Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey Announces Candidate Endorsements in 2023 Election

PRINCETON, NJ – Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey is proud to announce the endorsements of 97 candidates for New Jersey’s 2023 state elections. These candidates have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing reproductive freedom and abortion rights, key issues which are expected to play a pivotal role in this year’s election.

Jackie Cornell, the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, emphasized the importance of these endorsements, stating, “In this critical election year, the future of reproductive freedom in New Jersey hangs in the balance. PPAFNJ is proud to endorse these 97 candidates who are committed to protecting the rights of all to make their own health care decisions. We are confident that these endorsed candidates will champion reproductive freedom.”

Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey will work tirelessly to support these endorsed candidates by mobilizing thousands of New Jersey voters and volunteers who care deeply about protecting and expanding reproductive freedom. Tonight, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey will celebrate alongside the endorsed candidates and supporters from across the state at an energizing rally in Princeton. Speakers will include Senate President Nick Scutari, Senator Andrew Zwicker, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way.

“Planned Parenthood has always been on the frontline of protecting a woman’s right to choose, and I am incredibly grateful to earn their support,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker. “After Dobbs, it’s more important than ever for us to elect leaders who are fierce advocates for reproductive freedom. When re-elected this November, I will fight to ensure that New Jersey continues to set the national example for what it means to protect abortion and reproductive care for our families.”

“We are incredibly grateful to have received the endorsement and support of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. This endorsement signals to Monmouth County that we are, and always will be, the team that stands up for women and their freedom to choose,” said Senator Vin Gopal, Dr. Margie Donlon, & Luanne Peterpaul, Esq. “As we see extreme state legislatures across the country enact egregious, irresponsible, and dangerous laws that roll back freedoms for women, Monmouth County needs pro-choice leaders in the legislature to protect the freedom to choose for generations to come.  Unfortunately, our opponents have repeatedly stood on the sidelines in this fight and even voted against funding for reproductive healthcare. We are the pro-choice team in the LD-11 race and will never back down in this fight.”

“Planned Parenthood plays a critical role in providing access to health care for many New Jerseyans,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “While we watch in horror as some states around the country are dismantling the right to reproductive freedom, New Jersey remains steadfast in its commitment to women’s rights. I’m proud to rally alongside Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey and the other endorsed candidates as we work to reject conservative extremists who would expand red-state policies into New Jersey.”

”The endorsement from Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey for my re-election is an honor,” said Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. “Planned Parenthood prioritizes the health of women, ensuring that those who require it can rely on their services throughout various stages of their lives, from pregnancy to post-birth and beyond. They bridge the gaps for women who face financial constraints, ensuring they have the necessary support for healthy pregnancies. Access to the resources provided by Planned Parenthood empowers women with the autonomy they rightly deserve over their bodies.”

“Protecting a woman’s reproductive health is a human right and paramount to the progression of our society,” said Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter. “Planned Parenthood plays a vital role in providing women with the educational tools and health care they need to thrive. As of 2022, the two Planned Parenthood affiliates in New Jersey had over 132,000 patient visits. I stand with Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey and together we will continue to fight for women!”

For more information on tonight’s rally, please contact casey.olesko@ppgnnj.org. 

For more information on Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey’s election efforts, please visit www.ppactionnj.org. 

2023 Endorsed Candidates

* denotes incumbent
^ denotes incumbent Assemblymember running for Senate

District 1:
Damita White-Morris – Assembly

District 2:
Caren Fitzpatrick – Senate
Lisa Bender – Assembly
Alphonso Harrell – Assembly

District 3:
John Burzichelli – Senate
Heather Simmons – Assembly
Dave Bailey Jr. – Assembly

District 4:
Paul Moriarty^ – Senate
Cody Miller – Assembly
Dan Hutchinson – Assembly

District 5:
Nilsa Cruz-Perez* – Senate
Bill Moen* – Assembly
William Spearman* – Assembly

District 6:
James Beach* – Senate
Pamela Lampitt* – Assembly
Lou Greenwald* – Assembly

District 7:
Troy Singleton* – Senate
Dr. Herb Conaway* – Assembly
Carol Murphy* – Assembly

District 8:
Anthony Angelozzi – Assembly
Andrea Katz – Assembly

District 9:
Gabriel Franco – Senate
Joseph Atura – Assembly

District 10:
Emma Mammano – Assembly

District 11:
Vin Gopal* – Senate
Luanne Peterpaul – Assembly
Dr. Margie Donlon – Assembly
District 12:
Brandon Rose – Senate
Raya Arbiol – Assembly
Paul Sarti – Assembly

District 13:
Lucille LoSapio – Senate
Danielle Mastropiero – Assembly

District 14:
Linda Greenstein* – Senate
Tennille McCoy – Assembly

District 15:
Shirley Turner* – Senate
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson* – Assembly
Anthony Verrelli* – Assembly

District 16:
Andrew Zwicker* – Senate
Roy Freiman* – Assembly
Mitchelle Drulis – Assembly

District 17:
Bob Smith* – Senate
Joe Danielsen* – Assembly

District 18:
Patrick Diegnan Jr.* – Senate
Robert Karabinchak* – Assembly
Sterley Stanley* – Assembly

District 19:
Joseph Vitale* – Senate
Craig Coughlin* – Assembly
Yvonne Lopez* – Assembly

District 20:
Joe Cryan* – Senate
Annette Quijano* – Assembly
Reginald Atkins* – Assembly

District 21:
Matt Marino – Senate
Elizabeth Graner – Assembly
Chris Weber – Assembly

District 22:
Nick Scutari* – Senate
James Kennedy* – Assembly
Linda Carter* – Assembly

District 23:
Denise King – Senate
Guy Citron – Assembly

District 24:
Edmund Khanoo – Senate

District 25:
Christine Clarke – Senate
Diane Salvatore – Assembly

District 27:
John McKeon^ – Senate
Alixon Collazos-Gill – Assembly
District 28:
Renee Burgess* – Senate
Cleopatra Tucker* – Assembly
Garnet Hall – Assembly

District 29:
Teresa Ruiz* – Senate
Eliana Pintor Marin* – Assembly
Shanqiue Speight* – Assembly

District 31:
Angela McKnight^ – Senate
William Sampson* – Assembly

District 32:
Raj Mukherji^ – Senate
John Allen – Assembly

District 33:
Brian Stack* – Senate
Julio Morenco – Assembly
Gabriel Rodriguez – Assembly

District 34:
Brittnee Timberlake^ –  Senate
Carmen Morales – Assembly
Michael Venezia – Assembly

District 35:
Nellie Pou* – Senate
Shavonda Sumter* – Assembly
Benjie Wimberly* – Assembly

District 36:
Paul Sarlo* – Senate
Clinton Calabrese* – Assembly

District 37:
Gordon Johnson* – Senate
Shama Haider*- Assembly
Ellen Park* – Assembly

District 38:
Joseph Lagana* – Senate
Christopher Tully* – Assembly
Lisa Swain* – Assembly

District 39:
Jodi Murphy – Senate
John Vitale – Assembly
Damon Englese – Assembly

District 40:
Jennifer Ehrentraut – Senate
Jennifer Marrinan – Assembly
Giovanna Irizarry – Assembly

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization, and the advocacy arm of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates in New Jersey. We advocate for access to essential health care through education, activism, voter engagement, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy. For more information, visit www.ppactionnj.org.