National Organization for Women of New Jersey’s Political Action Committee (NOW NJ PAC) is endorsing Governor Phil Murphy for re-election along with Assembly candidates Annette Quijano (LD20) and Anjali Mehrotra (LD21). NOW NJ PAC is proud to endorse these candidates who are being recognized for their work on advancing a feminist agenda in the state. Governor Murphy earns our support for a multitude of reasons – appointing a diverse cabinet that is majority women, passing a strong pay equity law, funding women’s and maternal health, expanding family and paid sick leave, addressing racial inequities through social justice programs, and voicing staunch support for reproductive rights.

Similarly, Assembly Member Annette Quijano has repeatedly championed NOW’s issues as a sponsor of bills such as the Reproductive Freedom Act and the bill to provide free menstrual products in public schools, both of which are legislative priorities for NOW New Jersey in this legislative session. And NOW NJ PAC is thrilled at the opportunity to endorse one of our own, NOW New Jersey President Anjali Mehrotra who has been fighting on behalf of women and families, testifying and working with legislators in Trenton.

Linda Weber, Chair of NOW NJ PAC, said, “Now, more than ever, we need to elect feminist men and women, and especially women of color. Representation matters, and we need diverse voices to ensure that underserved communities are not left behind. The events of the past year have highlighted the inequities and weaknesses of our systems and we need candidates who will fight for civil rights and legislation that drives equity. All three of these candidates have demonstrated unwavering support for our issues and we are honored to endorse them.”

“I’m thrilled to have earned the endorsement of NOW NJ PAC whose partnership and tenacious advocacy over the last three-plus years has helped us achieve meaningful progress for millions of women across New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “From enacting the nation’s strongest equal pay law to fully funding women’s health care, NOW-NJ has played an integral role in driving progressive change, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to build on our strong record of accomplishments for women.”

Anjali Mehrotra, Assembly candidate for LD21, said, “It is no secret that women have borne the brunt of this pandemic, so it is imperative that we elect leaders that are committed to advancing policies that will reduce gender inequities as we rebuild. We need to deliver on healthcare, education, childcare, and build systems that ensure that New Jerseyans will no longer have to choose between caring for their families and career opportunities. I am honored to be endorsed by NOW NJ PAC and look forward to working in the State Legislature, and with Governor Murphy, to deliver on the promise of equality that has eluded us for so long.”

Earlier this year, NOW NJ PAC endorsed Valerie Vainieri Huttle for Senate to represent LD 37.

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About National Organization for Women of New Jersey’s Political Action Committee (NOW NJ PAC)

NOW NJ PAC consists of representatives from all our chapters throughout the state along with members of the NOW New Jersey state board. Candidates were evaluated based on their record and/or commitment to push a legislative agenda in support of NOW’s six core issues. NOW’s core issues are as follows – achieving constitutional equality, ending violence against women, supporting LBGTQ+ rights and fighting for reproductive rights and justice, economic justice, and racial justice.

About National Organization for Women of New Jersey (NOW-NJ)

The purpose of NOW-NJ is to take action through intersectional, anti-racist grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.

For more information about NOW New Jersey and NOW NJ PAC, please visit www.nownj.org.