Suleiman backs legislative candidates in first district

Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Michael Suleiman backed legislative candidates in the first district Wednesday morning.

Attorney Yolanda Garcia Balicki got his endorsement for a State Senate run against Sen. Mike Testa (R-Vineland), while Chris Wilson and John Capizola Jr. got the chairman’s nod for Assembly runs in the district.

“Families in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families,” Suleiman said. “I’m supporting Yolanda, Chris, and John because they’re going to do everything they can to help our citizens make ends meet.”

The three Democrats were endorsed by the Atlantic County Democratic Committee last Sunday.

Should they emerge through the primary, they’ll face Testa and his running mates, Assemblymen Erik Simonsen (R-Lower) and Antwan McLellan (R-Ocean City).

“We need legislators who are going to fight for good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, and a cleaner environment. Yolanda, Chris, and John will fight for us, and I look forward to supporting their campaign any way I can,” Suleiman said.

They also got the backing of Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron.

“With Yolanda in the State Senate along with Chris and John in the Assembly, the first legislative district will have an exceptional team of dedicated public servants in the state legislature leading the fight for our businesses, working families, and schools by bringing a much-needed dose of common sense to Trenton,” he said.

This article was updated with comment from Pete Byron at 11:36 a.m.