Before the March 2 Atlantic County Democratic convention, former Senate President Steve Sweeney announced thirteen new backers for his gubernatorial campaign, including Frank Mahoney, the deputy political director of the Carpenters Union, and Lisa Jiampetti, the mayor of Egg Harbor City.
Three-term Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will be supported for governor of Essex County by Patrick Council, the Democratic chairman of the South Ward and a member of the Newark City Council.
Former Galloway Mayor Meg Worthington, Absecon Democratic Municipal Chair Warren Kotacska, Buena Borough Democratic Municipal Chair Janice Sykes-Heisler, Hamilton Democratic Municipal Chairman Bob Campbell, Atlantic County Democratic Committee Secretary Walead Abdrabouh, Egg Harbor City Council President and Former Mayor Joe Kuehner, former Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Ron Ruff, Carpenters Union official Steve Stokes, Democratic activist Karen Gallagher, Buena Borough Democratic county committeeman Jim Akers, and Egg Harbor Democratic committeeman Jonathan Diego complete Sweeney’s new list of supporters.
They join Michael Suleiman, the Democratic Chairman of Atlantic County, who in December 2023 endorsed Sweeney.
“I am honored to have the support of this outstanding group of Atlantic County leaders because a candidate is only as strong as those who support him,” Sweeney stated. Getting things done, cutting taxes, promoting economic growth, and controlling government spending are my top priorities as your governor. I will fight every day to make New Jersey a better place for everyone.
According to the council, he has personally seen how Mayor Baraka rushes to problems rather than avoiding them. issues pertaining to education, infrastructure, transportation, affordability, and everyone’s rights and empowerment.
Those clamoring for a better, safer, stronger, and more cohesive New Jersey have found their voice in Mayor Baraka. “This is his moment,” the Council said. Now is the moment to rethink New Jersey.