Sherrill gets support from union that considered Ciattarelli

A building trades union that saw its leader ousted last summer in part because his support of candidates was inconsistent with the views of its rank-and-file membership has endorsed Democrat Mikie Sherrill in the New Jersey governor’s race.

“Mikie has never turned her back on us, and as a union leader, I will not turn my back on her,” said Shaun Sullivan, the president of the 11,000-member New Jersey State Association of Pipe Trades.  “Her dedication to service and unwavering commitment to our constituents make her the ideal choice to lead our state.”

There had been speculation that the union might break for the Republican nominee, Jack Ciattarelli.  A Trenton lobbying firm close to Ciattarelli represents the Pipe Trades group.  Still, Sherrill met with union leaders yesterday but never invited Ciattarelli for a meeting.

Nine piping unions are included in this endorsement: Steamfitters Local 475; Plumbers Local 24; Pipefitters Local 274; Sprinklerfitters Local 696; Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 322; Sprinklerfitters Local 692; Sprinklerfitters Local 669; Gas and Utility Workers Local 855, and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9.

It was a June 2024 vote of Local 9 that had a ripple effect on statewide politics.  Michael Maloney was defeated for re-election as business manager by a 2-1 margin, a vote that forced him out of his two other posts: state association president and New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council vice president.

But the new Local 9 president, Michael Tranberg, had the backing of State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch).  Gopal is now Sherrill’s campaign chairman.