Sweeney now has endorsements from six South Jersey Democratic county chairmen

Five more Democratic county chairs from South Jersey today endorsed Steve Sweeney for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2025, bringing his total to six.

State Sen. James Beach (D-Voorhees), the Camden County Democratic chairman, signed on as an early supporter of Sweeney, the former Senate President, along with Joe Andl of Burlington, Kevin McCann of Cumberland, Chad Bruner of Gloucester, and Steven Caltabiano of Salem.  The Atlantic County Democratic chairman, Michael Suleiman, announced his endorsement of Sweeney last night.

“Steve Sweeney was an unparalleled champion for New Jersey during his years in the Senate,” the county chairs said in a joint statement.  “He created jobs and economic growth, increased school aid and property tax relief, built up our universities, and passed legislation that improved the lives of our working families, senior citizens, and students.  We are proud to endorse Steve Sweeney as our next Governor.”

The six counties make up 21% of the total Democratic voter registration statewide, and 26% of the state’s Democratic primary vote in 2021 and 2022.

Sweeney announced his candidacy on Monday.

Two South Jersey county chairs, Marie Blistan of Cape May and Wyatt Earp of Ocean, have not yet taken sides in the 2025 governor’s race.

“I am humbled and grateful to receive such strong support from these elected county chairs, who are hardworking dedicated individuals,” said Sweeney, a labor leader and longtime South Jersey elected official.  “Your encouragement and backing will be critical in the campaign ahead.”

The only other announced candidate in the race, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, has indicated that he will assemble his own organization line in Atlantic County if he needs to.  His slate would be anchored by Ernest Coursey, a veteran county commissioner who is up for re-election in 2025; Coursey endorsed Fulop earlier today.

Atlantic City Mayor Martin Small, Sr. was one of Fulop’s earliest supporters and serves as co-chair of his gubernatorial campaign.