Leaders from Workers United, 1199SEIU, 32BJ DMVI, CIR and 32BJ SEIU join members from across New Jersey for a conversation about the future of working families.

NEWARK, N.J. – Nearly 200 SEIU union members from across New Jersey participated in a virtual town hall with Rebecca Bennett, the SEIU-endorsed candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

The Town Hall brought together leaders from Workers United, 1199SEIU, CIR, Local 32BJ Division of Motor Vehicle Inspectors and 32BJ SEIU at a critical moment for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, one of the most closely watched and heavily contested congressional races in the country. With CD-7 potentially playing a decisive role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives, members heard directly from Bennett about her vision for the district and her priorities for New Jersey's working families.

During the conversation, Bennett outlined her priorities for Congress, including making New Jersey more affordable, protecting access to quality healthcare, creating good-paying jobs, ensuring and ensuring working people have a strong voice in Washington

“Members of SEIU are the backbone of our state’s economy and key to keeping us safe and healthy. That’s why I am so glad for their support as we work together to flip NJ-07. I’m running to address our cost-of-living crisis, root out corruption from Washington and put the country over party. Together, we’ll work to expand opportunities to all of our kids and make sure that every family can afford to stay here and thrive in New Jersey,” said Rebecca Bennett.

"Throughout her career, Rebecca Bennett has worked to increase access to quality healthcare and improve patient services.  In Congress, she will fight to restore cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and stand up for working families,” said Megan Chambers, President of the SEIU NJ State Council and Co-Manager of the Laundry Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United.  “This election is about putting people first, let's take corporations out of politics, and elect leaders who will always stand with working families.  The SEIU NJ State Council, as one, enthusiastically supports Rebecca Bennett, a champion of labor, to Congress in CD 7.

“The caregivers of 1199 SEIU are excited to get-out-the-vote in these critical midterms for Rebecca Bennett, who is committed to fighting for a more affordable and healthy New Jersey,” said Andy Cassagnol, Executive Vice President of 1199 SEIU.  “We need leaders like her who will stand up against Washington DC’s deplorable attacks on hardworking families and put workers before billionaires.  We’re ready to flip CD 7 by mobilizing our communities to vote as if our democracy depended on it.”

“New Jersey families deserve leaders who listen, show up, and put their needs first. This election is about whether people can afford healthcare, keep a roof over their heads, and build a secure future. We’re proud to stand with Rebecca Bennett and turn our commitment into action—with conversations, organizing, and votes.” Ana María Hill, Vice President and New Jersey State Director, 32BJ SEIU.

The town hall reflects SEIU's growing engagement in CD-7, where more than 30,000 SEIU members statewide represent a significant source of grassroots organizing strength. With just three weeks until Election Day, SEIU members will build on that momentum through continued voter outreach and organizing across the district, including an upcoming Early Voting Day of action on October 24th.

About the SEIU New Jersey State Council

The SEIU New Jersey State Council is composed of affiliated unions representing thousands of workers across New Jersey, including healthcare workers, resident physicians, warehouse and laundry workers, school cafeteria workers, motor vehicle inspectors, and municipal employees. The Council includes 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), and 32BJ Motor Vehicle Inspectors.

About 32BJ SEIU

32BJ SEIU is a member-driven union representing 15,000 service workers in New Jersey and a total of 190,000 service workers across 12 states and Washington, D.C.