Vainieri Huttle gains endorsement of pro-choice PAC

A PAC that helps elect pro-choice Democratic women has endorsed Valerie Vainieri Huttle for the open State Senate seat in the 37th district.

“You cannot think of our state’s strongest allies for women’s issues without thinking of Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle,” said Antonia Spano, the executive director of PAM’s List.  “Her record, her passion, and her leadership all make her the best choice.”

The PAM’s list endorsement follows a declaration of support earlier today from 21 progressive leaders for Vainieri Huttle’s bid to replace retiring State Sen. Loretta Weinberg.

The PAC reported cash-on-hand of just $2,255 in their most recent report filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission after raising nothing in 2020.

Vainieri Huttle is facing off against Assemblyman Gordon Johnson for the Democratic organization line in Bergen County.  The race launched minutes after Weinberg, the Senate Majority Leader, announced her retirement last week.

Johnson has won endorsements from Democratic mayors in Englewood, Fort Lee, Palisades Park and Leonia, Democratic leaders in Northvale and Cresskill, and Lynn Hurwitz, the venerable Hackensack Democratic Municipal Chair.   Englewood Democratic Municipal Chair Phil Meisner is supporting Vainieri Huttle.

PAM’s list – an acronym for Power and Money – cited Vainieri Huttle’s work to restore family planning funding that was cut by then-Gov. Chris Christie, and her sponsorship of the New Jersey Reproductive Freedom Act.

“The New Jersey Legislature cannot afford to lose another voice that represents the needs of our state’s women and the hardships they go through,” Spano said.  “We are confident that the addition of Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle’s voice and work ethic to the New Jersey State Senate will benefit women everywhere, and that she would continue the legacy of being a champion for women left by Senator Weinberg.”