In a race that could potentially decide which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives next year, another blue-collar labor union is siding with Republican Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) in New Jersey’s 7th district, with the International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers Local 825 announcing their endorsement of the freshman congressman today.
“Kean understands what it means to represent working and middle-class families in New Jersey,” said Greg Lalevee, the union’s business manager. “In just one term, he has supported significant infrastructure investment which was the runway to greenlighting the Gateway Tunnel program, stood up to members of his own party who attacked organized labor and has been a champion for our state.”
The New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council endorsed Kean last month, and the New Jersey AFL-CIO did not take sides in the race between Kean and Democrat Sue Altman.
Local 825 is one of the most politically influential unions in the state; their endorsement is typically accompanied by money and boots on the ground. Last year, the union dropped out of the state building trades group after accusing them of working to defeat their business agent, now-State Sen. Latham Tiver (R-Southampton) in a South Jersey legislative race.
“Tom brings the right blend of experience and temperament for a Washington where hyperbole and gaslighting rule the day,” Lalevee said.
Kean said that he has worked with Lalevee and Local 825 “to create more good paying jobs in New Jersey, enhance worker safety, and fund critical investments in our state’s infrastructure.”
“I appreciate Local 825’s support, and their confidence in my support for organized labor,” he stated.
In the primary, Local 825 endorsed Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. (D-Delran) for Congress in the 3rd district.