NJEA backs Andy Kim for re-election to Congress

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has endorsed Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, giving the freshman Democrat the support of the state’s largest public employee union.

“Congressman Andy Kim is clearly the voice we need in Washington right now,” said NJEA President Marie Blistan. “He is a proven advocate for public education, union members, and middle-class families”

Kim has been on an endorsement roll since Republicans nominated former construction company CEO David Richter as their candidate in a district Kim flipped in 2018.

The South Jersey freshman has won the endorsement of the New Jersey Laborers Union (LiUNA) and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, two politically influential building trades unions who had endorsed Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-Toms River) in the race he lost to Kim two years ago.

New Jersey’s 3rd district is at the top of the GOP target list.  Except for Kim and a two-year stint where Democrat John Adler (D-Cherry Hill) held the seat before losing in 2010, the district has sent a Republican to Congress since the 19th century.

A new poll released today by the Republican-connected super PAC, the Congressional Leadership Fund, shows Kim leading Richter by a 45%-42% margin.

Blistan praised Kim’s record during his first term in Congress.

“He earned an A from NEA for his voting record on education and issues of importance to NJEA both active and retired members, from preschool educators to higher education,” she said.  “I’m proud to support him.”

The NJEA endorsed Kim in 2018 over MacArthur.