Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr. has endorsed Rep. Robert J. Menendez (D-Jersey City) for re-election in New Jersey’s 8th district, which likely places the freshman congressman on the organization line in his bid for a second term.
“We need representatives in Congress who can forge relationships, be effective, and actually get legislation passed,” said Jones, who is also the New Jersey Democratic state chairman. “That is what Rob has been doing, and I’m proud to support him in his re-election.”
Menendez, who also appears to have secured party backing in Hudson and Union counties, faces a potentially tough primary fight against a well-financed opponent, two-term Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
There had been questions about Menendez’s political future since last September, when the Justice Department unsealed an indictment against his father, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, accusing him of accepting bribes, conspiracy, and illegally representing a foreign government.
Jones called Menendez “a fierce champion for the people.”
“His focus on kitchen table and pocketbook issues and his commitment to strengthening our families and empowering our communities have distinguished him in his first term,” Jones said. “Rob is responsive to the needs of his constituents, securing millions of dollars in federal funding for the district to help fund everything from infrastructure to healthcare to childcare.”
Menendez has secured endorsements from Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Union City Mayor/State Sen. Brian P. Stack, Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, and others; the only major Hudson politician not to endorse Menendez was Steve Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City.
The North and East Wards of Newark in Essex County made up about 5% of the total votes cast in the 2022 Democratic primary; Menendez, running on the line, received 89% of the vote.
Jones praised Menendez’s record on gun safety legislation and his opposition to Republicans in Congress who want to “infringe on women’s reproductive freedoms.”
“In just a short time, Rob has been appointed and elected to leadership positions in Congress,” stated Jones. “Rob is a hard worker who knows how to steer the path of his own legacy, and effectively lead the district well into the future.”
The endorsements will likely put Menendez on the lines in Hudson, Essex, and Union with U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Murphy. There is speculation that Bhalla will bracket with Murphy’s main rival, Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown).