Latino clergy group endorses Murphy and Oliver

The New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers has endorsed Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver for re-election, giving the incumbents the backing of 420 faith leaders that represent nearly 47,000 parishioners across the state.

“Over the last four years and under very difficult times due to this unprecedented pandemic, New Jersey has led the way on many fronts,” said Rev. Raul Ruiz, the coalition president. “This progress could not have been possible if not for the efforts of the Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Sheila Oliver’s administration. Together they have led an agenda rooted in compassion, fairness and inclusiveness, building opportunities for all New Jersey residents to be part of a bright future.”

The pastors pointed to the Murphy/Oliver administration’s move to increase the minimum wage, passage of paid sick and expanded family leave, and guiding communities of color through the coronavirus pandemic.

“From day one, we’ve worked collaboratively with our communities of faith to further our promise of building a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive New Jersey where everyone belongs and everyone gets an equal shot,” Murphy said. “I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers and share their deep passion for empowering New Jersey’s Latino families and communities to ensure they can live up to their fullest potential.”

Oliver called the coalition “a leading voice for our Latino brothers and sisters across New Jersey.”

“Through our partnership and shared commitment, we’ll continue our work to ensure our state is open and accessible to all, and provide opportunities for all our families to live and thrive in the place they call home,” she said.