32BJ SEIU Endorses Candidates Across New Jersey Ahead of Municipal and June Primary Elections

Union stands with candidates fighting for working people, economic fairness, and thriving communities

Newark, N.J. — 32BJ SEIU, the largest property services union in the country, today announced a new round of endorsements for candidates running in key races across New Jersey ahead of the May 12 municipal and June 2 primary elections.

The union is backing a diverse slate of candidates in congressional, county, and municipal races who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the interests of working families, strengthening local economies, and ensuring communities remain affordable and inclusive.

“Our members are cleaners, security officers, airport workers, and essential service workers who keep New Jersey running every single day,” said Ana Maria Hill, Vice President and New Jersey State Director of 32BJ SEIU. “They deserve leaders who understand their realities and are ready to fight for good jobs, affordable housing, and dignity on the job. These candidates have shown they are prepared to stand with working people and deliver real results.”

The following candidates have earned 32BJ’s endorsement:

Congressional District 7

• Brian Varela

Hudson County Commissioner

• Bill O’Dea
• Pam Johnson
• Ron Bautista
• Fanny J. Cedeño
• Alex Valdez

Passaic County Commissioner

• Orlando Cruz
• Ali Aljarrah

City of Newark

Mayor

• Ras J. Baraka

At-Large Council

• Luis A. Quintana
• C. Lawrence Crump
• Louise Scott-Rountree
• Josephine C. Garcia

North Ward

• Anibal Ramos Jr.

“These candidates reflect the values of our members and the communities we serve,” Hill added. “From Congress to City Hall, we are proud to support leaders who will fight to make New Jersey a place where working families don’t just get by—they thrive.”

In the weeks leading up to Election Day, 32BJ members will mobilize across the state—knocking on doors, making phone calls, and engaging voters—to help elect candidates who will champion workers’ rights and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

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32BJ SEIU is a member-driven union representing 15,000 service workers in New Jersey and a total of 190,000 service workers across 12 states and Washington, D.C.