Brian Varela continues to rack up local endorsements in his campaign for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, earning the support of ten more local Democrats in Hunterdon County today.
Among Varela’s new supporters are Joey Novick, who led the Hunterdon County Democrats from 1996 to 2000 and remains active in local progressive politics; Tyler Powell and Guy Citron, this year’s Democratic nominees for the Republican-leaning 23rd legislative district; and John Dale and Susan Toczylowski, the Democratic ticket for Hunterdon county commissioner (Dale is also the former Republican mayor of West Amwell).
“Brian is vibrant, energetic, and a fighter. He doesn’t back down from challenges – he faces them head-on and wins,” Citron said in a statement. “His deep community ties and principled approach prove he’s the candidate New Jersey’s 7th district deserves. I’m proud to unequivocally endorse him and confident in the passion and determination he’ll bring to Washington.”
The list also includes Democratic municipal chairs in Glen Gardner, Hampton, and Union Township, the former municipal chair of Clinton Township, and a township committee candidate in Tewksbury.
None of the endorsers are necessarily household names, but in a red-leaning county with few elected Democrats, they represent a decent chunk of the local party organization. That will be especially important when it comes to winning the endorsement of the Hunterdon County Democrats at their convention next year, though with the county line now abolished, it’s unclear how much that kind of party endorsement will still matter.
Varela faces no fewer than seven other Democrats in next year’s primary to take on Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) in what’s already shaping up to be a competitive and expensive race.
Varela had previously received endorsements from five Democratic councilmembers in Flemington and from a group of local Democratic officials in western Morris County, where he lives. Among the latter group are the Democratic Assembly nominees in the 24th and 25th districts, meaning that Varela has now received endorsements from the Democratic ticket in three of the seven legislative districts that overlap with NJ-7.
And last week, Varela was endorsed by longtime activist Patricia Campos-Medina, prompting a social media back-and-forth with the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
“New Jersey Democrat Brian [Varela] is running for Congress and proudly touting the endorsement of a radical defund the police activist, Patricia Campos-Medina,” the NRCC said. “Varela = Defund the police.”
“I have family in law enforcement. I believe in supporting, not defunding, the police,” Varela replied, showing a sign in front of his house declaring his support for the Washington Township Police. “Why is the NRCC so desperate to attack me?”
