Today, the executive board of the College Democrats of New Jersey (CDNJ) is proud to announce their endorsement of Phil Murphy for the 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election. The organization, whose membership includes approximately 800 college students statewide, has ten chartered chapters across NJ and is approving five new chapters in 2021 located at community colleges and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

CDNJ commends Governor Murphy’s landmark legislation to permanently establish the Community College Opportunity Grant Program, which allows qualified students with gross adjusted incomes of $65,000 or less to receive a financial grant to attend community college tuition-free.

“The Community College Opportunity Grant Program has helped provide a quality education to eligible students and is the first step towards correcting inequalities in higher education,” asserted Nick Dannenfelser, CDNJ’s Southern Regional Chair, who also serves as the chapter president of Rowan College at Burlington County, and secretary of the Burlington County Young Democrats. “I proudly endorse the Governor in his reelection campaign in the hopes that he will continue to work to make New Jersey a more fair and equitable state for all.”

College students have benefited from Governor Murphy’s first term in office. From raising the minimum wage to enacting strong equal protections, and extending state financial aid to all college students regardless of their official citizenship status, the Governor has made tremendous strides to move New Jersey forward.

“One member recently shared that Governor Murphy’s support of expanding in-state tuition assistance to DREAMers is the reason that she can attend college.” stated David McMillan, CDNJ President, and a senior at The College of New Jersey. “Governor Murphy follows through on his promises and students trust his judgement.”

CDNJ will be working with college students across the state to organize in support of Governor Phil Murphy’s re-election campaign . An application to become involved with CDNJ’s efforts can be found at https://forms.gle/KNCjVMLbJR6Fkxer6. Students do not need to be affiliated with a chapter to become involved or to support CDNJ’s efforts. Yesterday, CDNJ released a pre-primary endorsement form that candidates in state, county, and municipal races should complete to be considered for an endorsement from CDNJ: Governor Phil Murphy is the first candidate for any primary or general election race to receive an endorsement.

“We are excited to see candidates from all parts of New Jersey and get to know them over the next couple of weeks!” Vice President Emily McGrath regarding pre-primary endorsements. “College Students and young voters are one of the most untapped voting populations and we are often forgotten by campaigns. We commend the Governor’s efforts to engage with young voters and look forward to pushing our peers to support candidates up and down ballots. The Governor was right when he said he had our backs.”

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