TRENTON – The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Political Action Committee (New Jersey LCV PAC) has placed field organizers in six of the state’s most competitive legislative districts as part of its historic effort to elect pro-environment candidates up and down the ballot in next month’s general election.

“Knocking on doors, making phone calls and educating residents on who the best candidates are is what wins elections. These organizers will help drive voter engagement and increase turnout by directly interacting with voters” said Henry Gajda, Public Policy Director of New Jersey LCV, who is leading the PAC effort. “At a time when our nation is facing an existential crisis from climate change, we need pro-environment partners at all levels of state and local government focusing on issues like clean energy, stormwater management and environmental justice.”

This marks the first election in history in which New Jersey LCV PAC has endorsed candidates at every level of state and local government in New Jersey and represents an unprecedented opportunity to turn the environment into a top issue in November’s legislative election.

New Jersey LCV PAC’s organizers are being deployed to the following legislative districts:
• Sunni Vargas is leading grassroots efforts in the 2nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Atlantic County, including Atlantic City.

• Sebastian Graterol is embedded in South Jersey to assist candidates in the 8th Legislative District, which includes parts of Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties, including Medford and Mount Holly.
• Julian Rice is organizing voters in the 16th Legislative District, which includes a swath of Central Jersey, from Princeton to Flemington and South Brunswick.
• Grant Loew is driving organizing efforts in the 25th Legislative District, including parts of Morris and Somerset counties, including Mendham and Netcong.
• Shannon Kerr is organizing in the 39th Legislative District in Bergen County, which includes Mahwah and Montvale.

This organizing team, which includes two women and four people of color, also demonstrates New Jersey LCV’s commitment to reach out to communities of color for leadership and advocacy in the environmental movement.

“Over the past three years, we have seen how important it is to have environmental champions represent us in Trenton, as we have made some progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy, passed landmark environmental justice legislation and held polluters accountable,” Gajda added. “However, much work remains to be done. The investments we’re making now will help us elect environmental champions at all levels of government to fight for clean air, safe drinking water, and open space for all New Jerseyans no matter their zip code.”