The SEIU New Jersey State Council has endorsed eight incumbents and one newcomer for Congress.

“The midterm elections are extremely important to make progress on social and economic issues and ensure that voting and reproductive rights are protected,” said council President Milly Silva, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU. “We need representatives who will fight for universal healthcare, champion immigrants’ rights, and move solutions to America’s gun violence emergency.”

The council is comprised of unions representing nearly 15,000 service employees across the state including those working in health care, distribution centers, school cafeterias, municipal services, coffee shops, industrial laundries and motor vehicle inspection stations.

Primaries are June 7 and the General Election is November 8.

“Our members will make sure our voices are heard and our votes count in this important election. We need elected officials who fight for better living and working conditions for all and work to safeguard and promote union rights and protections,” said council Vice-President Megan Chambers, Co-Manager of the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service (LDFS) Joint Board, Workers United, SEIU.

“As frontline workers, our resident physicians see first-hand how federal policies affect healthcare delivery in our communities. We support a slate of candidates who share our belief that all New Jerseyans are entitled to quality, affordable healthcare,” said Dr. Andrea Attenasio, Regional Vice President for the Committee of Interns and Residents, SEIU, who is a resident physician at Jersey City Medical Center.

The endorsed candidates are:

Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-1)

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-3)

Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-6)

Rep. Tom Malinowski (NJ-7)

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10)

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman (NJ-12)