Today, New Jersey Working Families has announced its first wave of endorsements in both congressional and local races. For Congress, New Jersey Working Families is endorsing Arati Kreibich (CD-5) and Amy Kennedy (CD-2).

Locally they’ve endorsed Councilman Sean Spiller for Mayor of Montclair and plan to support more progressive down-ballot races as the primary nears.

“This is an exciting chapter in New Jersey Working Families’ march towards change in New Jersey. Arati Krebich is a progressive champion, she will advocate for the people in Washington, not special interests,” said Sue Altman, Director of New Jersey Working Families. “And Amy Kennedy is a breath of fresh air in South Jersey, and by far the best candidate to beat turncoat Jeff Van Drew. Sean Spiller is a longtime educator and advocate for public education in New Jersey, and he will take this experience to lead Montclair in a progressive direction.”

In 2017, congressional candidate Arati Krebich became the first South Asian elected to Glen Rock’s Borough Council. Since then, she’s made the climate crisis a priority and led the successful charge for town-wide clean energy consumption as well as a ban on plastic bags. As a neuroscientist, her research on opiate addiction, along with her pharmaceutical industry experience, is why she is committed to pursuing healthcare for all when elected to Congress.

“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party. WFP is at the forefront of the grassroots movement taking on the status quo in New Jersey politics,” said Arati Kreibich. “We share a vision is for a more democratic future where our elected officials actually represent their constituents and are unbought by corporate money. With over two months until the election, our campaign to elect a real Democrat to NJ-5 has more momentum than ever!”

Sean Spiller has over 20 years of experience as a public school teacher. He is currently on Montclair’s City Council, where he serves on the Economic Development Committee, the Education Committee, and the Public Safety Committee. While in office, he’s been working to reduce the township debt, support early and adult education, and implement community policing methods to address community issues.

“New Jersey Working Families can always be counted on to advocate for progressive policies, like helping to pass paid sick leave in Montclair,” said Sean Spiller. “I was proud to work alongside them in that fight, and I’m honored today to receive their endorsement for Mayor.”

Amy Kennedy is an educator and mental health advocate from Brigantine in South Jersey. She’s running to unseat Jeff Van Drew, the former Democratic congressman who switched over to the Republican party while in office.

“I’m proud to earn the endorsement of New Jersey’s Working Families Alliance. We’re in an economic crisis, and South Jersey families need real leadership to help us right the ship and clean up the devastation that the coronavirus and Trump Administration are leaving behind,” said Amy Kennedy. “We need a Congress that’s fighting for working families, not just big corporations—especially now. I can’t wait to fight alongside WFA as South Jersey’s congresswoman, to make sure our families stay healthy and strong.”