Our Revolution New Jersey (OR NJ) is proud to announce its newly formed State Organizing Committee, composed of progressive leaders from diverse backgrounds and communities. This collective of progressive minds represents 13 local chapters, and includes four at-large members who bring  new energy, a strong progressive vision and a deep commitment to organizing and winning. In the past six months alone, four new local chapters have launched, including chapters in Hunterdon and Morris Counties.

“All counties need a voice.” said Neeharika Thuravil, Chair of Our Revolution Hunterdon County, “As ORNJ reaches more counties, we secure a more united front as a movement. Supporting each other moving forward is how we achieve change!”

The chapter representatives are joined by at-large members Patricia Campos Medina, Derel Stroud, Barry Brendel, and Peter Jacob, with each member bringing an impressive background and ambitious vision for the future of New Jersey.

Patricia Campos Medina is a policy expert on workplace and labor issues, women’s rights, voting rights, and trade and immigration policy. She has been recognized as one of the most influential political leaders in New Jersey.

Peter Jacob is a social worker who serves some of the most vulnerable populations in Union County. He was the Congressional Democratic Party nominee for CD7  in 2016 and was a contender for the nomination in 2018. An immediate progressive star, he was the first candidate in New Jersey to receive an Our Revolution endorsement.

Derel Stroud is a progressive organizer, activist, and educator. He spent much of the last decade organizing on behalf of Democratic candidates throughout New Jersey. His years of organizing experience brings a powerful insight to the organizing committee.

Barry Brendel is a political consultant, having worked on New Jersey’s earned sick leave efforts, the $15 minimum wage, and defeating the 2018 gerrymandering bill. He also served as the Vice Chair of Bernie Sanders’s 2020 Presidential Campaign in New Jersey. With a long history in New Jersey politics, Barry brings an unmatched institutional knowledge to the group.

The state organizing committee plans to immediately get to work on the 2021 state legislature elections and develop statewide campaigns on the issues facing New Jerseyans every day.

“I’m very excited to organize with the energized progressives we have all over Morris County and our state.” said Charlie Baranski of Our Revolution Morris County, “Together, we’re going to make sure local government works for everyone.”