The Teach NJ PAC, which advocates for increased funding for non-public schools, has made 52 endorsements but skipped over many competitive races.
Of the 52 candidates endorsed, 47 were Democrats, and only five were Republicans.
“Teach NJ PAC is proud to endorse these candidates and to recognize their partnership and assistance in supporting the nonpublic school community here in New Jersey,” said Joseph Feldman, Chairman of Teach NJ PAC. “They are true champions for New Jersey’s students, recognizing that all children and families should have access to safe, quality schools that align with their religious and cultural needs.”
Although the group largely backs Democrats, they are entirely skipping over two of this year’s most competitive races, as they withhold their support from candidates running in the 3rd and 4th districts.
In this year’s other most competitive districts – the 11th and 16th – the group backs the full slate of Democrats running. These include: State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) and Assembly candidates Luanne Peterpaul and Dr. Margie Donlon in the 11th; and State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Hillsborough), Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-South Brunswick) and Assembly candidate Mitchelle Drulis in the 16th.
In the 30th district, the group split their support between State Sen. Robert Singer (R-Lakewood) and Rabbi Avi Schnall, a school choice proponent from Lakewood who is trying to oust Assemblyman Ned Thompson (R-Wall) in a staunchly Republican district.
Teach NJ mostly stayed out of races in the 2nd, 8th, 14th, and 38th districts, only making five endorsements in the 12 races.
No candidates running in the 2nd or 8th got the group’s support; in the 14th, only State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) was endorsed.
Democrats running in the 38th – State Sen. Joseph Lagana (D-Paramus), Assemblyman Chris Tully (D-Bergenfield), and Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-Fair Lawn) – received the group’s backing.
The group largely stayed out of South Jersey, deciding not to back candidates from the 1st, 5th, 8th, 9th, or 10th districts.
In addition to Singer, the group backed the following Republicans: State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-Little Silver) and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-Middletown) in the 13th; State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) in the 21st; and State Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale) in the 39th.
“In the years to come, we will be expanding our relationships throughout the legislature to ensure all of our children are provided with the necessary educational support to succeed,” concluded Feldman.
The PAC was filed this week, two days before they announced its endorsements.