With almost 100 people gathered at the Bull n Bear Brewery in Summit on Saturday, Democrat Andrew Macurdy, a former state and federal representative, began his campaign to oust Republican Assemblywomen Nancy Mu oz (R-Summit) and Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence) in the 21st district.
The 38-year-old Harvard Law graduate has worked as counsel to two Democratic attorneys general, an assistant U.S. attorney and Hudson County prosecutor, and a clerk for two federal courts. He raised $94,000 in his first six weeks as a candidate.
Nora Radest, a former mayor of Summit, said, “I know firsthand what it takes to lead a community, listen to residents, and make thoughtful decisions that improve people’s lives.” Andrew possesses all of those attributes and more. In order to give Trenton true leadership, I sincerely hope you will vote for him.
Additionally, Jennifer Rowland, Chatham Township’s deputy mayor, endorsed him.
“With the chaos of our federal government, we need intelligent and considerate leaders for our district in the state legislature,” she remarked. Andrew will stand up for our residents and assist in resolving issues.
In a 60-second launch video, Macurdy highlights his life narrative and describes what it’s like to succeed in the legislature.
Script: We have heard this phrase all of our lives. That’s just politics in Jersey. Well, I’m sick of elected officials letting me down. The name Andrew Macurdy is mine. My mother and I attended the same public schools in New Jersey. I learned from my parents that everything is possible if you put in the necessary effort and practice. I gained firsthand knowledge of what it takes to make our communities safer after I became a prosecutor.I have witnessed the power of successful and efficient government. Towns all around the state have embraced the program I created that pairs police officers with mental health professionals.It’s getting tougher and harder to afford the home we live in every day. where families are burdened by daycare expenses and NJ Transit fails us. This District’s members abstain from voting on important bills. defending the autonomy of women. prohibiting magazines with a huge capacity. We cannot allow this broken status quo to dictate the course of our state.I want to safeguard the future for my son and daughter as well as for families throughout New Jersey, which is why I am running for Assembly in the 21st District, where I am raising my family.Now is the moment for change.
His grandpa was a World War II fighter pilot who was shot down and managed to survive for months behind enemy lines before being rescued, thus Macurdy hails from a military family. His father is a pilot who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
During the primary and general elections, he sponsored canvas launches for Rep. Andy Kim and congressional candidate Sue Altman from his house. He was also an early supporter to Kim’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
The 21st district, which is located in Union County, hasn’t been won by Democrats since 1989, but it’s getting more blue. Last year, Kamala Harris won the district by more than twelve percentage points; in 2020, Biden won it by more than seventeen points; and in 2016, Clinton won it by nearly eight points.
In 2021, Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican, and Gov. Phil Murphy were almost tied on the 21st. Ciattarelli won the district by 290 votes, 49.8% to 48.5%.
