Sherrill picks up Carpenters endorsement in NJ-11

The politically powerful Carpenters Union has endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) for re-election in New Jersey’s 11th district.

“Supporting the creation of good-paying jobs through investment in infrastructure and the protection of union apprenticeships have been cornerstones of Congresswoman Sherrill’s leadership in New Jersey,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.  “The working men and women of New Jersey need this continued advocacy in Washington D.C.”

Anthony Abrantes, a Morris County resident and the assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer, praised Sherril’s role in moving the Gateway Project forward, a move that will “put thousands of people to work.”

“For years we have heard promises of investment in infrastructure and opportunities for working-class families in New Jersey,” Abrantes said.  “Congresswoman Sherrill has been an impactful legislator that does not just talk the talk but takes action to support the workers we at the Union are proud to represent.”

The union, whose endorsement is frequently accompanied by money and boots on the ground, represents close to 13,000 union carpenters in New Jersey and about 41,00 in the region.

“Protecting the right to unionize and investing in workers is critical to New Jersey’s future,” Sherrill stated.  “I have proudly stood with our men and women in labor to fight for strong apprenticeships, increased workplace safety, and protections against wage theft, and will continue that work to ensure our union families are strong.”

Republicans still haven’t settled on a candidate to take on Sherrill in a district they held for 34 years before she flipped the seat in 2018.

Two potential game-changers, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-Mendham) and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, have opted not to run.  That leaves six GOP contenders: Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen; former Kinnelon Council President Larry Casha; former assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot; Robert Kovic, a former Ridgefield Park councilman who now lives in Sussex County; attorney Larry Friscia; and Iraq War veteran Toby Anderson.

DeGroot has secured the organization line in Passaic.  The Morris County GOP convention is on March 4.