Four influential Democratic leaders have called for the re-election of Craig Coughlin when the Assembly holds its leadership elections tomorrow, confirming the conventional wisdom that the Middlesex County Democrat has a clear path for an unprecedented fifth term.
Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones, the Essex County Democratic Chairman, said that “Coughlin’s steady and principled leadership has been a cornerstone of Democratic progress in New Jersey.”
“His ability to unite people, deliver meaningful results, and stay laser-focused on the issues that matter, from ending hunger to expanding housing and making our state more affordable, has strengthened New Jersey and the values we stand for,” said Jones. “I am proud to support his historic fifth term as Speaker, which reflects the deep trust and confidence his colleagues have in him. With Speaker Coughlin leading the Assembly, New Jersey will continue to move forward — expanding opportunity, advancing equity, and delivering progress for every resident.”
Jones was part of the coalition eight years ago to replace then-Speaker Vincent Prieto, a Democrat from Hudson County, with Coughlin.
Now Coughlin’s coalition includes two other county chairmen from counties that backed Prieto: Paul Juliano of Bergen and Craig Guy of Hudson.
“Speaker Coughlin has led with integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on improving the lives of New Jersey’s residents,” Juliano said. “His historic tenure as Speaker reflects both his effectiveness and the deep respect he’s earned from members across the state.”
Juliano cited Coughlin’s policy initiatives, like StayNJ. He said it was “delivering real property tax relief to seniors and helping families stay in the communities they love — played a critical role in this election and underscored voters’ trust in Democratic leadership.”
“Bergen County Democrats proudly support his continued leadership of the General Assembly,” he said. “Together with our partners in every county, we look forward to working with Speaker Coughlin to build on our shared values — affordability, opportunity, and fairness for all.”
Guy, the Hudson County Executive, said Coughlin “has consistently shown that effective, responsible leadership delivers real results for New Jersey families.”
“Under his guidance, the Assembly has tackled tough issues — from affordability and education to economic growth — with compassion, collaboration, and common sense. As Chair of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, I am proud to support Speaker Coughlin for a historic fifth term and urge members of the Assembly to once again entrust him as Speaker,” Guy stated. “His steadfast commitment to working families and his clear vision for a stronger, more affordable New Jersey are exactly what our state needs at this critical time.”
Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe, the architect of Coughlin’s 2017 victory, also called for the re-election of Majority Leader Louis Greenwald and the rest of the Democratic leadership team in Trenton.
“Speaker Craig Coughlin’s historic fifth term is a testament to his steady leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people of New Jersey,” he said “Rooted in Middlesex County, he has led with humility and purpose — always focused on making our state more affordable, strengthening our schools, and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to succeed.”
McCabe said that Democrats “have delivered real results for working people, seniors, and small businesses” under Coughlin’s leadership.
“I could not be prouder to see him continue to lead the Assembly with the same compassion, pragmatism, and dedication that have defined his service from day one,” he said.
Coughlin is already the longest-serving Assembly Speaker in state history.
Democrats who won election to the Assembly for the first time are being invited to the leadership election; so are Democrats in the 2nd and 25th districts, where the outcome remains unsettled.
