Six Democrats now remain in the race to unseat Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), thanks to Rahway attorney Vale Mendoza’s exit earlier this month.
Mendoza launched her campaign last summer, promising to be a progressive alternative to the more moderate Democrats already running for the high-profile swing district. Her campaign, though, was never able to catch on with the local Democratic establishment or among donors; in a termination report filed earlier this month, Mendoza reported raising just $1,630 in total.
Mendoza told the New Jersey Globe tonight that her decision to end her campaign stemmed from a belief that neither party represents her any longer.
“This experience confirmed for me what many Americans feel right now: I’m uncomfortable associating myself with either major party,” she said. “It seems that Democrats have become the new Republicans, while Republicans have shifted towards outright fascism. I identify as neither and refuse to accept the notion that the lesser of two evils is good enough.”
Two other Democratic candidates, former Summit Councilman Greg Vartan and Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy (D-Bedminster), have also exited the 7th district race in recent months. Rebecca Bennett, Tina Shah, Brian Varela, Michael Roth, Megan O’Rourke, and Beth Adubato are all still competing in the June 2 primary for the seat.
