Derrick Green joins Fulop for Governor campaign

Rev. Derick Green, who helped Gov. Phil Murphy win 94% of New Jersey’s Black vote in 2017, is joining Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination as a senior advisor for policy and political engagement.

Green worked on both of Murphy’s campaigns and served in the governor’s office as a senior advisor, coordinating outreach with faith-based leaders.  He worked for the Urban League of Essex County, the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey, and former Gov. Jon Corzine.

In 2022, he was a senior advisor for field operations for Wes Moore’s successful come-from-behind victory to become the first Black governor of Maryland.

“I’m honored to join Mayor Steven Fulop’s campaign because I’ve seen the work he’s done in Jersey City to lift up underserved communities and provide much-needed resources to help people thrive, and now he’s ready to extend that kind of leadership across New Jersey,” Green said.

Green joins a policy team that includes Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer (D-Montgomery). 

“With his experience in political campaigns, government, and in the community, Derrick Green will add a significant new dimension to our campaign, and I’m excited to welcome him to our team,” Fulop stated. “We’re continuing to build a campaign that New Jersey can be proud of and that everyday people can feel invested in, with a goal of creating a real statewide movement — Derrick will be a critical part of that effort.”

Fulop is the first Democrat to enter the race to succeed Murphy, who is term-limited.

Earlier this month, Fulop announced that he had raised a gigantic $3 million since joining the race in April, enough to qualify for a full match under New Jersey’s public financing laws. His super PAC, Coalition for Progress, reported $6.5 million cash-on-hand as of June 30.

He has received endorsements from fourteen mayors, including Marty Small of Atlantic City and Reed Gusciora of Trenton, two Democratic county chairs – Hudson and Warren – several labor unions,

Several top Democratic media consultants, pollsters, researchers, and digital strategists had joined his team, including Mark Putnam as his media consultant, Fred Yang as his pollster, Ian Mandel as a research consultant, Megan Clasen as a digital consultant, and Phil Swibinski of Vision Media Marketing.

“New Jersey is finally stronger and fairer for many communities who for decades, if not centuries, have been underserved and marginalized. These communities cannot afford to go back to those days — this work must be a daily commitment,” Green said.  Steven Fulop has the experience, the commitment, and the vision to move our state forward and continue to improve quality of life for residents across New Jersey, from our urban areas to suburban and rural communities.”