Woring Families backs McKeon, Collazos-Gill in 27th

New Jersey Working Families is taking sides in three legislative districts in the June 6 Democratic primary, backing three frontrunners running on the organization line and three off-the-line challengers in South Jersey.

In the 27th district, the group is backing incumbent John McKeon (D-West Orange) and Alixon Collazos-Gill, a Democratic State Committeewoman from Montclair, for two Assembly seats in a four-candidate race.

But Working Families is staying out of the Democratic State Senate primary in that district, where two longtime incumbents, Richard Codey and Nia Gill, were forced to run against each other after legislative redistricting.  Codey is running on the Essex organization line with McKeon and Collazos-Gill.

Angela McKnight (D-Jersey City), an assemblywoman seeking the open 31st district Senate seat of Sandra Cunningham, received the Working Families endorsement.  She is running on the Hudson County Democratic organization line – Mayor Steven Fulop picked her for that slot – against Michael Griffin.

The endorsements in the 3rd district went to off-the-line candidates Mario Desantis for Senate, and Tanzie Youngblood and Robert Fitzpatrick for Assembly.  They face John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro), a former assemblyman running for the Senate, and his two Assembly running mates: Gloucester County Commissioner Heather Simmons and Dave Bailey, a non-profit executive from Salem County.

“These candidates are the best choices for voters in these districts,” said Sue Altman,  the New Jersey Working Families executive director.  “They will advocate for the needs of New Jerseyans and their families, and we are proud to support them in these races.  We encourage all who live in these districts to learn about these candidates and to make sure and vote on June 6.”

Make the Road New Jersey, one of the state’s most influential immigration advocacy organizations, also endorsed Collazos-Gill today.

“Alixon has proven to be a powerful advocate for working-class families of color like mine,” said Carmen Torres, a Clifton resident speaking on behalf of Make the Road Action.  “Her experience as an immigrant, her commitment to fighting for justice for all, and her experience as an advocate are deeply needed in Trenton.”

Collazos-Gill is seeking the open seat of Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin (D-Montclair), who is retiring after eighteen years in the legislature.