The organization will invest a record $23,000 in its largest endorsed cohort, bringing 73 new women into its statewide network and supporting a record 10 mayoral candidates in a state where women hold just 20% of mayoral offices.

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Elect Women NJ today announced its 2026 Endorsed Cohort, the largest in the organization’s history, comprising 99 Democratic women running for local office across 20 New Jersey counties.

“This cohort shows us exactly what building a pipeline looks like,” said Tricia Maguire, Founder and Chairwoman of Elect Women NJ. “Seventy-three of the women we are endorsing are new to Elect Women NJ, while 26 are returning alumnae who continue to step forward, seek higher office, and lead in their communities. Our endorsement does not stop at simply funding a single election cycle. We are bringing new women into the process, investing in their leadership, and building a network where they remain connected, engaged, and supported long after Election Day.”

Elect Women NJ will invest a record $23,000 directly into endorsed campaigns this cycle, an increase of $6,000 over the previous year. The investment reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding its support in response to its largest applicant pool to date.

“Nearly 80% of the women who applied received an investment from Elect Women NJ this year,” said Linda Peng-Grooters, Founder and Treasurer of Elect Women NJ. “That reflects both the extraordinary number of women ready to lead and our commitment to meeting that momentum with meaningful support. From first-time candidates to experienced elected officials, these 99 women represent the future of local leadership across New Jersey.”

The 2026 cohort includes 60 challengers and open-seat candidates and 39 incumbents seeking local and county offices that shape residents’ daily lives. Among them are a record 10 women running for mayor, a significant milestone in a state where women hold just 20% of mayoral offices, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. That gap underscores why Elect Women NJ invests exclusively in local races: to strengthen women’s leadership in communities today while building New Jersey’s broader leadership pipeline for the future.

With the addition of this year’s new candidates, Elect Women NJ has now endorsed and funded 287 individual women and invested in more than 300 races since 2020, strengthening a statewide network across all 21 counties. The 2026 Endorsed Cohort reflects the power of intentionally connecting, supporting, and funding women who step forward to lead.

Meet the 99 women of Elect Women NJ’s 2026 Endorsed Cohort, explore the offices they are seeking, and see where they are building power across New Jersey HERE.

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Elect Women NJ is New Jersey’s first and leading political action committee dedicated to providing campaign contributions and building a network to support strong women candidates running in local races. Founded in 2020, the organization has raised more than $200,000, invested in more than 300 races, and endorsed and funded 287 diverse women from all 21 counties. To date, 147 Elect Women NJ alumnae have been elected to offices including Sheriff, Surrogate, County Clerk, County Commissioner, Mayor, Township Committee, Council, and Board of Education. Today, 24 alumnae serve in leadership positions within their governing bodies, including as mayors, deputy mayors, council presidents and vice presidents, commissioner directors and deputy directors, and Board of Education presidents. Through direct campaign investments, free training, mentorship, and a network that continues long after Election Day, Elect Women NJ helps women overcome financial barriers to running for office and builds a stronger pipeline of women leaders across New Jersey. Visit electwomennj.com to learn more.