Team 39 Taps Dumont Native AJ Stewart to Lead Campaign

Stewart’s hire follows his successful management of the Democratic slate of candidates in District 20

WESTWOOD, August 5th, 2021– District 39 Democratic Candidates Ruth Dugan, Mayor Melinda Iannuzzi, and Karlito Almeda announced on Thursday the selection of AJ Stewart to manage their general election campaigns. Stewart’s addition comes following his successful management of Senator Joe Cryan’s primary campaign in LD 20. Stewart is a veteran of New Jersey Democratic campaigns, having previously worked as the Operations Director for the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, as well as the Director of Field Services for Parano and Associates.

Stewart’s extensive experience and knowledge of the community will prove critical to the campaign’s plan to flip party control of the district for the first time in 40 years. Supported by the Democratic Committee of Bergen County (DCBC), 2021 stands to be Democrats’ best chance in decades to take back control of the competitive legislative district.

“I am thrilled at the addition of AJ Stewart as my campaign manager. With a proven record of success in competitive campaigns across the Garden State, AJ is one of the most well-respected operatives in New Jersey politics today. Equipped with an intimate understanding of our community’s most pressing issues as a native of Dumont, I am confident in AJ’s ability to oversee our rapidly growing campaign and help us bring a fresh perspective to Trenton,” said Dugan.

“It’s been exciting to see our team grow throughout this cycle. With AJ’s support, we’re going to give the people of District 39 the voice that they deserve,” said Iannuzzi. “When it comes to field operations and campaign management, AJ Stewart is one of the best around. As we work to build grassroots support for our campaign, we’re excited to have AJ at the helm,” added Almeda. 

“It’s an honor to join the effort to bring real representation to the people of my home district. As a native of Dumont, I’ve seen the reality of our affordability crisis firsthand. Across the 39th, everyday families are being priced out of our community at an alarming rate. Given each of our candidate’s experiences bringing people together and solving problems, I am certain that our Team 39 slate is the best choice to represent this district. I’m excited to be a part of a campaign that will usher in a new day in District 39,” said Stewart.