NEWARK - On the same day she launched a new television ad in the CD-12 contest, Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson showed up at Delaney Hall in defense of the United States Constitution.

"I'm here at Delaney Hall because this fight is personal," said the military veteran. "I took an oath to defend the Constitution, and that oath doesn't expire. When I see a private detention facility being used without due process, without transparency, without accountability, I have a moral obligation to show up.

"I'm not new to this work," Robinson added. "I'm a co-founder of Community 4 Change, and I've been fighting for the people in communities across New Jersey long before there was a camera pointed at me."

Robinson’s campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District today alson announced the launch of a new television advertisement, titled "The Mission Is Necessary." The spot introduces voters to Robinson’s commitment to disciplined, mission-focused leadership and her vision for bringing results-oriented service to Washington.

"Some people look at Washington and see gridlock; I see a mission that’s lost its way," Shanel says in the ad. “I approach governing the way I was taught in the military, focused on the mission. From neighborhoods yearning for greater investment to families burdened by the cost of just living … the mission is necessary.”

The ad, which began airing over Memorial Day Weekend, highlights Robinson’s background of service as a veteran and elected official, and her pledge to prioritize the needs of 12th District families by breaking the hold of Trump and the MAGA Republicans on our national government. Watch the 30 second ad at https://youtu.be/I6Pu84zswtg.

Robinson is the only candidate for the 12^th District House seat who has flipped a seat from Red to Blue, and she is ready to flip DC blue as well. In 2018 she was the first Democrat elected to County Commissioner in Somerset County since 1979, and in 2000 was sworn in as Commissioner Director after leading the way to a Democratic majority. As Commissioner Director she fought for food security for working families, changed the way local communities are policed with the Community Police Alliance and Police Scholarship programs, and launched the LGBTQ+ Alliance.

The Robinson campaign secured a robust media buy to ensure her message reaches a broad audience across the district. The commercial will run during high-profile programming, including Knicks playoff games, Yankees and Mets broadcasts, and across major news networks such as News 12 NJ, CNN, and MSNBC. Additionally, the ad will appear on entertainment channels popular with district residents, including BET and Comedy Central.

The new ad was launched just in time for early in-person voting which starts on Tuesday, May 26^th and runs until Sunday, May 31^st. The election will be completed with in-person voting at assigned polling locations and mail-in ballots submitted by 8 pm on Tuesday. June 2.