CWA backs Democrats for Congress, legislature

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has endorsed mostly Democrats for the upcoming general election, but declined to take sides in the 4th and 5th districts.

The politically influential union is backing Joe Biden for President, Cory Booker for re-election to the U.S. Senate, and nine incumbent Democratic House members.

The CWA is backing Democrat Amy Kennedy for Congress in the 2nd district against Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis).  Endorsements also went to Democratic challengers in the 25th legislative district special elections: Rupande Mehta against State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-Boonton) and Darcy Draeger against Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-Mendham).

“New Jersey needs and deserves leaders at all levels of government who will fight for working families when it comes to economic fairness and social justice,” said Hetty Rosenstein, the CWA New Jersey state director. “From our next President, through Congress and down to local Council races, we enthusiastically endorse this pro-union group of men and women to help get our country back on the right track.”

One Republican who picked up the CWA endorsement is James Toto, who is challenging an incumbent Democrat in the race for Atlantic County Freeholder, Caren Fitzpatrick.

The union represents more than 70,000 New Jersey families, including 40,000 state worker and 15,000 county and municipal employees.

The CWA is not getting involved in the 4th, where Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Hamilton) is seeking re-election, or in the 5th, where the union didn’t take sides in the Democratic primary between Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) and a progressive challenger.

“There is no more important election for our members, for New Jersey, for America and for the future,” said Dennis Trainor, Vice President for CWA District 1. “CWA members are voting in unprecedented numbers, and we will leave no vote uncast.”

The incumbents receiving the CWA endorsement: Reps. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch), Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes), Albio Sires (D-West New York), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-Paterson), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing).

Editor’s note: a Perth Amboy mayoral endorsement was listed in error.