Sweeney gains Atlantic County endorsements

Former Senate President Steve Sweeney has announced thirteen new supporters of his campaign for governor headed into the March 2 Atlantic County Democratic convention, including Egg Harbor City Mayor Lisa Jiampetti and Frank Mahoney, the deputy political director of the Carpenters Union.

In Essex County, Newark City Councilman and South Ward Democratic Chairman Patrick Council will back three-term Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor.

Sweeney’s new endorsers are: former Galloway Mayor Meg Worthington; Warren Kotacska, the Absecon Democratic municipal chair; Janice Sykes-Heisler, the Buena Borough Democratic municipal chair; Bob Campbell, the Hamilton Democratic municipal chairman; Atlantic County Democratic Committee Secretary Walead Abdrabouh; Egg Harbor City Council President and Former Mayor Joe Kuehner; former Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Ron Ruff; Steve Stokes, a Carpenters Union official; Democratic activist Karen Gallagher; Jim Akers, a Buena Borough Democratic county committeeman; and Jonathan Diego, an Egg Harbor Democratic committeeman.

They join Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman, who endorsed Sweeney in December 2023.

“A candidate is only as strong as those who stand behind him, and that’s what makes me proud to have the backing of this great group of Atlantic County leaders,” said Sweeney.  “As your Governor, I’ll be laser-focused on getting things done, lowering our taxes, spurring economic growth, and keeping government spending under control. New Jersey can be a better place for everyone, and I’ll fight for that every day.”

Council said he has “witnessed firsthand how Mayor Baraka runs to issues and not away from them. Issues of affordability, infrastructure, transportation, education, and the empowerment/rights for all.”

“Mayor Baraka has become the voice of those crying out in the wilderness for a better, safer, stronger and united New Jersey. It’s his moment,” said Council.  “It’s our time to Reimagine New Jersey.”