CAIR Action NJ Endorses 22 State Assembly Candidates in 2025 Election Cycle

(Paterson, NJ, 05/16/2025) — CAIR Action NJ, the political advocacy arm of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in New Jersey, is proud to announce the endorsement of 22 candidates running for the New Jersey General Assembly in 2025. Candidates were endorsed based on their responses to our endorsement questionnaire along with their dedication to justice, equity, and public service.

"At a time when Muslim communities and other marginalized groups face growing political scapegoating and policy threats, we need legislators who are ready to lead with courage and principle,” said Ali Aljarrah, Senior Advisor for CAIR Action NJ. “These candidates reflect the values of inclusion, fairness, and dignity that we fight for every day.”

The following candidates have earned CAIR Action NJ’s endorsement for their alignment with the organization’s advocacy priorities and their demonstrated commitment to equity and justice:

2025 CAIR Action NJ Endorsed Candidates for New Jersey General Assembly

• Carolyn Rush – LD-01 (Democratic)
• Brandon Saffold – LD-01 (Democratic)
• Vonetta Hawkins – LD-04 (Democratic)
• Brian Everett – LD-04 (Democratic)
• Rebecca Holloway – LD-06 (Democratic)
• Kevin Ryan – LD-06 (Democratic)
• Balvir Singh – LD-07 (Democratic)
• Eddie Freeman – LD-08 (Democratic)
• Freshta Taeb – LD-12 (Democratic)
• Mahmoud Desouky – LD-16 (Democratic)
• Loretta Rivers – LD-17 (Democratic)
• Guy Citron – LD-23 (Democratic)
• Chigozie Onyema – LD-28 (Democratic)
• Jacqueline Weimmer – LD-31 (Democratic)
• Barbara McCann Stamato – LD-31 (Democratic)
• Yousef J. Saleh – LD-32 (Democratic)
• Jessica Ramirez – LD-32 (Democratic)
• Katie Brennan – LD-32 (Democratic)
• Michael Venezia – LD-34 (Democratic)
• Carmen T. Morales – LD-34 (Democratic)
• Al Abdelaziz – LD-35 (Democratic)
• Donna C. Abene – LD-39 (Democratic)

CAIR Action NJ encourages voters to learn more about these candidates and to participate in the June 2025 primary and November general elections.

To view our official list and learn more about CAIR Action NJ, visit: cairaction.org/nj.

CAIR Action NJ is an affiliate of CAIR Action, 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.