The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 has endorsed Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) for re-election in New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, giving the two-term Republican the backing of a major construction union in his closely watched race against Democrat Rebecca Bennett.
Greg Lalevee, the union’s business manager, praised Kean for supporting organized labor, defending federal prevailing wage protections and backing major infrastructure projects, including the Gateway Tunnel.
“At a time when Washington is dominated by political rhetoric and division, Tom Kean brings the experience, steady leadership, and temperament needed to get things done,” Lalevee said.
Lalevee said Kean has been willing to break with fellow Republicans on labor issues.
“He has been a consistent defender of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protections and has never hesitated to stand up for organized labor, even when it meant challenging members of his own party,” he said.
The endorsement comes as Kean and Bennett compete for union support in one of New Jersey’s most competitive congressional races. The New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association recently endorsed Bennett after supporting Kean in previous elections.
Kean welcomed the operating engineers’ endorsement and emphasized the importance of construction workers to New Jersey’s economy.
“These are the men and women who show up every day and quite literally build the infrastructure New Jersey depends on,” Kean said.
“In Congress, I will continue fighting for our skilled trades, protecting good-paying jobs, and making sure working families have a strong voice in Washington,” he said.