Eatontown, NJ – Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) announced his endorsement today for Josh Welle, Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District.

“I want to thank the Congressman for his support of our campaign to unseat Chris Smith and bring a new generation of leaders to represent central New Jersey. It’s an honor to work with a fellow veteran who understands the urgency of addressing security for our families, affordable and accessible health care, and equal opportunity in the 21st century economy. In Congress, Ted has established himself as a leader on Social Security and Medicare, civil liberties, and Veterans Affairs and I look forward to working with him on these issues in Congress.”

In 2014, Ted W. Lieu was elected to California’s 33rd Congressional District. Ted is a former active duty officer in the US Air Force and currently serves as a Colonel in the Reserve. Today he serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is also an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus.
“This is a critical election year for Americans to make a statement and put our country back on track. Josh is a strong candidate and is going to succeed when he shares his values of integrity, justice, and equality with the voters of New Jersey. I’m proud to support him and would be proud to serve with him in Congress,” said Rep. Lieu.
A demographic report of the 115th Congress released by CQ-Roll Call shows that less than 1/5 of members have military experience or are actively serving. This reflects a near all time low of veterans serving in the halls of Capitol Hill in American history.

Additionally, New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District has one of the largest veteran and active-duty populations in the state, including some of the state’s major military outposts such as Joint Base McGuire-Lakehurst, Earle Naval Weapons Station in Colts Neck, and the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center.

Josh Welle is an Annapolis graduate, Afghanistan veteran, Commander in the Navy Reserve, and former founder of a technology company. He was raised in Wall Township and is a Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District competing to unseat 37-year incumbent Chris Smith. He lives with his wife, Angela, in Monmouth County.

Any press inquiries can be directed to sam@welleforcongress.com