PBA endorses Benson in Mercer county executive race

Dan Benson’s bid for the Democratic nomination for Mercer County Executive received a boost today with the endorsement of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association.

Benson, an assemblyman from Hamilton, is challenging five-term incumbent Brian Hughes in the Democratic primary.

“We know Assemblyman Benson as a man of moral values and integrity and one that is firmly committed to public safety,” said Pat Colligan, the NJ PBA president.  “He will be a leader who bargains honestly, cares about workers being treated fairly, and prioritizes standing up for the men and women who risk their lives keeping our communities safe.”

Colligan cited Benson’s support for “protecting domestic violence victims, restoring Sick Leave Injury benefits to injured officers, or championing sensible gun safety measures” as chairman of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

“Dan always listened to all the stakeholders and worked to find consensus where possible and work towards keeping our families and our communities safe,” Colligan stated.  “This is why we are proud to provide him with our full endorsement and support him in his effort to become the next Mercer County Executive.”

Benson said he’d supported public safety professionals since he won a seat on the Hamilton Township Council.

“Working closely with our PBA Locals, as well as the leadership of the State PBA, we have advanced public safety and protected the safety of the officers serving our communities,” he said.

Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Benson’s campaign chair and a lobbyist for the Fraternal Order of Police praised Colligan’s leadership of the NJ PBA.

“Having their support will be a tremendous boost towards electing Dan as the next Mercer County Executive,” she said.

The state’s largest law enforcement union has supported candidates from both parties in recent years, supporting GOP congressional challengers Tom Kean, Jr. and Bob Healey in 2022 and Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff).  The NJ PBA didn’t take sides in the 2021 governor’s race and endorsed President Donald Trump for re-election in 2020.

The New Jersey State PBA represents over 23,000 law enforcement officials statewide.