October 21, 2026: Congressman Donald Norcross speaks with constituents at Sterling High School while participating in his 124^th town hall

SOMERDALE – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) participated in his 124^th town hall Wednesday night, delivering remarks and answering questions from constituents at the Sterling High School cafeteria. With local officials on hand to address county and municipal issues and tables set up to help residents navigate government services, much of the conversation focused on the rising cost of living and the need to protect South Jersey’s workforce.

“You can't truly represent people if you’re not constantly out in the community fielding concerns and offering solutions,” Norcross said. “Town halls from federal leaders are unfortunately becoming a lost art in many parts of the country, which only reaffirms my commitment to show up in the places my South Jersey neighbors frequent. For my 124^th town hall as a congressman, I couldn’t have been happier to do it at Sterling High School.”

Norcross discussed the rising cost of everyday needs, including how the war with Iran has spiked gas and grocery prices. He also called for raising the federal minimum wage – which at $7.25 per hour is less than half of the current New Jersey minimum wage of $15.92 – and the need for a federal strategy to keep artificial intelligence innovations safe.

The town hall began by honoring Dr. Emily Balog, a retired Staff Sergeant in the New Jersey Air National Guard who deployed to Iraq in 2008. Balog, now an occupational therapist and researcher at Rowan-Virtua, was presented with a “Hometown Hero” award for her military service, as well as her extensive volunteer work for veterans in the region.

In addition to Norcross, Assemblywoman Melinda Kane, Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young, and Stratford Mayor Linda Hall also delivered remarks and answered questions.

Norcross frequently joins in-person and telephone town halls to answer questions directly from constituents. Residents of New Jersey’s First Congressional District can sign up to be notified of upcoming telephone town halls here, or sign up for email updates to learn about in-person town halls.