Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill (D-Montclair)’s campaign to represent New Jersey’s 11th congressional district picked up an endorsement today from a former member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet: Jeh Johnson, who served as Secretary of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017.
Johnson, a resident of Montclair, has never sought elected office himself, though he was under consideration last year for a temporary appointment to the U.S. Senate.
“While the department I once led seems focused on deportations and nothing more, we need officials in Washington who remain dedicated to homeland security in general. This includes cybersecurity, aviation security, maritime security, response to natural disasters and much more,” Johnson said in a statement. “Brendan has devoted his life to public service. He has been endorsed by a number of law enforcement and public safety organizations and many more. Today, I add my name and voice to the long list of those who want to see Brendan in Congress.”
Gill faces ten Democratic primary opponents in the special election to succeed Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, who is set to resign from her House seat later tonight.
