Michael Roth for Congress Announces More Local Leader Endorsements

Westfield, NJ – Today, Michael Roth, candidate for Congress announced two more endorsements from leaders in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

• David Contract, Former Westfield Councilmember Ward 3
• Margaret Illis, Berkeley Heights Councilperson and grassroots organizer

From left to right: David Contract, Margaret Illis

“Our campaign has been focused on one thing: building out the local, grassroots support we need to successfully beat Tom Kean Jr. in November and hold onto this seat for cycles to come. We couldn’t be more honored to have both David and Margaret on our team, as excellent municipal government officials and leaders in their own communities, and we are determined in our path forward to continue this outreach and build out this team to be as strong as possible.”

Endorsement Statements

David Contract proudly served as a two-term Councilman in Westfield from 2018-2025 and helped to drive indelible and positive change in the town. Working together with the Mayor and Council, Westfield was transformed during their eight-year tenure, including a restoration of strong fiscal management, improvements in residents’ quality of life, transparency and engagement to government affairs, investments in technology and equipment to improve efficiency and efficacy, and prioritization of inclusivity in Westfield. Contract has over two decades of marketing executive experience, three children currently in or have graduated from the Westfield public school system, and is still very active in the community.

Contract said, “I first met Michael during my second term as Councilman and was immediately impressed. He has an impeccable record as a champion for small business which is the engine of our economy including leading the Small Business Administration during the pandemic. He has successfully worked both inside and outside government focused on small businesses and will bring this knowledge to Congress to make our government work more effectively for all of us. He also listens intently and works tirelessly to solve problems. This is the type of Congressman our district needs and I’m proud to support Michael in his race to unseat Tom Kean Jr.”

Margaret Illis was engaged in grassroots organizing for six years before being elected to municipal government in 2023. She has volunteered on campaigns for all levels of government, and was the co-founder of the grassroots group NJ7 Forward in 2017. She lives in Berkeley Heights with her family.

About Michael, Illis said, “I first met Michael when he was exploring his candidacy in NJ-07. Michael impressed me during that first meeting. He has the experience and passion we need in our representation. Michael’s understanding of the needs of our communities, and taking opportunities to listen to residents, partnered with his work with the Small Business Administration, makes him the best candidate to unseat Tom Kean Jr. I have spoken with Michael about far ranging topics, from Passaic River flooding, to the housing shortage, the need to safeguard our environment, and critical transportation and infrastructure investments. At this moment in time, we need a representative who understands how government works but also one who will stand up for the residents of this district. We need someone who will fight for us everyday, and I am confident Michael is that person.”

Closing Out March

As one of four remaining candidates in the contested primary to take on Tom Kean Jr. in November and flip NJ-07 from red to blue, Michael Roth has the momentum, experience, leadership, fundraising, and grassroots support needed to build the movement to win in June and the coalition to win in November.

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