Major Healthcare Workers Union Backs Fulop for Governor

District 1199J is Latest Union to Endorse Fulop Campaign as Momentum Continues to Build

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Major healthcare workers union District 1199J, the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, is the latest organized labor group to endorse Mayor Steven Fulop for Governor. The union represents more than 10,000 members at nearly 70 healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, public agencies and residential reentry centers throughout the state, including dietary and nurse’s aides, nurses, technicians and technologists, housekeepers, social workers, therapists, teachers, doctors, psychologists, pharmacists, clerical workers, and home care aides, counselors and parks workers.

“Steven Fulop has a proven track record of not just being a vocal advocate for organized labor, but of actually getting the job done for working families by treating employees with dignity and respect, increasing wages and benefits and always respecting collective bargaining rights,” said District 1199J President Susan Cleary. “Our next governor should be someone with a dynamic vision for the future of New Jersey, and I know that we have that candidate in Mayor Steven Fulop.”

The endorsement from District 1199J builds on the Fulop campaign’s significant early backing from organized labor, which includes endorsements by the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union International and New Jersey Council as well as four Teamsters locals representing thousands of active and retired workers.

“I’m grateful to Susan Cleary, her leadership team and every member of District 1199J for supporting our campaign to move New Jersey forward,” said Mayor Fulop. “From local government to the health care sector and beyond, dedicated employees are providing the essential services every day that keep New Jersey running and we need a comprehensive plan to invest in these workers and continue growing the middle class. As Governor I will build on the record I’ve established in Jersey City of being an advocate and an ally for organized labor, while also collaboratively seeking out new ideas, approaches and technologies that can improve outcomes for everyone.”

The Fulop campaign announced the endorsement of Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora as well as the mayors of Lambertville and Garwood last week, coming on the heels of releasing its second quarter fundraising totals that eclipsed all previous state fundraising records by raising a gargantuan sum of $2.2 million. Mayor Fulop has previously been endorsed by the Democratic County Chairs in Hudson and Warren counties as well as several of the state’s most influential mayors, including Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr., who is serving as the campaign’s Co-Chair, Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum, Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach and more.