CAIR Action Initial Polling Finds Sayegh Holds Strong Lead in NJ-9, Wimberly in Second, Pou in Last

(PATERSON, NJ – August 26, 2024) – CAIR Action today announced the results of an initial poll conducted in collaboration with the Unity and Justice Fund that found Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh holds a strong lead among the field of Democrats vying to succeed the late- Congressman Bill Pascrell in New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District.

CAIR Action and the Unity and Justice Fund conducted a poll of registered Democrats in the district to collect data on NJ-9 voters’ preferences to inform County Committee members decide which candidate will likely represent the party in the General Election. Due to state law in New Jersey, the deadline for the Democratic Party to replace a nominated candidate for the November election is August 29th.

Over 80,000 Democratic voters were contacted for the survey with 383 responses so far, although data collection will continue through the next few days. Andre Sayegh commands a sizable lead with over 38%, followed by Assemblyman Wimberly at 26%, Assemblywoman Sumter at 13%, Assemblyman Calabrese at 12%, and State Senator Nellie Pou at 11%.

SEE: Initial Polls Results

In a statement, CAIR Action NJ Senior Advisor Ali Aljarrah said:

“Much of the discourse regarding who should be the Democratic nominee did not have Mayor Sayegh as a leading contender for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District. The initial polling data show that he clearly holds the lion’s share of favorability amongst voters. Sayegh’s name recognition in the district is likely due to the past six years that he has spent serving as the Mayor of the city of Paterson and preparing for higher office.

We hope this polling data is useful to Committee members who will be deciding the Party’s nominee in the coming days and hope they will consider the candidate who best reflects the values and priorities of the District’s constituencies.”

CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well- being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.