IBEW Local 102 Endorses Benjie Wimberly for Congress

IBEW Endorsement follows an array of endorsements from Passaic County Community and Education
Leaders

PATERSON, NJ — Today Benjie Wimberly proudly announced a major endorsement from IBEW Local 102. IBEW’s endorsement is the first major labor endorsement for Coach Wimberly.

In a letter put out to members and press today Local President Pat Delle Cava said:

“On behalf of IBEW Local 102, I am writing to offer my full endorsement of Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly to fill the Congressional seat vacancy, left by Congressman Bill Pascrell. Assemblyman Wimberly has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the working people of this state, consistently championing policies that prioritize labor rights, fair wages, and job security. He understands the vital role that labor unions play in strengthening our communities and our economy.

Assemblyman Wimberly has been a strong advocate for the men and women of organized labor. His dedication to fair practice, economic justice, social equity, and infrastructure development aligns directly with the values of our organization. We have no doubt his leadership in Congress would bring a much-needed voice to the concerns of New Jersey’s working families, ensuring that our interests are well-represented on the national stage.

Furthermore, Assemblyman Wimberly has shown exceptional dedication to diversity and inclusion, addressing the needs of all constituents regardless of background. Much like Congressman Pascrell’s headship, Assemblyman Wimberly’s leadership in advancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunity is evident through his tireless work in the New Jersey General Assembly. We believe these qualities make him the ideal candidate to continue representing our state at the federal level.

Our Endorsement of Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly for this vital position gives us confidence that his vision and experience will serve New Jersey well in our country’s capital.”

In response to the letter Assemblyman Wimberly said the following: “I am honored to receive the endorsement of IBEW Local 102. I have fought for working families of New Jersey all my life as an educator, a coach and on the floor of the Assembly. In Congress, we need leaders who will work to keep and bring good paying jobs to Passaic, Bergen and Hudson Counties. In Congress, I will make sure our communities are not only competitive today, but build a future where our children thrive as adults.”

New Jersey’s 9th Congressional district is a D+8 seat.The passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell means this is the first time the seat will be open in decades. The deadline to replace Congressman Pascrell is August 29th.

About Benjie Wimberly

Benjie E. Wimberly was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Virginia State University, Benjie returned to Paterson and became an integral member of the leadership team of the city. As an educator, coach and public servant, Benjie has made it his life’s work to improve Paterson’s quality of life, to address the needs of city youth, and to be a part of preparing Paterson and its stakeholders for the future.

As such, Benjie served as a special Education teacher at Eastside High School, coach and mentor for the E.H.S. Varsity baseball and football teams, and Director of Paterson Division of Recreation. As the head Baseball Coach at Eastside High School his team won 100 games, the 1993 Passaic County Championship and traveled to Puerto Rico four times for spring training.

He also had two players sign MLB contracts Carlton McKenzie (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Danny Singletary (Arizona Diamondbacks).

Benjie Wimberly was the former head coach of the Paterson Catholic High School football team in Paterson, N J. Under his leadership, the team won seven State Championships and eight league Championships. He went on to become the Head Football Coach at Hackensack High School, where he won 50 games in nine years and won 3 League Championships.

Coach Wimberly can add to his credit, success stories of former players, such as NFL player Victor Cruz (formerly NY Giants, now Chicago Bears), TJ Clemmings (Washington Commanders), Elijah Schumate (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Al Quandin Muhammad (Dallas Cowboys). Coach Wimberly currently was also a volunteer Coach at St. Joseph’s Regional High School in Montvale. Coach Wimberly has assisted thousands of students and athletes with millions of dollars in scholarships. In January 2024, he was inducted into the NJSIAA Coaches Hall of Fame.

Currently Benjie is serving his seventh term in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he has been named the General Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore as well as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee. In the Assembly he also serves on Housing, Higher Education, the Joint Committee on the Public Schools, Chairman, Joint Committee on Economic Justice, and Equal Employment Opportunity.

In addition to serving in the Assembly, Benjie serves on the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and NJSETC (New Jersey State Employment & Training Commission) as well as President of the New Jersey Minority Coaches Association, which fosters a more active role in recruitment of Minority Coaches.

Benjie is also a life member (#5474) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.; a member of the NAACP and many boards and commissions. He has collaborated with his non-profit group, PATERSON TEAM HOPE, and community agencies to provide the following services: expungement seminars, tax appeal seminars, foreclosure workshops, go green initiatives, clothing drives, dinner for the needy, toy drives, Project Graduation, Thanksgiving turkey donations, scholarship fundraisers and community clean ups, as well as the Jordan Cleaves Scholarship Fund, where over $60,000 has been given away, to benefit students who attend Virginia State University from New Jersey.

Benjie and his wife Kimberlynn are proud parents of four sons: Justin, Jared, Jordan, and Jaden, with a newly born Grandson, Jayce Noah.
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