The Asbury Park Press endorsed LD11 GOP Assembly candidates Matt Woolley and Michael Amoroso over incumbent Democrats Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling.

Citing high property taxes and school funding, the APP wrote that ‘Republicans — and taxpayers — need more voices in Trenton. Amoroso and Woolley have a legitimate shot at winning in the 11th District. Help put them over the top.’

Read the endorsement here.

The GOP candidates released the following statement on the endorsement:

The Asbury Park Press has endorsed Mike Amoroso & Matt Woolley for New Jersey State Assembly in the 11th District. “Amoroso and Woolley have a legitimate shot at winning in the 11th District. Help put them over the top,” the Press urged voters this morning in an editorial.

“For District 11 residents concerned about high property taxes… Amoroso and Woolley offer
the best hope for some relief,” the Press said. New Jersey property taxes are the highest in the
nation.

“I want to thank the APP for their endorsement, and I want to make this promise to voters: if you send us to Trenton, we will do exactly what this endorsement says we will do. We will work ourselves to the bone to bring you and your family the affordability, security and meaningful representation you deserve,” said Amoroso.

As for the incumbents, the Press noted that though Joann Downey knows very well that reducing property taxes “is the top concern of her constituents,” her claim that she has “identified [property tax reduction] as her top priority” is “not borne out by her voting record over the past four years in Trenton.”

The Press also acknowledged the deeply concerning influence of outside special interest money in the campaign: “The General Majority PAC, which is tied to Democratic South Jersey political boss George Norcross, has poured lots of money into the race.” General Majority PAC has spent over
$1.1 million trying to put and keep Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling in office over the last two election cycles, according to NJ ELEC filings.

“Monmouth County voters don’t need Camden County political bosses telling us how to vote. We
need property tax relief, we need fully funded schools, and we need a New Jersey where we can
afford to live, work, raise a family and retire. Downey and Houghtaling have had four years to deliver for us, and as the Asbury Park Press proved this morning, they haven’t done it. It’s time for a change,” Woolley concluded.