Medal of Honor Recipient and Former Senator Bob Kerrey Endorses Zach Beecher for NJ-11
Medal of Honor Recipient and Former Senator Bob Kerrey Endorses Zach Beecher for NJ-11
MORRISTOWN, NJ — Today, the Zach Beecher for Congress campaign announced that former United States Senator, Governor, and Medal of Honor recipient Bob Kerrey has endorsed Zach Beecher in the special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
Kerrey, a fellow Democrat and highly decorated Navy SEAL known for his fierce independence, pointed to Beecher’s combat experience with the 82nd Airborne and his pragmatic approach to service as exactly what Washington needs in this moment of crisis.
“I’m endorsing Zach Beecher because he knows the difference between giving a speech and completing a mission,” said Senator Bob Kerrey. “Zach has led paratroopers in Mosul and earned a Bronze Star for his service. He understands that in the military, you don't get points for effort—you are judged solely on results. That experience taught him how to cut through the bureaucracy, ignore the noise, and, quite frankly, how to get shit done. NJ-11 deserves a representative who will bring that same relentless discipline to Congress.”
The endorsement from Kerrey—a figure widely respected for putting country over party—is a significant signal to voters in Morris, Essex, and Passaic Counties that Beecher is the candidate best equipped to deliver results in a polarized environment.
“I am incredibly honored to have the support of Senator Kerrey,” said Zach Beecher. “Senator Kerrey is a true American hero who has always spoken hard truths and fought for what is right, regardless of the political cost. Whether it was on the ground in Iraq or working here in our community, I’ve learned that real leadership isn’t about the title you hold—it’s about the work you finish. I’m ready to take that mindset to Washington and fight for New Jersey families.”
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 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, 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 due to overregulation and bureaucracy, soldiers must innovate at the speed of battle to survive.
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.
Currently a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, Zach and his wife, Michelle, live in Morristown with their 1-year-old son, Pierce.
