Tahesha Way hits airwaves with ad flexing anti-Trump credentials

Lieutenant Gov. Tahesha Way is hitting the airwaves today with her first TV ad of the 11th district special election, a spot that highlights her work as Secretary of State and declares she’s “the only Democrat for Congress who’s taken on Donald Trump – and won.”

Way’s campaign said 30-second and 15-second versions of the ad will begin running today on cable and broadcast TV, supported by a “six-figure advertising investment.”

“I know what it’s like when costs keep rising and you’re doing everything right but still can’t get ahead,” Way said in a statement accompanying the ad. “That’s why I’ve spent my career fighting for New Jersey families – and why I’m running for Congress.”

The ad’s messaging echoes that of Way’s prior digital advertising, which similarly highlighted Way’s court battles against Trump. In 2020, the Trump campaign sued the state of New Jersey, and Way’s office specifically, over its plan to send out vote-by-mail ballots to every registered voter; after a brief battle in the U.S. District Court, New Jersey prevailed.

Way is one of 11 Democratic candidates seeking to succeed Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill in the 11th district, and with just a few weeks to go until the February 5 primary, every candidate is now in a full-on sprint to win over voters and get their message out.

One of Way’s opponents, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill (D-Montclair), is also out with his first TV ads today, but they go in a different direction: explicitly attacking former Rep. Tom Malinowski, who is among the race’s best-known and best-funded candidates.

Script
Tahesha Way: “I’m Tahesha Way. As Lieutenant Governor, I expanded health care access and took on the utility companies to bring down costs. As Secretary of State, I expanded voting access. And when Donald Trump tried to make it harder to vote here, I beat him in court. I approve this message because we have to stop Donald Trump. Our democracy depends on it.”
Narrator: “Tahesha Way. The only Democrat for Congress who’s taken on Donald Trump – and won.”