Middletown, NJ – Elect Women NJ, New Jersey’s anti-racist, feminist organization focused on raising money to invest in strong, women candidates in NJ races, released endorsements for the 2020 election cycle.  Elect Women NJ is doing what no other women-focused political organization in NJ is doing. It is giving campaign donations and building a network across the state to support strong candidates who need the investment in local races.

“Having access to funds can be the critical difference between a successful race and an unsuccessful race. We know that investing in women now wins elections,” said Linda Peng-Grooters, Founder and Treasurer of Elect Women NJ. “Elect Women NJ endorsed 20 women and supported an additional 8 Women to Watch this election cycle.  Additionally, restricted funds dedicated for black women running for office were awarded.”  

Kathy Williams, Founding Board Member with Elect Women NJ says, “This is our first cohort of endorsements, and we are incredibly proud of the talent and diversity reflected in our applicants.”

“Local government can consist of council members, mayors, county commissioners, freeholders, sheriffs, and school boards. Women, and specifically women of color, need to be represented in these offices.  Elect Women NJ is working to support this mission,” says Nichelle Santos, Founding Board Member Elect Women NJ. 

“I am honored to be endorsed by Elect Women NJ, because now, more than ever, women’s voices need to be heard. We celebrated 100 years of women’s suffrage, and yet women are still not equal. We still do not have equality in fundamental aspects of our daily living such as income or healthcare,” says Cara Parmagiani, candidate for Borough Council in Morris Plains. “We need Elect Women to lower the barriers to women entering and winning races.”

“I am proud to have the endorsement of Elect Women NJ because often times women are overlooked,” Says Judy Ward, candidate for Mayor of Pleasantville. “As women we understand and focus on many of the social issues that are important but don’t always get the attention it deserves. Being funded and supported by women’s groups enables us to have the financial and emotional support which are both needed.”

Elect Women NJ has endorsed the following candidates:

Judy Ward, Mayor, Pleasantville,

Smita Nadia Hussain, BOE, Bloomingdale

Shelly Bell, Township Committee, Montgomery

Yvette Nora, Borough Council, Watchung

Cara Parmigiani, Borough Council, Morris Plains

Lori Hohenleitner, Borough Council, Atlantic Highlands

Tammy Williams, Township Council, West Orange

Gina LaPlaca, Township Committee, Lumberton Township

Caren Fitzpatrick, Freeholder, Atlantic County

Yvonne Clayton, City Council, Asbury Park

Amy Quinn, City Council, Asbury Park

Laline Neff, Borough Council, Fair Haven

Eileen Chapman, City Council, Asbury Park

Lisa March, Township Committee, Egg Harbor Township

Sophia Lamberson, Borough Council, Keyport

Susan Mammarella, Town Council, Moorestown

Kathleen McNamara, Borough Council, Keyport

Cynthia Atkins, BOE, Roselle

Danielle Jones, Borough Council, Eatontown

Tavia Robinson, BOE, Neptune Township

Elect Women NJ has named the following candidates Women to Watch:

Cary Amaro, Freeholder, Morris County

Moira Nelson, Freeholder, Monmouth County

Christine Zamarra, Borough Council, Bernardsville

Janell McRae, BOE, Camden

Thelma Witherspoon, Freeholder, Atlantic County

Carona Davis-Diop, Borough Council, Lebanon

Stephanie Albanese, BOE, Red Bank Regional

Nvair Beylerian, Borough Council, Upper Saddle River