As Trump’s Tariffs Threaten Union County, Rodriguez and Wimbush Applaud Senator Booker for “Meeting the Moment”

Elizabeth, NJ – As new tariffs imposed by President Trump take effect today—posing immediate threats to jobs and economic stability across Union County—Democratic Assembly candidates Ed Rodriguez and Walter Wimbush are warning of the harm to working families, while praising Senator Cory Booker’s recent filibuster as exactly the kind of leadership the moment demands.

The 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts, effective today, is expected to hit the Port of Elizabeth particularly hard. The U.S. International Trade Commission projects a 74% drop in vehicle imports, a devastating blow to one of the region’s economic engines. In 2023, the Port of New York and New Jersey handled nearly 4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a significant portion of which were cars and related parts.

Rodriguez didn’t mince words. “Trump calls this ‘Liberation Day,’ but for us, it’s a day of devastation,” he said. “He’s obsessed with the southern and northern borders because he doesn’t like the people on the other side—but when it comes to the working men and women who actually are our border infrastructure, like those at the Elizabeth Port, Trump couldn’t care less. These workers are critical to our economy and our security—and his harebrained tariffs will hit our communities harder than most.”

More than 563,000 jobs are supported by the port industry in the New York–New Jersey region, and a steep drop in cargo activity could jeopardize many of those jobs—especially in logistics, trucking, and warehousing, which are concentrated in cities like Elizabeth.

As communities brace for the fallout, Senator Cory Booker delivered a historic speech on the Senate floor, warning that Trump's policies endanger our communities, while also calling out past political failures. “I confess that I have been imperfect. I confess that I've been inadequate to the moment. I confess that the Democratic Party has made terrible mistakes that gave a lane to this demagogue.” Booker said. “We all must look in the mirror and say 'we will do better.'"

Wimbush said Booker’s inspirational words hit home: “Senator Booker didn’t just talk—he showed what real resistance looks like,” he said. “People want leaders in our party who won’t flinch. That’s what Ed and I are here to do.”

Rodriguez and Wimbush, running under the banner “Ready To Meet The Moment,” are campaigning to represent the 20th Legislative District, which includes Elizabeth, Union, Roselle, and Kenilworth.

“The stakes are real,” Rodriguez said. “And the time to act is now. Step up or step aside.”