Chatham Borough Councilwoman Katherine Hay Endorses Zach Beecher for Congress
Chatham Borough Councilwoman Katherine Hay Endorses Zach Beecher for Congress
Hay: “We need fighters like Zach who will stand up to this administration and deliver for New Jersey families.”
CHATHAM BOROUGH, NJ – Today, Chatham Borough Councilwoman Katherine Hay announced her endorsement of Army veteran Zach Beecher in the special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. The endorsement unites two voices from a new generation of Democratic leadership committed to urgent, service-driven action.
Councilwoman Hay, a dedicated advocate for community health and local economic resilience, cited Beecher’s proven record of service and his willingness to take the fight directly to Washington as the deciding factors in her support.
“We are at a critical moment where ‘business as usual’ isn’t enough to protect our families or our future,” said Councilwoman Hay. “Zach Beecher represents a new generation of leaders who aren't afraid to get in the arena and fight. I know Zach will go to Washington and fight to bring down crushing costs, fight to make health care affordable, and fight to stand up to an administration that puts politics over people. We need a representative with the courage to lead, and Zach has proven he has that courage.”
Beecher, a Ranger-qualified Paratrooper who earned a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, welcomed the endorsement as a sign of growing momentum across the district's diverse communities.
“I am incredibly proud to have Kate Hay on our team,” said Zach Beecher. “Kate knows what it means to serve her neighbors every single day, working to keep Chatham strong and safe. We share a belief that leadership isn't about titles—it's about action. Washington is failing to lower costs and failing to protect our rights. I’m running because I know how to fight for a mission, and I’m ready to fight alongside Kate to deliver real results for New Jersey.”
The Beecher campaign continues to build a broad coalition of local leaders, veterans, and working families ahead of the February 5th special election primary, united by a call for energetic, principled leadership that stands firm against extremism and delivers for the middle class.
About Zach Beecher:
Born and raised in North Jersey, Zach Beecher knew as long as he could remember that he wanted to serve his country. That didn’t surprise anyone who knew Zach’s parents: his Mom is a social worker who started a non-profit helping at-risk children; Dad was a 36-year police officer, dedicated to keeping our community safe.
Zach went to college on an ROTC scholarship and was commissioned into the U.S. Army on Graduation Day. Zach reported to his first assignment just four days later.
A proud Ranger-qualified paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, Zach deployed to Iraq in 2016 - 2017, where he was focused on taking back the city of Mosul from ISIS, a crucial mission that liberated 1.8 million people from ISIS rule and earned him a Bronze Star.
During his time in Iraq, Zach quickly realized that the private sector could learn a lot from troops in a war zone. While governments and corporations often move at a snail’s pace, soldiers must innovate at the speed of battle to accomplish the mission.
Innovation at the speed of battle: That became Zach’s calling after transitioning from active duty.
Zach has worked with companies large and small to boost innovation and deliver needed solutions faster. He’s taken on some of our toughest challenges, from developing technology to fighting human trafficking, helping health care providers extend their reach into urban areas, and unlocking America’s innovation base by pairing workers with companies and helping to launch initiatives that meet today’s technology needs, including helping Nokia develop its strategic innovation center in New Jersey.
Now, Zach is running for Congress because Donald Trump and a failed Congress are putting our people and our country at risk. Costs are rising on everything from coffee to car parts, health care is becoming more expensive and less accessible, and our standing in the world is crumbling. In Congress, Zach will fight for you at the speed of battle.
That’s why Zach has been endorsed by VoteVets, New Politics, the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, and With Honor.
Currently a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, Zach and his wife, Michelle, live in Morristown with their 1-year-old son, Pierce.
