Jason Blazakis, a former U.S. State Department official running in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, earned an endorsement yesterday from former U.S. Rep. Max Rose, a Staten Island Democrat.
“I am proud to endorse my friend Jason Blazakis for Congress,” Rose wrote on Twitter. “I’ve seen Jason’s work up close and his fearless leadership and dedication to public service is exactly what we need in Congress.”
Rose, a U.S. Army veteran (and former intern in Cory Booker’s mayoral office), was first elected to represent New York’s 11th congressional district in 2018, in what was widely regarded as a significant upset in the conservative-leaning district. He was defeated for re-election in 2020 by now-Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, and lost a comeback attempt last year.
He now serves as vice chairman of the Soufan Group, a global security consulting firm that also employs Blazakis as a senior advisor.
Blazakis is one of three Democrats currently running for New Jersey’s 7th district, by far the state’s most competitive congressional district. If he wins the primary, he’ll face Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), who flipped the seat red last year.
This story was updated at 5:29 p.m. with the additional detail that Rose and Blazakis work together at the Soufan Group.
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