Latino Victory Fund endorses Varela

Brian Varela’s campaign for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district has gotten its first national endorser: the Latino Victory Fund, a group committed to endorsing Hispanic Democrats to Congress.

“Latino Victory Fund is proud to support Brian Varela for Congress because he’s committed to fighting for New Jersey’s working families, economic opportunity and a democracy that works for everyone,” LVF President and CEO Katharine Pichardo said in a statement. “This swing district presents a major opportunity for Democrats to win back the House, and Brian has the organizing chops and close-knit community ties that will help energize and mobilize Latino voters in such a close, high-stakes race.”

Varela, the son of Colombian immigrants, is one of two Hispanic candidates running to flip the 7th district, a swing district currently held by Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield); the other, attorney Vale Mendoza, has attracted little attention or money to her campaign.

Two of Varela’s opponents also have major national advocacy groups in their corner: former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett has the endorsement of VoteVets, while physician Tina Shah is allied with the scientists-focused group 314 Action, though she does not appear to have gotten their official endorsement.