidate.

The next big test for all three candidates will be the September 30 fundraising deadline, the first quarterly deadline since Blazakis and Signorello entered the race. A few big endorsers like the CWA may be stepping in now, but most will likely wait until there’s a clearer picture of who does and doesn’t have the resources necessary to wage a competitive campaign.

The eventual primary winner will take on Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), who unseated Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) last year in a close race.