Maplewood Democratic Committeewoman Deborah Engel, who declined to endorse U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) for governor back in November, is backing Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop instead.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Deb Engel has dedicated her career to serving her community with integrity and purpose, and she is exactly the kind of leader New Jersey needs. She stands apart from some elected officials because she cares deeply about policy and the details that drive meaningful change,” Fulop said in a statement.
“I’m honored to have her support and look forward to working with her for years to come. Our campaign’s endorsements are different because we are openly advocating for change and reform. While some endorsements are just a press release from a county chair, a name on paper, ours come from people willing to stand tall despite pressure because they believe in our vision and are committed to making a difference.”
Engel appeared poised to become the next Maplewood mayor in late November, however, the local Democratic committee pulled their support after she would not support Sherrill for governor, as the New Jersey Globe reported.
Maplewood is a township in Essex County that is a part of Sherrill’s congressional district.
“Deb is a wonderful public servant for the people of Maplewood, and, like her, I believe deeply in the democratic process,” Sherrill said at the time.“
“As Deb said, this did not come from our campaign and has no place here. I’m going to keep working every day to earn support from New Jerseyans.”
Fulop and Sherrill, who has the backing of the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO), are in a field of six competing in the June 10th Democratic primary to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy (D), who is term limited.
Their competition includes U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5), Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Engel’s endorsement comes before Fulop hosts a meet-and-greet in Maplewood this evening, followed by a larger event in South Orange.
“Steve Fulop first impressed me with his courage to stand up to the political establishment and speak openly about the need for change in New Jersey politics. He isn’t afraid to fight for our shared values, which is more important than ever given what we’re witnessing at the federal level,” she added.
“ … Steve and I also share a belief in the benefits of shared services at both the local and regional levels, and I appreciate his commitment to making the state budget process more transparent. I could go on and on, but I encourage my Maplewood and South Orange neighbors to see for themselves. That’s democracy in action! Join me at one of the two free Steve Fulop meet-and-greets happening in MAPSO this week and next to learn more about why he’s my choice for New Jersey Governor.”
Where is Maplewood and who cares what an old lady there says?
Since Gubernatorial candidate Sean Spiller’s name is mentioned here, I would like to know who is funding his campaign. By far, he has sent out significantly more campaign mailings to WNY than ALL OF HIS COMPETITORS COMBINED. I do not think he can win in the general election in November. He cannot and will not be able to effectively say that he is running for the sake of our children’s education and future, when he heads a powerful teachers union. Don’t get me wrong here. If he is the Democratic nominee, I will vote for him and support him. My point is, to the average independent voter, his candidacy might appear to be mainly a self-serving act for him and his public teacher colleagues. I would definitely not be surprised if more than a few Republicans with very deep pockets are “supporting” him in the primary, so can (and will) be defeated by the Republican nominee in November. VOTE SHERRILL