CAIR Action NJ endorses 28 candidates for Nov. 3 election, opposes Van Drew, Kean Jr. and Murphy

CAIR Action NJ announced 28 endorsements for federal and local office in New Jersey's Nov. 3 general election, according to a press release published Oct. 21 on Insider NJ. The group describes itself as a Muslim political advocacy organization in the state.

The endorsements include five U.S. House candidates: Rachel Peace (NJ-4), Adam Rueda (NJ-5), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) and Dr. Adam Hamawy (NJ-12). The group also endorsed candidates for county commissioner in Essex and Hudson counties, municipal offices, and boards of education in several towns. Austin Edwards (Trenton mayor), Mohammad Khairullah (Prospect Park mayor), and Assad Mujtaba and Tarek Alnatur (a joint endorsement for Clifton City Council) are among the municipal endorsements.

CAIR Action NJ said it opposes the reelection of U.S. Reps. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2) and Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-7) and the election of Justin Murphy for U.S. Senate. It cited the two representatives' July 15 votes against an amendment to remove $3.3 billion in military financing for Israel from the fiscal year 2027 State Department appropriations bill, their March 5 votes against an Iran war powers resolution, and their votes for the 2025 budget law that reduced federal Medicaid and SNAP funding.

"Putting our communities first is putting America first - and that means making sure our families can see a doctor and afford groceries," said Ali Aljarrah, CAIR Action NJ senior advisor.

The group also opposes U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and gave U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. a "Preferred" rating, which it defines as closer alignment than the alternatives.

CAIR Action NJ said its ratings consider candidates' records, engagement and the alternatives in each race.