Carpenters go for Menendez once again in NJ-8

The Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters, an influential union that supported Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City) in both of his prior campaigns for the 8th congressional district, is doing so once again.

The union, which represents more than 10,000 New Jersey workers, said that Menendez has earned their endorsement a third term in Congress; he’s facing a Democratic primary challenge this year from former Jersey City school board president Mussab Ali.

“Congressman Rob Menendez has proven that he stands with working people across New Jersey,” EASRCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer William Sproule said in a statement. “He understands that strong unions mean strong communities, and he has stood with us in the fight for fair wages, safe jobsites, and policies that protect working families.”

Menendez, who represents the state’s lone Hispanic-majority congressional district, also got an endorsement this morning from the Latino Victory Fund, a progressive group dedicated to boosting Latino political power.

“As the most senior Latino member of Congress representing New Jersey, Congressman Menendez is a standout leader delivering for working families,” LVF President Katharine Pichardo said in a statement. “Congressman Menendez is a relentless champion of his heavily-Latino district, fighting for lower prices, health care access and supporting worker’s rights.”