JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY – Beyond the Ballot is proud to throw our full support behind Jake Ephros, Joel Brooks, and Zaire S. Ali in their respective races across the state of New Jersey. These aren’t just candidates, they’re organizers, fighters, and community-raised leaders who understand what’s at stake for working people. Each one of them embodies the values that move our movement forward: equity, accountability, and bold leadership for both Gen Z and working people. More on the candidates:

Joel Brooks — Jersey City Council, Ward B
Joel isn’t your typical candidate; he’s a father, tenant, and labor organizer fighting to rebuild Jersey City from the ground up. He’s taking on the developer class and standing up for a city where dignity, fairness, and working people come first. Beyond the Ballot proudly endorses his people-powered movement to put City Hall back in the hands of ordinary people.

“I’m extremely proud to receive the endorsement of Beyond the Ballot. Their unapologetic commitment to rejecting corporate influence, standing up to political machines, and building real power for working people is exactly the kind of movement Jersey City — and our country — needs. Beyond the Ballot is organizing from the bottom up, investing in communities that have been ignored or exploited by both major parties. That’s the kind of politics I believe in — people-powered, independent, and accountable to the people, not billionaires.”

Jake Ephros — Jersey City Council, Ward D
Jake Ephros is a teacher, tenant organizer, and union advocate building real working-class power in Jersey City. He’s taken on corporate developers, fought for public schools and childcare, and never backed down from putting people before profit. Beyond the Ballot proudly endorses his grassroots campaign to deliver for the poor and working people who keep Jersey City running.

“In Jersey City, we’re standing up to campaigns bankrolled by MAGA billionaires and pay-to-play politics. Our campaign is powered entirely by working people, and we are building a grassroots movement challenging the status quo and the dominance of corporate interests in our city.”

Zaire S. Ali — North Brunswick Board of Education
Zaire is a dedicated school board member fighting for academic excellence, equity, and mental health support in every classroom. He’s committed to ensuring that every family, no matter their background, has access to strong schools, transparent leadership, and a voice in the decisions that shape their children’s future. Beyond the Ballot proudly supports his continued fight to make public education a force for justice and opportunity on the North Brunswick School Board.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Beyond the Ballot for my re-election to the North Brunswick Township School Board. This endorsement represents more than just support. It reflects a shared belief that real change starts at the ballot box and is carried forward through strong collaboration between communities and local leadership. School boards play a powerful role in shaping futures by giving young people the tools they need to succeed, dream, and thrive. I’m proud to stand for policies that build power from the ground up and prioritize the voices of those most affected. This endorsement affirms my commitment to inclusive leadership that brings the community to the table and works for the greater good of all.”

Beyond the Ballot calls on voters across Jersey City and North Brunswick to show up, speak out, and vote for Joel Brooks, Jake Ephros, and Zaire Ali this Tuesday, November 4th. These candidates represent the kind of leadership New Jersey deserves: rooted in community, powered by working people, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Let’s send a clear message this election: our cities belong to us, not the corporations that try to buy them or the overreaching government that tries to control them.

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About Beyond the Ballot

Beyond the Ballot is a Gen Z-led advocacy organization committed to building bottom-up political power to deliver for working-class priorities. Our efforts seek to remind the public that democracy doesn’t end at the polls, and that the real work of our society is everything that occurs in between election cycles. Together, we’re building organized power that goes Beyond the Ballot to usher in a bold, progressive era of American politics.

Learn more about Joel Brooks at joelforjc.com or Jake Ephros at jakeforjc.com

Learn more about Zaire Ali at zairefornbtboe.com

Visit Beyond the Ballot for more information about our endorsed candidates.