Sue Altman, the likely Democratic nominee against Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) in New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, was endorsed today by EMILYs List, a major national group for pro-choice female Democratic candidates.
“Sue Altman has spent her life serving the people of New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, and the impact of her work has changed countless lives,” EMILYs List interim president Jessica Mackler said in a statement. “Now, she’s ready to continue that work in Congress – and EMILYs List is thrilled to support her. Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. is an anti-choice extremist who has tried to undermine Garden Staters’ reproductive rights at every turn, and we know Altman is the leader who can get the district back on track, fight for our freedoms, and will never back down.”
The endorsement comes a week after Altman’s last remaining Democratic primary opponent, Jason Blazakis, dropped out of the race and endorsed her. He was the last of three male foes boxed out by Altman, following Summit Councilman Greg Vartan (who ended his campaign in January) and Roselle Park Mayor Joe Signorello III (who ended his in October).
With no declared opponents remaining, Altman is now on a glide path to the Democratic nomination in the 7th district, by far the most competitive congressional district in the state. As she works to catch up to Kean in fundraising, the network provided by EMILYs List – which stands for “Early Money Is Like Yeast,” because it makes the dough rise – could give her a substantial boost.
Altman is the second non-incumbent New Jersey congressional candidate EMILYs List has endorsed this cycle. Last Saturday, the group announced its support of Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel), who faces Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Delran) and two other Democrats in the race for Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown)’s seat.
So far, though, EMILYs List has stayed out of New Jersey’s U.S. Senate race, where First Lady Tammy Murphy (no relation to Carol Murphy) is trying to become the first woman to represent the state in the Senate. Murphy faces several other candidates – including another woman, activist Patricia Campos-Medina – in what’s shaped up to be a very expensive primary.