Somerset County Commissioners Unanimously Endorse Director Shanel Robinson for Congress

Colleagues Who Serve Alongside Her Say She’s Exactly What New Jersey Needs in Washington

Somerset, New Jersey—Somerset County Commissioners Paul Drake, Sara Sooy, Melonie Marano, and Elizabeth Graner today delivered a resounding endorsement of their colleague, Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. The four commissioners, who have worked alongside Robinson for years, say the district needs a proven leader with real results — and that Robinson is exactly that.

“New Jersey’s 12th District deserves a Member of Congress who doesn’t just talk about change but is someone who has already delivered it. Shanel Robinson is that leader. Over the past six years as Commissioner Director, she has fought for working families struggling with the cost of living, expanded access to critical services for communities too often left behind, and steered Somerset County through one of the most challenging public health crises in a generation. She didn’t flinch. She led.

“We have watched Shanel make the tough calls, build unlikely coalitions, and deliver concrete results for real people. Washington needs more of that. We are proud to endorse Shanel Robinson and confident that she will be a fierce, effective, and unifying voice for the 12th District in Congress.”

— Commissioners Paul Drake, Sara Sooy, Melonie Marano, and Elizabeth Graner

Robinson, who announced her candidacy in 2025, welcomed the endorsement:

“I am honored to have the support of commissioners who have stood with me through every challenge Somerset County has faced. They know what I’m made of, and so do the people of this county. I’m running for Congress because the families of NJ-12 deserve a representative who shows up, fights hard, and gets things done — and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

— Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Director, Somerset County

The Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2nd. Robinson’s campaign is focused on lowering costs for working families, protecting access to healthcare, investing in clean energy and infrastructure, and ensuring every community in the district has a seat at the table.

About Shanel Robinson

Shanel Robinson serves as Commissioner Director of Somerset County, New Jersey — the first African American to hold the position. Since taking office, she has championed affordable housing, economic opportunity, and responsive, accountable government. She is running to bring that same commitment to New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. For more information, visit Shanel4Congress.com.

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