Piperno and Eulner Slam Houghtaling and Downey’s Attempt to Cancel Black Woman Candidate During Week Leading up to Juneteenth 

Democrats’ Attempt to Cancel Black Woman Candidate Fails

MONMOUTH COUNTY N.J. – Candidates for Assembly in the 11th District, Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner, are calling out the tactics of the Houghtaling and Downey campaign in trying to disenfranchise a black woman who filed to run as an independent for an 11th District Assembly seat by challenging her petitions.  Dominique Faison of Asbury Park had filed petitions to run as a member of the Green Party, but Eric Houghtaling (D) and Joann Downey (D) immediately sought to get her tossed from the ballot. The attempt failed when the Secretary of State rejected the challenge.

“It is not surprising that Houghtaling and Downey would try to silence and disenfranchise a strong black woman in politics because she threatens the status quo,” said Marilyn Piperno.  “Houghtaling and Downey should take a hard look in the mirror. In their failed bid to toss Green Party candidate, and Asbury Park native, Dominique Faison from the ballot, the Houghtaling and Downey campaign are caught red-handed trying to silence the very voices they claim to support.”

“It is shocking that during the week leading up to Juneteenth, Houghtaling and Downey would try to silence a woman of color,” said Kim Eulner. “Despite holding themselves out as allies to the progressive movement, Democrats in LD11 have shown that all they truly care about is their grip on power. It is hypocrisy at its best.”

“We believe that all voices have a right to be heard, especially when it comes to our representation in Trenton,” said Eulner. “We look forward to engaging with all three of our opponents over the next few months and we welcome Ms. Faison to the race!”