Endorsed candidates demonstrate NJWFP’s commitment to electing leaders in the first state legislative primary election after the abolition of the “county line.”

Today, the New Jersey Working Families Party (NJWFP) has endorsed a historic slate of 13 candidates for the State Assembly ahead of the June 10 primary election. NJ Working Families Party’s endorsements come in the first state legislative primary election after the elimination of the county line system.

The slate represents a diverse group of candidates, including three incumbents and challengers in competitive primaries, seeking to represent communities in all regions of New Jersey, but united by a commitment to fight for working families, instead of leveraging the power of government for the benefit of the rich and well-connected. 

The endorsements are the next step in NJ Working Families Party’s strategy to reshape politics that kicked off with successful legal challenges that abolished the corrupt county line and delivered a fairer ballot design that gives grassroots candidates a more level playing field to compete against candidates who have the backing of political insiders.

“We’re proud to support a strong slate of candidates who will drive real change in Trenton by putting the needs of working families first,” said NJWFP State Director Antoinette Miles. “Now that we’ve finally consigned the corrupt county line system to the dustbin of history, we’re fully committed to electing candidates committed to fighting for working people. We’re proud of the slate we have assembled. And over the next few months, we will be in communities across New Jersey to make the case directly to voters that these candidates can deliver true change and are worthy of support.”

The full set of endorsed candidates (*incumbent):

Carolyn Rush, Legislative District 1

Brandon Saffold, Legislative District 1

Brian Everett, Legislative District 4

Rebecca “Becky” Holloway, Legislative District 6

Kevin Ryan, Legislative District 6

Loretta Rivers, Legislative District 17

Alizon Collazos-Gill, Legislative District 27*

Chigozie Onyema, Legislative District 28

Barbara McCann-Stomato, Legislative District 31*

Katie Brennan, Legislative District 32

Al Abdelaziz, Legislative District 35*

Daniel Park, Legislative District 37

Damali Robinson, Legislative District 38

NJWFP will organize its members, supporters, and voters across the state to support the slate of candidates in the June primary election. Out of these races, NJ WFP will be paying special attention to two challengers, Katie Brennan and Chigozie Onyema, who are running in competitive primaries with strong progressive credentials. Wins in those hotly contested districts in Hudson and Essex counties have the potential to send shockwaves across state politics.

Candidates who applied for the NJ Working Families Party endorsement were required to complete a robust questionnaire and interview process with organizational members of NJWFP’s State Committee. Many endorsed candidates have also received training from the NJ Working Families Party on running a grassroots campaign. 

Quotes from the endorsed candidates follow:

“I am both humbled and proud to accept the endorsement of the Working Families Party.  As a woman who worked hard to provide a good life for my five children, I instilled in them an appreciation for fairness and decency.  I share the NJWFP’s desire to raise wages, protect workers, expand healthcare, and defend democracy. During this time of extreme tumult in our nation, I welcome partnering with such an amazing organization to bring sanity back to politics,” said Carolyn Rush, candidate for Legislative District 1.

“It is an honor to be the first Gen-Z candidate endorsed by the NJ Working Families Party. As a son of a hard-working military father and mother who spent decades in the healthcare industry, I have a firsthand understanding of many struggles we face in a world that idolizes and supports the wealthy over the rest. I am fully committed to fighting for working families and the working class residents of NJ,” said Brandon Saffold, candidate for Legislative District 1.

“In this moment when we face undue uncertainty, threats, and disruption from the federal regime, we need forward-thinking leaders who can foresee how to best meet the needs of residents and protect their rights. New Jersey residents have fairer ballots for the first time in decades because of NJ WFP, so I’m grateful for their support and encouragement as we work toward a government that is accountable to people, and not select bosses or wealthy insiders,” said Brian Everett, candidate for Legislative District 4.

“We’re running for State Assembly because working families in South Jersey deserve better than backroom deals and political dynasties. We’re proud to earn the endorsement of the Working Families Party, an organization that, like us, believes in putting people before power. Together, we can break the machine’s grip on Trenton and build a New Jersey that works for all of us,” said Becky Holloway and  Kevin Ryan, candidates for Legislative District 6.

“My campaign is centered on the issues hard-working New Jerseyans face on a daily basis—including housing, healthcare, education, and living wages. I’m ready to fight alongside the NJ Working Families Party for the representation we deserve,” said Loretta Rivers, candidate for Legislative District 17.

“I’m proud to receive the endorsement of the New Jersey Working Families Party for the second time. We’re going to continue working together to build an economy that works for all New Jersey families, particularly children and people of color who have traditionally been excluded,” said Asw. Alixon Collazos-Gill. 

“I am truly honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party. Their support reflects our shared commitment to advancing policies that put working families first. From advocating for affordable housing and fair wages to ensuring access to quality education, we will continue to fight for an equitable future for all in LD31. Together, we will work to create a New Jersey that works for everyone, not just the wealthy,” said Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato.

“I’m so excited and honored to have the support of the New Jersey Working Families Party,” said Katie Brennan. “It’s not lost on me that I wouldn’t be able to run a real, competitive campaign if it weren’t for Working Families leading the charge to end the county line and bring fair ballots to New Jersey. This is an organization that’s never been afraid to speak truth to power, and I’m proud to stand with them in the fight for affordable housing, better transit, and an economy that actually works for working people. The old, party-boss way of doing politics is on its way out in New Jersey. And together, we’re building what comes next.”

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of Working Families. I got involved with politics to provide a voice for my local community and advocate for the real needs of regular people.  We share the same vision in standing up for equity and opportunity for every person in every aspect of our lives. I’m proud to fight alongside Working Families and their partner organizations in the critical challenges we face today and in the future,” said Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz, candidate for Legislative District 35.

“Our district is one of the most diverse in the state, and we, taxpayers, neighbors, and families –all deserve to have a voice. This is what propelled me to run for office in 2013 and become Tenafly’s first Korean-American Councilmember. This year, more than ever, with New Jersey’s new ballot design, voters can truly have their voices heard. We can be heard—if we fight together, which is why I am honored to partner with New Jersey Working Families,” said Daniel Park, candidate for Legislative District 37.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party in my campaign for State Assembly in LD38. This endorsement reflects our shared belief that the government must work for all people, not just the privileged few. I’m running to increase economic opportunity for working families, expand access to quality healthcare, and protect and strengthen our public education system. Together, we’re building a New Jersey that puts people over profit, justice over complacency, and communities over corporations,” said Damali Robinson, candidate for Legislative District 38.

###