U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) picked up another labor endorsement today for his re-election bid: the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21 (IUPAT DC21).
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Rob has been an incredible friend to all members of organized labor, including the hard-working men and women of IUPAT DC21 and we are proud to endorse him for re-election in 2024,” IUPAT DC21 Executive-at-Large and Assistant Business Manager Mike Laughlin said in a statement.
“In Congress, Rob has championed the cause of working families like those in our unions, introducing the Working Families Task Force Act and co-sponsoring legislation such as the PRO Act which ensures that more Americans can benefit from organized labor protections.”
He continued that Menendez brought up the need for more federally-supported apprenticeship and training programs during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing this week.
IUPAT DC21 represents over 6,000 members in New Jersey and neighboring states. The union represents painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, and glass workers.
“IUPAT DC21 is ready to get to work on re-electing Rob to Congress this year. Rob has been a strong fighter for union members since Day One, supporting our priorities and our values,” added IUPAT DC21 Political Director Tim Crowther.
“With him in Congress, every single union member in the Eighth Congressional District is well-represented. We strongly support Rob and look forward to continuing to work with him in the years ahead.”
Since last week, Menendez announced the backing from the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 25, the Hudson County Central Labor Council, the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Amalgamated Transit Union.
While Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports aren’t available yet, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s congressional campaign has indicated he has already raised $1 million in his off the line bid to unseat Menendez.
He has been critical of the criminal case of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Rob’s father, calling his his resignation after being accused of taking bribes and abusing his office.
Kyle Jasey, the son of former Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, is another Democratic candidate who has declared in the race.
