Mercer County Freeholder Anthony S. Verrelli of Hopewell today declared his candidacy for the 15^th Legislative District Assembly seat, which was vacated by Liz Muoio on Monday, January 15^th.  Verrelli is the current President of Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters Local 254.

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy to fill the vacancy of the 15^th Legislative District Assembly seat, which had recently been vacated by Democratic Assemblywoman Liz Muoio,” said Verrelli. “If elected, I will look to extend Liz’s legacy of being a strong Democratic voice in the State House and in making sure Mercer and Hunterdon are well represented. I am ready to build on my success at the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholder to make sure Mercer County and Hunterdon County continue to be prominently featured in statewide conversations, so our voice is heard. If elected, I will be a fierce advocate.

“Championing Democratic working-class values is something I’ve done for more than 20 years,” he added. “Even before becoming a public servant, I have worked as a union carpenter, organizer and business agent. I have spent my entire career fighting for tangible Democratic middle-class priorities, such as a real living wage, good health benefits and the ability for my families to retire with dignity and security. If elected, I want to pass a progressive Democratic agenda of a 15-dollar minimum wage, protections against wage theft and worker misclassification, pay equality for all, and a state-wide paid sick leave policy. I attribute my successes to being someone who listens to other people. My word is my bond. When I say I will do something, then I will make sure it gets done.

“My campaign is going to be about strong, focused Democratic leadership that fights to preserve our working class,” continued Verrelli. “I am ready to be a voice for the voiceless. I look forward to a fair and transparent Democratic Convention. I am looking forward to speaking with our Democratic Committee People all over the district about the strong Democratic leadership that I am ready to bring to the New Jersey General Assembly. I know Assemblywoman Liz Muoio left big shoes to fill, but I am going to work hard and continue to push a strong Democratic agenda forward.”