New Jersey Working Families, Make the Road Action, SEIU 32BJ, And CWA Release Statement In Response To Sen. Cryan, Assemblywoman Quijano, and Rev. Atkins Victory

Elizabeth, NJ: In response to the news of Sen. Joe Cryan, Asw Quijano, and Rev. Atkins’ convincing win in New Jersey’s 20th Senate District, a coalition of progressive labor unions, advocacy and community groups released the following statement:

“The progressive community would like to congratulate Sen. Joe Cryan, Asw Quijano, and Rev. Atkins on their primary victories in the 20th District. This team has consistently led on issues that matter to working people, from worker’s rights to policies that protect immigrants. They believe in science and its ability to keep our communities safe. We look forward to working together with these important champions in the legislature to make New Jersey a more fair democracy that allows working families to not only survive but thrive.”

“Joe Cryan and Annette Quijano have been steadfast champions for immigrant and working-class communities in LD20 and across the state. From passing the first guaranteed paid severance law in the country to fighting to expand access to drivers’ licenses to immigrants and fighting for stronger laws on the books to punish unscrupulous employers for stealing their workers’ wages, Joe and Annette are the real deal. That’s why I’ve joined Make the Road Action members to knock collectively on doors of more than 6,000 in my hometown of Elizabeth in support of their campaign and Rev. Atkins. We look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver justice for immigrants and the working class in Trenton.” -Juliet Meneses, member of Make the Road Action – NJ and new voter.

“Senator Cryan and Assemblywoman Quijano have not only championed our issues but have also initiated their own efforts to improve the lives of working families in New Jersey. We look forward to working with Reverend Atkins to further this great legacy. We couldn’t be more proud to stand with them and we reached nearly 10,000 voters with this message. We forward our continued partnership.” -Kevin Brown, Vice President and NJ State Director, SEIU 32BJ

“CWA members have been out in force for over a month knocking on doors and making phone calls to voters in the 20th Legislative District because we know that Senator Cryan and Assemblywoman Quijano have always had our backs.  They stood with us when public workers were under attack and they continue to be champions of pro-worker policies.  We look forward to working with Senator Cryan, Assemblywoman Quijano and Reverend Atkins to protect and preserve our members’ pensions and advance the rights of all workers.”  -Fran Ehret, NJ Director, Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO

Ahead of Election Day, the progressive community and labor organizations knocked on the doors of more than 30,000 voters of color to propel Sen. Cryan, Asw Quijano and Rev. Atkins to victory.