Patricia Campos-Medina’s campaign for the United States Senate received its first major endorsement today from former Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer (D-Montgomery), a fellow progressive Democrat who lauded Campos-Medina’s anti-establishment campaign.
“We are at a pivotal moment in New Jersey and around the world, presenting an opportunity to choose new leadership and new voices that prioritize values over special interests and establishment agendas,” Jaffer said in a statement. “That’s why I am endorsing Patricia Campos-Medina – she embodies the change we need.”
Campos-Medina, a progressive activist and first-time candidate, faces an uphill Democratic primary against Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) and First Lady Tammy Murphy, who have commanded the vast majority of endorsements and attention thus far.
While Kim and Murphy are both liberal Democrats, Campos-Medina has positioned herself to their left, especially on the issue of Israel and Palestine; she’s called for a ceasefire in Gaza, something that Kim and Murphy have both declined to do so far. Jaffer – who was one of two Muslim Americans in the legislature before retiring last year after just one term – commended Campos-Medina for her stance on the issue.
“At a time when global issues demand our attention, Patricia Campos-Medina stands out for her principled stance on the war in Gaza,” Jaffer said. “She advocates for a diplomatic and humanitarian approach, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and a commitment to peaceful resolutions.”
Jaffer is the first prominent elected official to back Campos-Medina; many of New Jersey’s other more anti-establishment politicians and groups have instead opted to endorse Kim, who like Campos-Medina has made fighting New Jersey’s entrenched party system a major part of his campaign.
See here for a full list of endorsements in New Jersey’s 2024 congressional contests.