Warren County Democratic Leaders Tom Palmieri and John Johnson III Endorse Brian Varela for Congress (NJ-7)

“Brian knows what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck and is the kind of Democrat who can win in towns like Belvidere where Trump won by a large margin.”

Warren County, NJ (November 18, 2025) – Today, Tom Palmieri, former Chair of the Warren County Democratic Committee, and John Johnson III, Belvidere Town Councilman-Elect, endorsed Brian Varela in NJ-07, becoming the first Warren County leaders to endorse any candidate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

"Brian has the grit and business success to fight for working families who feel left behind in Warren County," said Palmieri. "He’s building a grassroots campaign all across the district, including here in Warren County where Democrats are often overlooked.”

“Too many families are leaving our small towns because costs are skyrocketing, and Brian will fight to lower costs for working families," said Johnson. “Brian knows what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck and he’s exactly the kind of Democrat who can win in communities like Belvidere, where Trump won by a large margin.”

Palmieri served as Chair of the Warren County Democratic Committee from 2014 to 2024. Johnson was elected to the all-Republican Belvidere Town Council this November in a town where Trump received 63% of the vote in 2024. He is one of few Democrats elected in Warren County.

"Tom and John are proven leaders who have demonstrated that Democrats can compete anywhere when we focus on kitchen-table issues," said Varela. "Their support reflects the broad coalition our campaign is building,  from small towns like Belvidere to suburbs and cities across NJ-7."

These endorsements add to 35 endorsements Varela has previously earned: 17 in Morris County, 16 in Hunterdon County, and 1 in Union County. Now with support from Warren County, Varela has earned endorsements in four counties and remains the only candidate in the primary with public endorsements from Democratic leaders across multiple counties. His campaign has raised more than $1 million to date.

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About Brian Varela

Brian Varela is a 36-year-old first-generation American, small business owner, and father running for Congress in NJ-07. Raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents, Brian put himself through college, helped raise his younger brother, and built one of the fastest-growing companies in America during the COVID crisis. Recognized by Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine for leadership and innovation, Brian brings a real-world perspective to one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Visit www.varelaforcongress.com for more information and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.