Franklin Township Democratic Committee endorses Shanel Robinson in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District primary
Franklin Township Democratic Committee endorses Shanel Robinson in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District primary
The Franklin Township Democratic Committee is proud to endorse its very own Shanel Robinson for the Democratic Nomination for Representative from New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
A veteran of the Air Force Reserve, Somerset County Commission Director Shanel Robinson served her country in the Air Reserves where she learned the importance of carrying out a mission to protect her fellow Americans.
Shanel Robinson’s journey of public service began right here in Franklin Township, where she served with distinction as Councilwoman at Large and Deputy Mayor. During her time on the Franklin Township Council, she fought tirelessly for our residents, championing initiatives that improved our schools, enhanced public safety, and strengthened our local economy. She carefully listened to her constituents, understood their needs, and delivered results.
Prior to her time on the council, Commissioner Robinson led the Crisis Response Team, President of the local JFK Democratic Club, and championed what is now called the Community Relations Bureau, bringing together local law enforcement and the community to improve trust and collaboration.
In 2018, Shanel helped flip long held Republican seats on the Somerset County Commission. In 2020, she made history as the first Black woman to serve as Somerset County Commissioner Director. As Director, she has championed priorities in public health, infrastructure, mental health services, economic development, historic preservation, and public safety, leading the county through the COVID-19 crisis.
"Franklin consistently has the largest Democratic turnout among all the 12th District towns and we proudly give our full support to Shanel. Her work has greatly improved life in Franklin and Somerset County as a whole. She brings a veteran’s discipline, a public servant’s heart, and a community advocate’s dedication to everything she does. We are confident she will bring her unmatched commitment to public service to Congress," said Ron Jordan, Chairman of the Franklin Township Democratic Committee.
Franklin Township (Somerset County) produced 19,289 votes for Gov. Mikie Sherrill in the 2025 general election, which was the 8th largest municipal vote total in the Democratic nominee’s statewide victory. Also, 8,683 Franklin Democrats turned out to vote in the 2025 primary, which accounted for more than 11% of the total Democratic primary vote cast in the 32-town 12th Congressional District last year.
