The State Troopers’ Fraternal Association of New Jersey is supporting three Democrats and a Republican in the state’s most competitive State Senate races, with endorsements going to State Sens. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) and Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick).
The union is backing the candidacy of Democrat John Burzichelli for Senate in the 3rd district against incumbent Edward Durr (R-Logan), and Republican Christopher Del Borrello for the open Senate seat in the 4th district against Paul Moriarty (D-Washington Township), a Democratic assemblyman. Del Borrello and Moriarty are seeking to replace retiring five-term State Sen. Fred Madden (D-Washington Township), a former New Jersey State Police Superintendent.
The Troopers are backing Republican Assembly candidates Matt Walker and Amanda Esposito for two open seats currently held by Democrats in the 4th district but are supporting Democratic challengers Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul for Assembly in the 11th against GOP incumbents Marilyn Piperno (R-Colts Neck) and Kim Eulner (R-Shrewsbury). No endorsements were made for Assembly in the 16th district, where Democrat Roy Freiman (D-Hillsborough) is seeking a fourth term.
While the law enforcement union is supporting Burzichelli, the lone Assembly endorsement in District 3 went to Republican Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy-Patrick (R-Mannington).
“These candidates represent the best visions, and we are certain that they will provide the utmost support for the men and women of the STFA in these difficult times,” said Wayne Blanchard, the union president. “We believe these candidates will assist us in providing a positive by-product on policy-making and initiatives to ensure public trust in police while balancing the needs of our membership.”