International Longshoremen’s Association Endorses Brendan Gill for Congress

Union That Keeps America’s Economy Moving Backs Gill for His Labor Roots and Proven Support for Working People

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Today, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, announced the endorsement of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the world’s largest union representing maritime workers, representing more than 85,000 members nationwide.

New Jersey’s ports are among the busiest on the East Coast, generating billions of dollars in economic activity, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and serving as a critical link in the national supply chain. From Newark and Elizabeth to Bayonne and beyond, ILA members are essential to keeping goods moving, small businesses stocked, and families working throughout Essex County and the region.

The ILA cited Gill’s deep labor roots, long record of community leadership, and unwavering commitment to standing with working people and union families.

“Brendan Gill doesn’t just talk about supporting labor—he shows up and stands with working people,” said ILA International President Harold Daggett. “At a time when workers’ rights are under attack, we need leaders in Congress who will fight for unions, protect good-paying jobs, and strengthen the middle class. Brendan Gill is that kind of leader. He understands the critical role our port workers play in keeping our economy strong and ensuring America remains a global trade leader.”

“I am deeply honored to earn the endorsement of the International Longshoremen’s Association and its New Jersey locals,” said Brendan Gill. “Longshore workers are the backbone of our regional and national economy. They keep our ports open, our supply chains moving, and our communities strong. They deserve leaders who will fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and the fundamental right to organize.”

The ILA endorsement further strengthens Gill’s growing coalition of labor support, which includes:

• IBEW Local 164
• Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET)
• CWA Local 1031
• Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA)
• Hotel & Gaming Trades Council (HTC)
• Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 108 (RWDSU Local 108)
• IBEW Local 1158
• SMART Local 25
• AFGE Local 913

About the International Longshoremen’s Association

The International Longshoremen’s Association is North America’s largest union of maritime workers, representing more than 85,000 longshore workers across the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada, and the Bahamas. In New Jersey, the ILA plays a vital role in supporting the state’s ports, supply chains, and maritime economy.

About Brendan Gill

Brendan Gill is an Essex County Commissioner and a longtime civic leader running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. His campaign is focused on protecting fundamental rights, strengthening the middle class, investing in transportation and infrastructure, and defending democratic institutions.

For more information, visit www.gillfornj.com.

Pictured left to right: Brandon Garcia, ILA President Local 1235; Dennis Daggett, ILA President Local 1804-1; Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill; Herbie Hall, ILA Vice President and Business Agent Local 1233; and David Cicalese, ILA President Local 1.