MAHWAH, NJ – Today, Frank T. Pallotta, candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District, is proud to announce the endorsement of Nick De Gregorio, a Marine veteran, businessman, and Bergen County community leader. Nick will join and serve as Senior Advisor to the Pallotta for Congress campaign.

“Nick is an outstanding addition to our team, and we are so proud to have him on board. Nick’s support and guidance is particularly important to me given the work that I have done with veterans through American Corporate Partners—a tremendous organization that helps our brave veterans transition into the civilian workforce,” said Pallotta. “I have admired Nick’s willingness to put the needs of his family, his fellow Americans and our community above his own. As a Marine veteran, a leader in the community and man of unmatched integrity, our campaign will flourish in his capable hands,” he continued.

Statement from Nick De Gregorio

“It’s nice to be home after nearly a decade in the Marines. Leaving Bergen County wasn’t easy, but after 9/11 I felt a sense of duty that I could not ignore. Perhaps that’s why after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, my wife and I decided to come back home.

Service is important to me. I believe the purpose of life is to find something greater than yourself and commit to it unapologetically for others. Sadly, I don’t believe Congressman Josh Gottheimer shares this world view. For two consecutive terms, he has complained about the problems our communities face and done nothing to actually solve them. He hopes we won’t notice so he can continue to do the bare minimum and climb the political ladder for personal gain. It is insulting to any person of principle or action to be represented in Washington by someone who has no principles and takes no action.

At one point, I considered running against Congressman Gottheimer myself. Then I met Frank Pallotta and knew we had a candidate ready to take him to task. Frank is everything Josh Gottheimer is not: honest, accomplished, willing to make difficult choices on our behalf. Frank has proven himself in the private sector and has always given back to his community—not for votes or favors, but because it is the right thing to do.

I am tired of career politicians lording over us on Capitol Hill. I believe that Frank Pallotta is not only our best hope at beating Josh Gottheimer, but the ideal person to effect meaningful change upon a political system that has been clogged by incompetent do-nothing careerists. Josh Gottheimer needs to pack his bags and move on. It’s time for Frank Pallotta to go to work for us.”

About Nick De Gregorio

Nick De Gregorio is a Bergen County native, growing up in Ridgewood before committing himself to military service. As a Marine Corps infantry officer of nine years, he served four tours of duty to include operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, Nick used the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend Georgetown University, where he graduated with dual masters degrees in business administration and foreign policy. Nick currently works in finance and lives in Fair Lawn with his wife Emily and daughter Siena.