The New Jersey Education Association has endorsed Rep. Robert J. Menendez (D-Jersey City) for re-election in New Jersey’s 8th district, along with two other New Jersey House members, Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch) and Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark).
“NJEA was proud to recommend these great advocates and allies for endorsement because they have proven they share our values and know how to get things done in Washington,” said NJEA President Sean Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty, and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robinson. “During their time in Congress, they have been staunch supporters of children, educators, and public schools. They have fought for families because they know that strong schools, strong communities, and strong families work together to create successful students.”
Menendez faces a primary challenge from Ravi Bhalla, the two-term mayor of Hoboken.
The state’s largest public employee union has now endorsed all eight Democratic incumbents seeking re-election this year.
Endorsements have already gone to Reps. Donald Norcross (D-Camden), Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-Paterson), Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing).
“We know how much is at stake in the next election, and we are going to mobilize our members and our resources to ensure that public education remains a priority for our leaders and a pathway for every child, from every family to be able to achieve the American dream,” the three teachers union officials said.