May 11, 2023 The SEIU New Jersey State Council has endorsed the re-election bids of six Democratic incumbents in the state legislature who have been outstanding advocates for issues affecting our members and working families statewide.
“These early endorsements – before the primaries next month – reflect the Council’s commitment to these labor champions who have shown leadership on issues of vital importance such as the $15 minimum wage, safe staffing ratios in nursing homes, a fair organizing process for Starbucks workers, the need for better working conditions in warehouse distribution centers and adequate funding for graduate medical education,” said SEIU NJ Council President Megan Chambers, who is Co-Manager of the Laundry, Distribution, and Food Service (LDFS) Joint Board, Workers United SEIU. “These legislators have stood with us in the statehouse and in the streets. They have shown up for our members and for working people, and they deserve our strong support.”
Five senate candidates and one Assembly candidate were identified as “champions” after meeting with members of the state council’s affiliate unions. They are Senator Vin Gopal, District 11; Senator Linda Greenstein, District 14; Senator Andrew Zwicker, District 16; Senator Joe Vitale, District 19; Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, District 20 and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, who is running for Senate in District 34.
The legislature’s makeup is important as legislative districts recently were redrawn, and the state is gearing up to elect a new governor in 2025. The SEIU New Jersey State Council will endorse more candidates before the general election in November.
The SEIU NJ State Council is composed of unions representing 15,000 service employees across the state. Our diverse membership includes health care, warehouse, industrial laundry, and school cafeteria workers, as well as motor vehicle inspectors, resident physicians, and municipal employees in Newark. The council includes 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East, the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, the Committee of Interns and Residents, and 32BJ Motor Vehicle Inspectors.