The International Longshoremen’s Association, the union representing thousands of workers at the ports of Newark, Elizabeth and Bayonne, has endorsed Steve Sweeney for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025.
“As International ILA President, I have worked with our former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney for many years,” stated Harold Daggett, the ILA president. “His dedication and commitment to working families in New Jersey is unmatched by anyone, sharing their values and enhancing their lives. Through his leadership in the New Jersey Senate, Steve Sweeney helped make the New Jersey ports in Newark and Elizabeth the most successful in our nation.”
Daggett said Sweeny “protects and keeps jobs in New Jersey, is dedicated to education, public safety, housing and lowering the tax burden on the middle class and the ILA believes he is the best candidate to lead New Jersey as our next Governor.”
This is Sweeney’s second labor union endorsement since entering the gubernatorial race on Monday. He won the backing of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenter earlier this week.
As a longtime iron workers union leader, Sweeney is expected to draw significant support, including money and boots on the ground, from building trades unions from across the state.
As Senate President, Sweeney helped shepherd legislation to withdraw New Jersey from the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, a bistate agency created during the days of Marlon Brando’s On the Waterfront.
It’s not immediately clear if the Longshoremen’s Association endorsement will come with the support of Assemblyman William Sampson IV (D-Bayonne), a crane operator and union member. Sampson represents parts of Jersey City, where Mayor Steven Fulop is also running for governor with the support of the Hudson County Democratic organization.