Iziah Thompson Bows Out NJ12 Race & Promotes Donations to Gazan Family

When I launched this campaign for NJ-12, I did it with a singular focus: to build a movement that spoke to the folks in Trenton who’ve been left behind. I wanted to reach the Plainfield residents who never even had a politician knock on their doors, and the young and old people throughout this district who feel so ignored they will likely decide to leave by the time a new person even takes the 12th district seat.

Throughout this journey, I’ve met a lot of great people. But I’ve also seen that so many are hurting—people that look like my family more than any.

What we are seeing now is a race with 14 candidates and millions of dollars that will be wasted, all targeting the same small segment of Democrats. Meanwhile, the folks who actually need representation are being ignored and won’t be engaged. I didn’t get into this race for that.

We have seen too many large fields where good candidates split votes, making way for less desirable candidates to win. This campaign isn’t the best way for me to serve our community right now, especially given the size of the field and the short window to campaign.

I’d like to set an example in this race; as a result, I am dropping out.

I implore other candidates to think deeply about why they are running, and not to let personal ambition get in the way of a greater good.

My work does not stop here. As I did before and during this campaign, I will continue fighting against the Trump admin’s policies, like the Section 214 rule change and the attacks on our communities by ICE.

I’ll continue to organize within DSA to get tens of thousands of homes built that are actually affordable and sustainable. I will continue to build on the movement that this campaign sparks, and I will not let down those who supported me.

I’ll continue to speak the hard truth regarding atrocities here and abroad.

On that note, I ask everyone to check out the story of Abdul Rahman and his niece Jana. Some may have seen Jana’s story on social media. Last year, an IDF missile strike orphaned her and her brother. She is being cared for by her grandmother and uncle, Abdul Rahman. Conversations with him have broken my heart but also given me more resolve in my dedication towards peace and justice as the world watches the perpetration of crimes against humanity.

Abdul is a strong young man who just wants to live a regular life. He’s a 26-year-old who should be enjoying his youth, making a living, and finding himself—but instead, he is living in a refugee camp city, in a tent amongst rubble.

Millions may be spent on this race in NJ-12. A tiny portion of that could change Jana and Abdul’s lives.

Donate here: https://chuffed.org/project/support-abdul-rahman-and-janaSincerely,

Iziah Thompson