JASON KRYCHIW SUSPENDS HIS CAMPAIGN FOR STATE SENATE IN LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 20

Progressive challenger for State Senate in Legislative District 20, Jason Krychiw is suspending his campaign following the news of false credentials

Jason Krychiw, longtime Union County activist and progressive candidate for State Senate in Legislative District 20 against incumbent Joe Cryan, is announcing his withdrawal from the race. Following an article in the New Jersey Globe earlier this week, Krychiw has released the following statement:

“It has come to my attention that there is a story circulating about my job history and employment. Before that continues to grow on its own, I wanted to set the record straight for you all to hear it from me.

For some background, after initially working in a research lab for 6 years, I began my career in teaching in 2015. I had worked there for years on and off as an adjunct or lecturer. Much like I refer to myself as a scientist because I worked in that field for a long period of time, I refer to myself as an educator because that is my career. It is the job I have worked longest in the last few years. However, I am currently unemployed and was not truthful about my employment history.

Not being clear about my work timeline and employment was a mistake. I got so caught up in other civic and political work over the years, it was just something I stopped correcting people on and perpetuated a story and I am truly sorry for anyone who feels misled, hurt, or betrayed by these actions. I am deeply sorry to my running mates, campaign staff, and anyone on my team for the hurt this has caused. That might not mean much now, but I hope in time I can work to repair these relationships. Truthfully, I was also self-conscious about not holding a job consistently. But I realize that my employment or unemployment is not a measure of my self-worth, which is something I did not take to heart at the time. It is why I deflected from the issue for so long and was not fully honest about my history. Regardless of my personal feelings, I should have been more transparent and specific.

The people of New Jersey deserve better from all those who have or plan to run for office, myself included. We cannot continue to hold political machines or incumbents to a higher standard if we do not hold each other to that same standard. And if I let people down in that way, I sincerely apologize. That is why out of respect for my team and their message, I am suspending my campaign. I still believe in all the values and policies you have come to know me for like fighting for fairer wages for working people, affordable housing, Medicare for All, true criminal justice reform, and more. That is who I am and those are the issues I will continue to champion. I hope that we can all continue to do the work needed to fight for these changes.

I hope that clearing this up will show that I am always trying to get better. I will continue to work for the betterment of my town, county, and state while I continue to work on myself. I hope that we can continue to do good work, focus on the real issues plaguing people every day, and push for the change we want to see.”

With Krychiw, Heath, and Castaneda all withdrawing from the race, it is unclear whether the other candidates under the Progressive Democrats of New Jersey slate (Column C) will stay in their races. Antoinette Dukes, candidate for Union Township Committee and Sienna Bucu, candidate for County Commissioner, have announced they will be withdrawing from the race, as well. Heath, Castaneda, and the entire campaign send their deepest apologies to all supporters and regret trusting so blindly.