CWA District 1 Announces Primary Endorsements in Key New Jersey Congressional Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2026  
Media Contact:
Rodrigo Brandao 
Story Justice Communications
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(917)434-6168

CWA DISTRICT 1 ANNOUNCES PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS IN KEY NEW JERSEY CONGRESSIONAL RACES

NEW JERSEY – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 1 today released its endorsements in two closely watched New Jersey congressional primary contests.

In New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, CWA District 1 is endorsing Rebecca Bennett in the primary, ahead of a general election in November that is expected to be one of the most competitive congressional contests in the nation. As a battleground district, this race could have significant implications for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2027.

“Rebecca Bennett is the strongest candidate to flip this seat in November,” said Billy Gallagher, Assistant to the Vice President, CWA District 1. “She has real swing-voter appeal, a strong campaign infrastructure, and a message centered on affordability and healthcare that speaks directly to the concerns of working families.”

In New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, CWA District 1 is endorsing Verlina Reynolds-Jackson in the Democratic primary for the open seat being vacated by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. Union members and public sector workers make up a significant share of the NJ-12 electorate, making this a pivotal contest for labor. 

“CWA District 1 has a long-standing relationship with Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, a labor ally who has consistently demonstrated strong leadership on healthcare affordability, higher education, and workers’ economic security,” said Anna-Marta Visky, CWA District 1 New Jersey Political and Field Director. 

CWA District 1 was also an early endorser of Analilia Mejia in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District special election and remains fully behind her as she enters the final stretch of the race ahead of the April 16 special election. After that, Analilia will continue to have the union’s unwavering support in the regular election. 

CWA District 1 has already endorsed incumbents Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10). 

The endorsements reflect CWA’s commitment to electing leaders who will fight for working families, protect public services, defend workers’ rights, and ensure New Jersey has strong advocates in Congress on healthcare, affordability, and economic justice.

With the endorsements of Bennett in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and Reynolds-Jackson in NJ-12, CWA is continuing to invest in races where workers can shape both the outcome and the future of representation in Congress.

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CWA District 1 represents over 160,000 active and retired members across New York, New Jersey, and New England in public service, telecommunications, media, healthcare, manufacturing, and other sectors, including roughly 70,000 members in New Jersey.