New Jersey DNC Members Modia Butler, John Graham, Marcia Marley, and Bernadette McPherson Back Brendan Gill in NJ-11 Race for Congress

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Today, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, announced the endorsements of Democratic National Committee (DNC) members Modia Butler, John Graham, Marcia Marley, and Bernadette McPherson. These four leaders represent New Jersey at the national level and are among the state’s most respected Democratic voices, known for their commitment to grassroots organizing, progressive values, and expanding Democratic participation.

“I’m deeply honored to have the support of Mo, Marcia, John, and Bernadette,” said Gill. “They are trusted friends and tireless advocates. These four Democratic Party leaders represent the best of our values, and I’m proud to have them standing with me in this race. They reflect exactly what this campaign is about: standing up to Trump, protecting our democracy, and fighting for the middle class so everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream.”

Endorser Statements

“Brendan Gill has the experience, vision, and commitment we need in Washington,” said Modia Butler. “I have seen Brendan’s work firsthand, when he served as Senator Cory Booker’s Campaign Manager in 2014 and through his work in Essex County and around the state. He’s spent his career strengthening communities, protecting working families, and expanding opportunity. With deep experience at every level of government, Brendan is the principled, steady leader who will deliver for New Jersey and stand up to Trump and MAGA extremism.”

“Brendan Gill has always been a champion for working families, public education, and equity,” said Marcia Marley. “He’s smart, principled, and proven. Brendan brings people together to get things done, and he’ll be a powerful advocate for our values in Congress.”

“Brendan’s deep roots in Essex County and his record of delivering results make him the right choice for NJ-11,” said John Graham. “He knows how to win tough fights, unite Democrats, and take on Trump and the far right MAGA agenda. Brendan will continue the strong, independent leadership that Mikie Sherrill brought to Washington.”

“Brendan is exactly the kind of leader New Jersey needs in Congress,” said Bernadette McPherson. “He leads with empathy, he listens, and he fights for the people he serves. Brendan understands both the policy challenges and the lived realities of families across NJ-11, and I’m proud to stand with him in this race.”

About the Endorsers

Modia Butler is a partner at Mercury Public Affairs and a top political adviser to U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

John Graham, publisher of InsiderNJ, also runs an Essex County–based insurance firm and has long been active in supporting Democratic candidates across New Jersey.

Marcia Marley is the President of BlueWaveNJ and Succeed2gether. She also serves or has served on the boards of New Jersey Citizen Action, Emerge New Jersey, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Jersey Working Families Alliance, Montclair Film Festival, Ceasefire New Jersey, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, the Essex County Land Trust, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Bernadette McPherson is a longtime Democratic leader in New Jersey. She served as Director of Outreach and Operations for the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, is the former mayor of Rutherford, and a former Bergen County Freeholder. She is an adjunct law professor and currently serves as Director of Outreach for Millennium Strategies.

Gill’s growing coalition of support continues to reflect his broad appeal across New Jersey’s Democratic base, uniting grassroots activists, community leaders, and local elected officials behind his campaign.