The state’s largest firefighters union today endorsed Tammy Murphy for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, and also backed Reps. Robert J. Menendez (D-Jersey City) and Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) for re-election.
The New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association represents over 6,000 career firefighters, along with EMTs and dispatchers.
“Perhaps more than any other, this race is going to be about integrity, which I have always believed is measured by how someone conducts themselves when no one is watching,” said the NJFMBA president, Eddie Donnelly. “Whether it’s showing compassion during a time of crisis, lending her support of and being present at events benefitting our union and the families we represent, or sharing her vast expertise on a wide range of important policy issues, Tammy Murphy has stood with NJFMBA members, regardless of their Party label or political views, more times than I can count.”
The firefighters had backed Bob Menendez in his previous Senate races and has not said if he will seek re-election this year. He drew primary challenges from Murphy, Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), and others following his indictment on federal corruption charges.
But the union is sticking with the senator’s son, a freshman congressman in New Jersey’s 8th district. Rob Menendez faces a primary fight with Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken.
Donnelly said that in just one year, Menendez has “already made an outsized impact on Congress.”
“Rob has won the trust and admiration of his colleagues because of his hard work, understanding of the issues of New Jersey’s first responders, and dedication to making a difference,” Donnelly stated. “We look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow into a seasoned member of the House of Representatives.”
Pascrell has the backing of Paterson FMBA Locals 2 and 202 as he seeks re-election to the seat he’s held since 1997.
“Let there be no doubt that as hard as Bill Pascrell has fought for us in D.C., we will fight even harder to make sure he maintains his seat until he is ready to retire,” said Donnelly. “Any candidate that is considering a challenge to Bill Pascrell should be warned that the NJFMBA is prepared to put our full weight behind the congressman.”
See here for a full list of endorsements in New Jersey’s 2024 congressional contests.