The advocacy group contrasts the incumbents' support for military financing for Israel with their votes to cut health care and food assistance at home.

(Paterson, NJ, 10/20/2026) — CAIR Action NJ, a leading Muslim political advocacy organization in New Jersey, announced 28 endorsements for federal and local office in the November 3, 2026 General Election. Alongside these endorsements, the organization announced its formal opposition to the reelection of U.S. Representatives Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) and Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-07) and the election of Justin Murphy for U.S. Senate.

CAIR Action NJ evaluates candidates based on community support, policy alignment, electoral dynamics, and winnability. Its ratings consider candidates’ overall records, engagement, and the alternatives in each race, with the goal of strengthening community representation and advancing policy priorities.

The organization’s opposition to Van Drew and Kean Jr. stems from the Congress members' continued support for U.S. military financing for Israel juxtaposed with their votes to reduce federal support for vital domestic health care and food assistance programs.

On July 15, 2026, both representatives voted against an amendment to remove $3.3 billion in military financing for Israel from the fiscal year 2027 State Department appropriations bill. The amendment ultimately failed.

CAIR Action NJ also cited Van Drew’s and Kean Jr.’s March 5, 2026 votes against a bipartisan war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran. The organization views those votes as a failure to check presidential war-making and prevent further military escalation.

Both representatives also voted for the final version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on July 3, 2025. The legislation reduced federal funding for Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the law’s health provisions would leave 10 million more Americans uninsured in 2034 than projected under prior law.

“Putting our communities first is putting America first - and that means making sure our families can see a doctor and afford groceries,” said Ali Aljarrah, CAIR Action NJ Senior Advisor. “Van Drew and Kean Jr. voted to preserve billions in military financing for Israel while supporting cuts to health care and food assistance at home. Those choices fail to put our communities first.”

CAIR Action NJ said its opposition reflects a call for a change in leadership - one that better serves all Americans, regardless of faith, race, ethnicity, or background, and prioritizes civil rights, economic security, and accountability in U.S. foreign policy.

“Candidates should expect to answer for their records, explain their priorities, and earn every vote,” Aljarrah added. “We need leaders who invest in our communities and uphold the dignity and rights of all people. Accountability does not end on Election Day.”

Additional Federal Ratings

CAIR Action NJ also opposes U.S. Senate candidate Justin Murphy, citing his support for the Iran war and concerns about his remarks about Arabs and Muslims. During the October 8 Senate debate, Murphy defended President Trump’s decision to wage war on Iran and urged the administration to continue its course. His remarks at an August town hall also drew condemnation for bigotry; Murphy subsequently said he had been referring to “radical Islam.”

The organization also opposes U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, citing his record on Palestinian human rights and efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian expression. A recent example includes his office’s intervention preceding the removal of a “Gaza Must Live” classroom sign at Bergen County Technical Schools, according to an October 8 statement from CAIR-NJ. CAIR Action NJ emphasized that while electoral viability informs its assessments, a candidate’s likelihood of winning does not override fundamental concerns about their record.

U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Jr. received a “Preferred” rating, reflecting his closer alignment than the alternatives, his support for checking unauthorized war with Iran, and productive conversations with CAIR Action NJ about priority legislation in recent months. Unlike Van Drew and Kean Jr., Pallone voted for the March 5 Iran war powers resolution. The organization nevertheless continues to disagree with his support for military assistance to Israel, including his July 2026 vote against removing $3.3 billion in military financing. The rating recognizes areas of alignment and continued engagement while falling short of a full endorsement.

Clifton Joint Endorsement

In Clifton’s competitive City Council race, CAIR Action NJ jointly endorsed Assad Mujtaba and Tarek Alnatur, expressing confidence in their readiness to serve as community bridge builders and navigate the city’s financial, political, and economic challenges. The organization believes both candidates can bring residents together and advance practical solutions that strengthen city services, support responsible budgeting, and expand economic opportunity.

Full List of Endorsed Candidates

U.S. House of Representatives

• Rachel Peace — NJ-4

• Adam Rueda — NJ-5

• LaMonica McIver — NJ-10

• Analilia Mejia — NJ-11

• Dr. Adam Hamawy — NJ-12

County Commissioner

• A’Dorian Murray-Thomas — Essex County, District 2

• Medinah Muhammad — Essex County, District 3

• Abdur Yasin — Essex County, At Large

• Wayne Richardson — Essex County, At Large

• Bill O’Dea — Hudson County, District 2

• Ron Bautista — Hudson County, District 5

Mayor and Municipal Council

• Assad Mujtaba — Clifton City Council (joint endorsement)

• Tarek Alnatur — Clifton City Council (joint endorsement)

• Daniel Beck — Little Falls Council

• Shantell Cherry — Piscataway Township Council, Ward 1

• Mohammad Khairullah — Prospect Park Mayor

• Austin Edwards — Trenton Mayor

Board of Education

• Smita Nadia Hussain — Bloomingdale

• Hena Mughal — East Brunswick

• Muhammad Saqeeb — East Brunswick

• Tim Cummings — East Brunswick

• Asad R. Khan — Mahwah

• Zaire S. Ali — North Brunswick

• Loretta Rivers — Piscataway

• Arwa Ensour — Prospect Park

• Maryam Pal — South Brunswick

• Nazam Mohammad — Woodbridge

• Aslan N. Bachkhaz — Woodland Park

Understanding the Ratings

CAIR Action NJ uses four endorsement levels:

• Opposed — Conflicts with our priorities.

• No Endorsement — No recommendation.

• Preferred — Closer alignment than alternatives.

• Endorsed — Strong alignment with our priorities.

CAIR Action NJ encourages voters to review the complete guide, make a plan to vote, and consider races throughout their ballot.

View the full endorsement list and voter resources.

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CAIR Action NJ is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities.