New Jersey’s largest firefighters’ union, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA), has endorsed Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill (D-Montclair) in the crowded Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th congressional district.
The 11th district is currently held by Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, and Gill is one of nine Democrats vying to succeed her in the House once she departs for the governor’s office.
“Throughout his more than 25-year career in public service and politics, Brendan Gill has been a friend to first responders all across New Jersey,” NJFMBA President Eddie Donnelly said in a statement. “Whether it’s been his strategic political or policy advice to Governors and Senators, or his own actions as a member of the Essex County Board of Commissioners, he has never once wavered in standing up for and with the men and women that keep our communities safe.”
The NJFMBA, which represents more than 6,000 firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers across the state, is a frequent power player in state politics, endorsing candidates on both sides of the aisle. In 2024, the union endorsed Sherrill for governor before she had even entered the race.
Gill also picked up another labor endorsement today: from Charles Hall, the president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 108.
“Brendan Gill has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to fairness, opportunity, and economic justice,” Hall said. “He understands that the strength of our communities depends on the strength of our working families – and he’s never shied away from standing up for them. Our members want representatives who understand labor, and Brendan has proven with every vote he’s taken that he is that leader. Local 108 is proud to stand with Brendan because we know he’ll stand with us in Congress.”
