SEIU Affiliates in New Jersey Celebrate Rebecca Bennett's Victory in Congressional District 7

Newark, NJ – The SEIU New Jersey State Council extends its congratulations and proudly celebrates Congresswoman-elect Rebecca Bennett's victory in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

Ms. Bennett's election reflects voters' desire for leadership that understands the challenges facing working families. Throughout her campaign, she demonstrated a commitment to addressing issues critical to New Jersey residents:  job opportunities, affordability, quality healthcare, and policies that strengthen working families.

"We congratulate Rebecca Bennett on this win in one of the most contested races in the nation, and celebrate her victory as our own,” said Megan Chambers, SEIU NJ State Council President, and Co-Manager of the Laundry, Distribution, and Food Service Joint Board, Workers United, SEIU. "For too long workers and their families have weathered the storm of rising costs and economic instability.  Our members canvassed, organized and mobilized voters because we believe it is time for new leadership and a government that puts working people first.  Congresswoman-elect Bennett earned our trust, she believes in a working community that is not just surviving, but thriving and we look forward to working with her in keeping New Jersey moving forward."

Congressional District 7 has been viewed as one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country and may potentially help determine control of the U. S. House of Representatives.

“We are so proud to be sending Rebecca Bennett to Washington DC to be a fighter for working families across CD7, after countless doors knocked and calls made by 1199 member volunteers,” said Andy Cassagnol, Executive Vice President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Rebecca Bennett is committed to protecting healthcare, defending our immigrant families, and standing with all workers to raise wages and lower costs.  She will be a powerful voice for change in Washington and a champion for the people of New Jersey.”

"We are thrilled to congratulate Rebecca Bennet on her victory. At a time when healthcare funding and fundamental human rights are at stake, we look forward to working toward a future that puts people first. Our hope is that this victory helps move our nation’s capital toward meaningful progress and a clear recognition that healthcare is not a bargaining chip, but a fundamental right,” commented Alyssa Ruiz-Nicholson SEIU NJ State Council Secretary Treasurer and East Coast Government Relations Director for the Committee of Interns and Residents, CIR/SEIU.

SEIU members across New Jersey played an active and integral role throughout the election season, engaging voters through canvassing and outreach efforts, culminating in a major Early Voting Rally and SEIU National Day of Action on October 24, which brought together hundreds of members from across the state. The event demonstrated the strength, and commitment of SEIU members to ensuring that the voices and concerns of workers remain at the forefront of the political process.

“32BJ members knocked on doors and mobilized voters because they know what is at stake: healthcare they can afford, wages that support their families and the freedom to organize for a better future,” said Ana Maria Hill, Vice President and New Jersey State Director of 32BJ SEIU. “We congratulate Rebecca Bennett on her victory and are proud that our members helped make it possible. Now we are ready to work with her to turn that victory into real progress for working families. New Jersey deserves leaders who will stand up to corporate interests and make sure working people have a powerful voice in Washington.”

About the SEIU NJ State Council

The SEIU NJ State Council is composed of unions representing service employees across the state, including health care, warehouse, laundry and school cafeteria workers.  Our diverse membership also includes motor vehicle inspectors, resident physicians and municipal employees in Newark.  The Council includes 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East, Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, the Committee of Interns and Residents and 32BJ Motor Vehicle Inspectors.

About 32BJ SEIU 

32BJ SEIU is a member-driven union representing 15,000 service workers in New Jersey and a total of 190,000 service workers across 12 states and Washington, D.C