Former Senate President Steve Sweeney Endorses Brian Varela for Congress (NJ-7)

“Brian is the kind of Democrat who can win in tough areas and deliver for working-class voters.”

Morris County, NJ (November 19, 2025) – Today, Steve Sweeney, the former Senate President, labor leader and candidate for Governor, endorsed Brian Varela in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

“After twenty years in the State Senate and twelve years as Senate President, I know Brian is the kind of leader who will deliver for hard-working New Jersey families,” said Sweeney. “Brian had to support his own working family at a young age, and that’s why he will stand up for workers’ rights, drive down costs and protect healthcare for his constituents. I know Brian is the kind of Democrat who can win in tough areas like NJ-7 and that’s why I’m supporting him.”

Sweeney served in the State Senate from 2002-2022, was Senate President from 2010-2022, and ran for Governor in 2025. Sweeney is a longtime labor leader in New Jersey, a former ironworker, and continues to be one of the most influential Democrats in New Jersey. Sweeney is the second state-wide figure to endorse Varela after Patricia Campos Medina, and the first Gubernatorial candidate to endorse in this race.

“Steve Sweeney has fought for New Jersey families for decades, and I’m honored to have his support,” said Varela. “As Senate President he led Democrats in increasing the minimum wage, enacting paid family leave, and creating high-quality union jobs through the Buy American Act, which is what I’ll deliver for families in NJ-7.”

Sweeney’s endorsement is Varela’s 37th, including 17 from Morris County, 16 from Hunterdon County, 2 from Warren County, and 1 from Union County. Varela is the only candidate in the primary with public endorsements from Democratic leaders in multiple counties, and has raised more than $1 million in his campaign for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

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About Brian Varela

Brian Varela is a 36-year-old first-generation American, small business owner, and father running for Congress in NJ-07. Raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents, Brian put himself through college, helped raise his younger brother, and built one of the fastest-growing companies in America during the COVID crisis. Recognized by Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine for leadership and innovation, Brian brings a real-world perspective to one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Visit www.varelaforcongress.com for more information and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.