College Democrats want Fulop as New Jersey’s next governor

The College Democrats of America and the College Democrats of New Jersey have endorsed Steve Fulop, the three-term mayor of Jersey City, to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.

“New Jersey deserves a candidate with progressive, comprehensive policies who stands up to corruption, has a proven track record of delivering for New Jerseyans, and prioritizes the needs of everyday people over appeasing the political establishment,” said Aidan DeMarco, a spokesman for the national organization and a school board member in Oaklyn.  “Mayor Fulop is that candidate, and we are proud to support him.”

The group backed Andy Kim for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate last year. – a process that created some controversy.

“We’re eager to continue our work to make this primary season as productive as possible and to keep New Jersey blue this November,” said the New Jersey College Democrats treasurer, Ian Mann.

College Democrats used rank choice voting and Fulop passed the 60% threshold he needed to win an endorsement.

Fulop has been appealing to liberal and progressive Democrats as he seeks his party’s gubernatorial nod.  While the endorsement doesn’t bind its members into supporting Fulop, it does validate his candidacy as he seeks the backing of young voters for his campaign.

“Young people are driving the future of our state, and as governor, I will work to ensure that every student and young professional has the opportunity to succeed, whether through affordable higher education, job creation, or forward-thinking policies that make New Jersey a better place to live and work,” he said.

Fulop faces five Democrats in the June 10 primary: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), New Jersey Education Association President and former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.