Somerset County Democrats Endorse Biden for President, Murphy for Senate, Watson Coleman and Altman for House, Robinson and Sooy for County Commission at Annual Convention
Democratic Enthusiasm at the Manville VFW at An All-Time High

Manville, NJ – Somerset County Democrats endorsed a historically strong slate of candidates for office at their 2024 Convention today, with the top of the ticket featuring President Joseph R. Biden for reelection and Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate. The convention was held, as has become tradition, at the Manville’s Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post. Also endorsed at the convention were Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman for reelection in House District 12, Sue Altman for House District 7, and Director Shanel Robinson and Deputy Director Sara Sooy for reelection as Somerset County Commissioners.

“This is an incredibly strong ticket with President Biden and Tammy Murphy leading the way,” said Somerset County Democratic Committee Chair Peg Schaffer. “I want to thank all the candidates who screened and the Democratic committee members for making our endorsement process a success, and delivering a fantastic slate for the people of Somerset County.”

President Biden was nominated by Chair Schaffer and unanimously endorsed by acclamation. “He has had an incredibly successful first three years in office, and Somerset County has benefitted directly from his leadership through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and Inflation Reduction Act”

Tammy Murphy won the endorsement for the United States Senate with 207 votes, surpassing both Rep. Andy Kim with 106 votes and Patricia Campos-Medina with 15. Murphy was nominated by Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, who said, “Throughout the years, when asked to speak at a backyard rally, to make calls to voters in our campaign office, or to lead on maternal health, Tammy has always been there for us, for the people of Somerset County, and for the people of New Jersey.”

“Tammy is without question a champion for Somerset County and New Jersey, and I know she will continue to be our champion in the United States Senate,” said Chair Schaffer. “I want to thank Representative Kim and Ms. Campos-Medina for their participation in our endorsement process and for their commitment to the Democratic values that drive our party to success in Somerset County, New Jersey, and nationally.”

Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman easily won support for reelection in Congressional District 12 over newcomer Daniel Dart, who failed to be nominated and seconded by anyone on the floor.

Sue Altman was unopposed, and following her nomination by Joe DeMarco, she was unanimously supported as the candidate in Congressional District 7.

Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y Robinson and Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy were unanimously endorsed for a record third term on the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. In 2018, Robinson and Sooy were the first Democrats elected in 39 years to the then Freeholder Board, and in 2020, Robinson became the first Democratic Director in more than 50 years.

“Thank you to my Democratic family for the past six years of unwavering support,” said Robinson. “I’ve loved every minute of serving on the Board of Commissioners, and I am thrilled to once again receive your support so I can continue working as your servant leader.”

“Being able to serve Somerset County has been a deeply rewarding experience,” said Sara Sooy. “It is also humbling to have the support of the Somerset County Democratic Committee.”

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