New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, the political voice for the environment, today announced their second round of endorsements for the 2021 New Jersey legislative elections – with an additional slate of pro-conservation candidates to follow. New Jersey LCV works to elect viable candidates, without regard to party affiliation, who have demonstrated an active or affirmative willingness and capacity to advance New Jersey LCV’s pro-environment priorities.

“One thing is for sure, climate action, environmental justice, and good, local clean energy jobs are on the ballot,” said Henry Gajda, Public Policy Director, New Jersey LCV. “We could not be prouder of the dedicated, pro-conservation leaders featured in our second round of legislative endorsements and look forward to electing them to office and working together to build a more equitable and sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”

New Jersey LCV has endorsed the following candidates for the Primary Election on June 8 and the General Election on November 2^nd:

• New Jersey’s 20^th Legislative District:
  • Senator Joe Cryan (D)
  • Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D)
  • Reginald Atkins for State Assembly (D)

• New Jersey’s 37^th Legislative District:
  • Gordon Johnson for State Senate (D)
  • Shama Haider for State Assembly (D)
  • Ellen Park for State Assembly (D)

• New Jersey’s 7th Legislative District:
  • Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D)
  • Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D)

• New Jersey’s 11^th Legislative District:
  • Senator Vin Gopal (D)
  • Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D)
  • Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D)

• New Jersey’s 12^th Legislative District:
  • Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R)
  • Assemblyman Robert Clifton (R)

• New Jersey’s 14^th Legislative District:
  • Senator Linda Greenstein (D)
  • Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D)
  • Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D)

• New Jersey’s 15^th Legislative District:
  • Senator Shirley Turner (D)
  • Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)
  • Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D)

• New Jersey’s 17^th Legislative District:
  • Senator Bob Smith (D)
  • Assemblyman Joseph Danielsen (D)

• New Jersey’s 18^th Legislative District:
  • Senator Patrick Diegnan (D)
  • Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D)
  • Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D)

• New Jersey’s 27^th Legislative District:
  • Former Governor and Senator Richard Codey (D)
  • Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D)
  • Assemblyman John McKeon (D)

• New Jersey’s 33^rd Legislative District:
  • Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D)

• New Jersey’s 34^th Legislative District:
  • Assemblyman Thomas Giblin (D)
  • Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (D)

• New Jersey’s 35^th Legislative District:
  • Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D)

• New Jersey’s 36^th Legislative District:
  • Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D)

“Earning a New Jersey LCV endorsement is not to be taken lightly. Through our multi-step evaluation process, we review candidates’ environmental credentials and vision for the state,” said Julia Somers, New Jersey LCV Board Chair. “The environment matters – and through our electoral efforts this year – New Jersey LCV will continue to demonstrate our leadership in Trenton on the issues that matter.”

“I’m honored to again receive the support of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. Their endorsement underscores our common goals of protecting New Jersey’s beautiful natural resources, preserving open space, and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for our residents and tourists to enjoy,” said Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (LD-12). “I will continue working with advocates, legislative colleagues, and anyone else to advance these important goals.”

“I want to thank the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for endorsing my campaign this year. I will continue to sponsor and support legislation that strengthens laws to safeguard the health of our communities,” said Assemblyman Robert Clifton (LD-12). “I look forward to working with the LCV as I have done so in the past. Thank you again for your confidence and support.”

“I am both honored and humbled by the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, which is the preeminent environmental advocacy group in our state,” said Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (LD-17).

“I’m extremely honored to receive the endorsement from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, and together we will work to protect open space, clean air, and clean water, and to combat climate change,” said Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (LD-7).

“The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ leadership and guidance are a tremendous resource for us and we are proud to receive their endorsement of our campaign in Tuesday, June 8th’s Democratic Primary,” said Senator Joe Cryan (LD-20). “New Jersey LCV’s reliance on science and data has always been a guiding factor in their decision-making process and that reliance has certainly served them well during these unprecedented times. Assemblywoman Quijano, Reverend Atkins and I look forward to the opportunity to work with this tremendous organization as we all look toward the future and the better days ahead.”

“I would like to thank the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for their endorsement,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (LD-15). “This endorsement is affirmation of my commitment to protecting and improving our environment, water infrastructure, supporting renewable energy and clean air in the 15th Legislative District and State of New Jersey.”

“I am incredibly proud to have received the New Jersey LCV’s 2021 endorsement,” said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (LD-18). “It is a testament to the impact the Assembly Special Committee on Infrastructure and Natural Resources has had on addressing water pollution throughout the State. As Chairman, I hope to continue working with the LCV to fight for a cleaner, safer, and healthier New Jersey.”

“I want to thank the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for their support. I have worked tirelessly to protect our beaches so that we can enjoy New Jersey’s shore and open spaces,” said Assemblywoman Joanne Downey (LD-11). “I will continue to support policies that will protect our environment and will work alongside New Jersey LCV.”

“Thank you to New Jersey LCV for the endorsement. As Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, I have an opportunity to lead on critical issues like protecting our native species, clean air, and clean water,” said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (LD-11). “I have been proud of my work to protect our environment. I look forward to continuing this important work in the legislature.”

“With the incredible endorsement from New Jersey LCV and my position in the Senate, I will continue my efforts in protecting our environment for future generations of New Jerseyans,” said Senator Vin Gopal (LD-11). “I will fight to ensure that clean air and safe drinking water are accessible to all. I will continue to work on protecting our Jersey Shore for all to enjoy. Protecting New Jersey’s environmental health begins with protecting our natural resources.”

“I am honored and humbled that the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (New Jersey LCV) has endorsed my candidacy for re-election to the General Assembly,” said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (LD-15). “New Jersey LCV supports legislation that keeps our air clean and our water safe to drink; powers more electric vehicles on our roads and solar panels on our roofs; and stimulates a green economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest and most privileged among us — no matter what we look like, where we come from, how we identify, how we worship, or how much money we have in our pockets. This endorsement from New Jersey LCV is a clear message to voters that I share these values of sustainability and that I am committed to doing what is best for us, our communities, and our planet.”

“The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters has been an outspoken voice for the health and safety of the environment and a fantastic legislative partner,” said Senator Linda Greenstein (LD-14). “It has been with their advocacy that New Jersey has continued its role as a leader in environmental protection, passing legislation that expands the use of electric vehicles, curbs plastic pollution, protects our groundwater from contaminants, and so much more. I am honored to again receive their endorsement as I run for re-election to the New Jersey State Senate this year, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”

“Thank you to the members of New Jersey LCV for their endorsement. With your support, I hope to continue to serve as a voice for policies that will create a better environment for New Jersey residents and a safer planet for generations to come to enjoy,” said Assemblywoman, Britnee Timberlake (LD-34).

“Protecting our environment and its resources is vital to future generations and the future of our planet. I am committed to taking the necessary steps forward to implement clean energy, support green infrastructure, and protect our natural and renewable resources as this is critical to our health and environment,” said Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (LD-18). “We must continue to prioritize and protect our open space, clean drinking water, and the quality of our air to protect wildlife and the health of our children and communities. I remain steadfast in my commitment to tackling and addressing our climate crisis and furthering our progress towards a cleaner, healthier New Jersey. I am humbled to receive the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, I thank them for their support, and I am eager to continue working with them as a team to protect our environment and communities.”

“New Jersey LCV, since their founding just about a decade ago, has grown into one of New Jersey’s premier environmental advocates. In New Jersey they have supported racial justice on the “Cumulative Impacts” bill, protecting our pollinators by restricting the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, promoting energy efficient appliances, and more, said Assemblyman Herb Conaway (LD-7). “I am proud to receive their endorsement and look forward to continuing to promote more sustainable environmental practices in our state.”

“I am honored to be endorsed by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for my third consecutive election. Since taking office in 2018, I have consistently demonstrated my active commitment to protecting our environment,” said Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (LD-36). “I look forward to continuing to work with NJLCV to achieve New Jersey’s clean energy goals and to leave a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable New Jersey for future generations.”

“During my six terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, I have championed strong environmental and clean energy policies that will help support New Jersey families and businesses,” said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (LD-14).  “It’s time to start making forward-thinking, environmentally friendly choices a priority for today, not a promise for tomorrow. Thank you to the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for the continued support. I am excited for the work ahead.”

“I am honored to receive the 2021 New Jersey LCV endorsement; their environmental work in New Jersey is legendary. Much work needs to be done and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for the best environmental practices in our country,” said Assemblyman Thomas Giblin (LD-34).

“I am grateful to have the support of the League of Conservation Voters, not only in this campaign but throughout my years as a legislator,” said Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Gordon Johnson (LD-37). “I have spent my career in pursuit of justice and there is little more urgent than environmental justice today. From clean water to transitioning off of fossil fuels, I look forward to working with New Jersey LCV in the months and years ahead as we strive to make New Jersey a greener, cleaner, and healthier state for all our residents.”

“I am thrilled to have the League of Conservation Voters backing this historic slate,” said Shama Haider, former Tenafly Councilwoman (LD-37). “No organization has done more to ensure we remain the Garden State than New Jersey LCV, and no ticket is more committed to an even greener New Jersey future than ours, in District 37. I can’t wait to work alongside the members of New Jersey LCV in making New Jersey a national leader in environmental policies and justice, for generations to come.”

“Since the beginning of the campaign, our ticket has seen an outpouring of support from across that state, but today’s endorsement from New Jersey LCV demonstrates what we have been saying from day one – the environment is one of our top priorities,” said Ellen Park, former Englewood Cliffs Councilwoman (LD-37). “New Jersey has to take urgent action against climate change, but we also desperately need people at the decision-making table who can give voice to our underrepresented communities and ensure the action we take equitably serves all New Jerseyans. Thank you to the members of New Jersey LCV for your support, and thank you for all you do for the people of New Jersey.”

New Jersey LCV previously endorsed Governor Phil Murphy for reelection, and Andrew Zwicker, Roy Freiman and Sadaf Jaffer for election in New Jersey Legislative District 16.

A full list of the endorsements including biographies of the endorsees can be found here.

New Jersey LCV is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions, and it is the only New Jersey environmental group with a Political Action Committee (PAC) and Super PAC. We plan to invest $1 million in this year’s election.