Maplewood Township Committee Stands United Behind Brendan Gill

Former NJ-11 Congressional Candidate Dean Dafis Endorses Gill for Congress

Maplewood, NJ — In a show of unity for the future of Essex County and New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, the Maplewood Township Committee has thrown its support behind Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill.

The Maplewood Township Committee issued the following statement: 

“As Maplewood’s elected leaders, we enthusiastically endorse Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill for Congress. We believe he is the best candidate to succeed Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and the best candidate for our communities with a proven local track record.

“As an At-Large Commissioner for the past 15 years, Brendan has consistently shown up for our community, listening to our concerns and fighting for our values. He understands the challenges facing working families, seniors, and young people because he has been in the trenches with us. Brendan’s deep Essex County roots and his strong relationships with people throughout the region, reflect a candidate who is grounded in the community. Maplewood will not be forgotten with Brendan Gill in Washington.

Brendan understands how government works and, more importantly, how to make it work for people. He is battle tested, trusted, and ready to lead on day one. He has delivered real results for Maplewood and Essex County, earning the trust of voters time and again through steady, effective leadership. As responsive constituent services and deliverable local community relief are core duties of a successful member of Congress, Brendan Gill is best qualified to continue Mikie Sherrill’s unmatched congressional legacy in bringing home critical resources and investments into our communities.

“At a moment when our threatened democracy demands experience, courage, and results not rhetoric, Brendan stands apart. Years ago, he was the only Essex County Commissioner to vote against the contract with ICE to house detainees at the Essex County Detention Center. He’s remained fiercely opposed to “Trump’s militarized immigration raids and their unlawful, destabilizing impact on our communities. He took on the gun lobby. While chairing the Commissioner’s Anti-Gun Violence Committee, he worked with Governor Murphy to tighten laws on background checks for private gun sales and the sale of armor piercing bullets and large capacity gun magazines. As our Congressman, Brendan will continue to work on gun violence and mass shooting prevention.

“Brendan Gill’s track record is progressive in other areas, as well.  He stood with the LGBTQIA+ community in defense of inclusive curriculum, access to affordable and affirming healthcare, harm reduction and HIV prevention, antibullying and anti discrimination protections. He strongly supported reproductive rights, worker protections, immigration rights, and affordable housing development. He has a particularly strong record in environmental justice and climate change advocacy leading the effort to build the Greenway (NJ’s Highline). The endorsements he’s received from advocacy organizations, non-profit groups, and labor unions underscore his progressive record.

“At this critical moment, we need a congressional representative prepared to defend the Constitution, advance progressive values, deliver real results, and be a strong, effective voice for Maplewood and the entire 11th Congressional District. Brendan Gill is that leader and he has our wholehearted endorsement,” said Mayor Victor (Vic) De Luca, Deputy Mayor Malia Herman, Committee Member Nancy Adams, and Committee Member Jane Collins-Colding. 

“Since suspending my own campaign in this critical election, I’ve given serious thought about who I would endorse and why. Considering what’s at stake, knowing what it takes in government to deliver results for our constituents, and looking to continue uplifting my LGBTQIA+ community, I’m proud to throw my support to my fellow Essex elected leader and longstanding partner in public service, Brendan Gill,” said Maplewood Committeeman, former Mayor, and state government leader, Dean Dafis. “We’ve worked closely to advance progressive policies in Essex County that put working families first, and Brendan has always stood with us. He’s the type of pragmatic and strategic leader this moment demands, and he possesses the experience, progressive values, and steady judgment to meet the moment. We can count on him to deliver for us.”

“I’m deeply grateful for the support of the Maplewood Township Committee,” said Brendan Gill. “Their unity and commitment to our community inspire me, and I look forward to working hard to deliver real results for the families, schools, and neighborhoods of Maplewood.”

“I’m especially thankful for Dean Dafis’s endorsement and friendship,” Brendan Gill continued. “Dean is a fearless leader and an incredible advocate for Maplewood and Essex County. His dedication motivates me every day, and I can’t wait to continue our work together for the people of our community.”

The endorsement reflects Maplewood’s commitment to standing united behind leaders who fight for progressive policies and practical solutions for local families. Brendan Gill, a fellow Essex County leader with a proven record of getting things done, is exactly the kind of experienced public servant Maplewood needs. His campaign continues to build momentum across the county, bringing together local elected officials, community leaders, labor partners, and advocates in support of leadership that delivers real results for our community.

This endorsement adds to Gill’s growing coalition of local elected officials, community leaders, labor partners, and advocates from across the district. Momentum continues to build around Gill’s campaign as voters rally behind his record of getting things done and his commitment to effective, results-driven leadership in Congress.

About Dean Dafis

Dean Dafis is a respected community leader and progressive advocate with deep roots in Essex County. Throughout his career in public service, he has championed policies that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and ensure government works for everyone.  Dafis is a leading voice for the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the state of New Jersey.

About Brendan Gill

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