The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association has endorsed Republican Curtis Bashaw for U.S. Senate, and along with five incumbent congressmen: three Republicans and two Democrats.
“We need a Senator in Washington like Curtis Bashaw who will stand with law enforcement to protect our officers and will push back against policies that have made our State more dangerous than ever before,” said New Jersey State PBA President Peter Andreyev. “Andy Kim’s record on our issues in Congress is terrible. He continues to support eliminating qualified immunity for officers who do their jobs honorably, he routinely votes against legislation supported by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and unlike the rest of the New Jersey Delegation not one time in his years in the House has he ever attempted to work with us on supporting our members.”
Support from the state’s largest police union went to Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), but not Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair); both are considered likely candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor next year.
The state PBA also endorsed Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch). They made no endorsements in races where Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City), Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), and Bonnie Watson Coleman) are seeking re-election to the House.
No endorsements were made for the open 3rd district seat, which Kim is vacating to run for U.S. Senate. They didn’t take sides in a special 10th district general election between Democrat LaMonica McIver, the Newark city council president, and Republican Carmen Bucco.
The New Jersey Globe reported on Tuesday that the state PBA is again backing Republican Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) in his bid for a second term. The union backed Kean’s 2020 and 2022 House bids against incumbent Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes).
PBA endorsements also went to two other GOP congressmen, Christopher Smith (R-Manchester) and Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis).
The police union did not endorse any candidate for president; the Board of Delegates indicated that further endorsements could come at their September meeting.
“The PBA endorsements were based on a number of factors including candidate voting record and bill sponsorship in the current and prior Congress, candidate work with the State PBA on matters of critical importance in DC and personal communication and proven commitment to support law enforcement officers as an elected official,” the union said.