Below is the official statement from Candidate Justin Strickland about the Essex County Nominating Convention held tonight for the CD-11 race:

Tonight, the Essex County Democratic Committee held a convention via Zoom to decide which candidate they will endorse in the Congressional special election on February 5. A majority of Essex Democratic district leaders from CD-11 chose to endorse a congressional candidate even though all the candidates officially got on the ballot yesterday.

There were two votes at the convention. The first vote was to decide whether to endorse a candidate — 48% of the Democrats voted against endorsing anyone tonight. They wanted to wait until they could learn more about everyone on the ballot. A huge thank you to that 48% of the Essex County Democratic Committee.

Although it was clear before the Convention who would receive the official endorsement, it's important to remember you will have a say in choosing your Congressional representative on February 5. Tonight, close to 130 Democrats spoke for approximately 95,000 Democrats in Essex County.  Between now and February 5, let your voice be loud, just like the 48% of those Essex County Democrats who voted not to endorse at the convention. Learn more about all the candidates and vote for the one you think will best represent you. I'm confident I’m that person. I invite you to read about the specific progressive policies I'll fight for as your congressman. Click here to learn more. JustinStrickland.com/policies.

About Justin Strickland:

Justin Strickland is an Army Combat Veteran who served two tours in Iraq – one year as a platoon leader in Baghdad, and another year living with and advising the Iraqi Army in Mosul. He earned a Bronze Star and multiple Army Commendation medals for his service. After the military he continued serving as a federal official in the Pentagon working on economic development in Afghanistan – traveling there 16 times. He currently serves as an elected member of the Chatham Borough Council in Morris County.