Planned Parenthood super PAC ramping up activity in key legislative races

In an election cycle with historically low voter turnout, a super PAC run by Planned Parenthood New Jersey is reaching out to targeted voters in the state’s most competitive legislative races with a call to action to vote in State Senate and Assembly races in November.

A direct mail piece that has already dropped highlights how state legislatures in other states, including Texas, Idaho, and North Carolina, have passed abortion bans and restrictions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“Abortion is on the ballot this November,” said Jackie Cornell, a Planned Parenthood NJ Super PAC trustee.  “We’ve seen the playbook in the 20-plus states that have banned or restricted abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned.  Our legislature – and Governor – will determine whether or not we have reproductive freedom in New Jersey.”

Planned Parenthood’s super PAC sent mailers to voters in the 3rd, 4th, 11th, 16th, and 38th districts, stressing that voters can protect reproductive freedom by showing up at the polls.  |

State polling has shown abortion to be a “top motivating issue” in the 2023 midterm elections, the super PAC said, explaining that their ability to reach and turn out key voters with authority could drive up turnout for their preferred candidates.

“Abortion access is a key issue for voters across the state,” Cornell said. “These voters just need the information and resources to go vote and make their voices heard, and Planned Parenthood is the messenger they trust most on issues of abortion and reproductive freedom.”

In the 3rd, Planned Parenthood Action has endorsed Democrats John Burzichelli for Senate against incumbent Ed Durr and Assembly candidates Heather Simmons and Dave Bailey, Jr. They’re backing Democrats for open seats in the 4th, including Assemblyman Paul Moriarty for Senate, and Democratic incumbents in the 11th, 16th and 38th.

Over the next ten days, a second mailer will target voters who typically only show up in presidential election years.

The group said more mailers will depend on super PAC fundraising.

Democratic lawmakers in the 11th and 16th district are already running TV ads with abortion as a central issue.