Rep. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon) endorsed a trio of party-backed candidates for Passaic County office on Tuesday.
Pou backed incumbent Commissioner Orlando Cruz and his running mate Nick Veliky, as well as incumbent Surrogate Zoila Cassanova. Veliky, the president of the Clifton Democratic Club, is seeking the seat of Commissioner Bruce James, who opted against seeking re-election.
“Nick Veliky, Orlando Cruz, and Zoila Cassanova understand the needs of our communities because they have dedicated themselves to public service and helping residents,” Pou said. “They are focused on affordability, strong public services, and ensuring Passaic County continues moving forward. I’m proud to support them.”
Senator Cory Booker endorsed Cruz and Veliky last week, and Gov. Mikie Sherrill backed the slate earlier this month.
“Congresswoman Pou has spent her career fighting for working families and underserved communities,” Veliky said. “We’re honored to have her support and grateful for her continued leadership.”
Pou is seeking a second term in Congress this fall and faces no challengers in the Democratic primary.
Cassanova does not face a challenger, but Cruz and Veliky are running in a four-person field, with a strong challenge from Ali Aljarrah, a senior adviser at CAIR Action NJ. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka are among the prominent progressives to endorse Aljarrah.
