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NJ governor election: Who is winning the labor union endorsements?

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NJ governor election: Who is winning the labor union endorsements?


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  • Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill has received endorsements from several New Jersey labor unions, including AFSCME, AFL-CIO, JNESO and RWDSU.
  • Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has been endorsed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and Local 285.
  • Local 825’s endorsement of Ciattarelli is a change, as they previously supported Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy against Ciattarelli.

New Jersey labor unions have started announcing their choices in the November election for governor.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, nearly all favor the Democrat in the race, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-NJ. Democrats have traditionally garnered more union support than Republicans.

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But an anomaly has emerged since the first such announcement June 11, the day after the primary: The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 declared for Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

It’s an unusual, but not unprecedented, move for Local 825 for pick a Republican for the job. The union supported outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in his two races, including a close one in 2021 against Ciattarelli.

These are the major union endorsements thus far.

AFSCME endorsement

On June 11, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees New Jersey Council 63 endorsed Sherrill.

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“Mikie Sherrill has a deep respect for public service and a strong track record of standing with working people,” Executive Director Steve Tully said. “She understands the critical role that AFSCME members play in keeping our communities running, from public health and public safety to essential municipal and state services, and she knows that work is under attack.

AFL-CIO

On June 17, the New Jersey State American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations endorsed Sherrill.

“She understands the dignity of work, the importance of strong unions, and the role that labor plays in building a fair economy,” President Charles Wowkanech said. “As our next Governor, she’ll fight for quality and accessible health care for every family, for great public schools for every kid, and to make New Jersey more affordable for everyone.”

The state AFL-CIO has more than 1,000 affiliated local unions.

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JNESO

On June 17, the Jersey Nurses Economic Security Organization District Council 1, IUOE-AFL-CIO endorsed Sherrill.

“Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill knows how to keep people and our communities safe,” said Elfrieda Johnson, president of the JNESO Board of Directors. “She understands the need to protect health care workers and to ensure that affordable care is available to all New Jersey residents, especially our most vulnerable populations. She is committed to nurses and health care workers having the resources needed to protect their patients, and to continue providing the best quality care to keep patients healthy and safe.” 

Council 1 represents approximately 5,000 nurses, technologists, dieticians, social workers, case managers, and respiratory therapists at 19 facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

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Local 285

On June 19, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 285 endorsed Ciattarelli.

“We face an energy crisis, an affordability crisis, and a crisis of common sense,” Business Manager Greg Lalevee said. “The solutions are basic but may not be political popular. We need a governor that will tackle our challenges and not cave to the fringe political voices. Jack Ciattarelli understands New Jersey and what needs to be done to fix our great state.” 

Local 825, based in Springfield, has more than 8,000 members in New Jersey and in Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and Delaware counties in New York. 

RWDSU

On June 23, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union endorsed Sherrill.

“Mikie Sherrill is the kind of principled leader working people need in New Jersey,” President Stuart Applebaum said. “From fighting for union rights in Congress to supporting critical investments in public services, she’s demonstrated that she understands both the dignity of work and the needs of working families. She’s shown up for our members — not just with words, but with action — and we know she’ll continue to stand up for workers as governor.”

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RWDSU represents 15,000 workers in grocery, retail, warehousing, health care, manufacturing, transport, public service sectors and other industries.

SEIU

On June 25, the SEIU New Jersey State Council endorsed Sherrill.

“New Jersey’s working families deserve a Governor who will champion justice, opportunity, and the dignity of every person,” President Megan Chambers said. “In Mikie Sherrill, we see a leader with a clear vision for protecting our civil liberties, defending our democracy, and ensuring immigrant communities are treated with humanity and respect. 

The council is composed of unions representing service employees, including healthdare, warehouse, laundry, and school cafeteria.

Council of Machinists

On June 25, the New Jersey State Council of Machinists, AFL-CIO endorsed Sherrill.

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“The New Jersey State Council of Machinists is a diverse labor union representing over 20,000 New Jerseyans, but we have one mission: to support skilled laborers and make sure working families are being paid and treated fairly,” President Cristino Vilorio said. “We need a governor who will champion that mission, which is why we are so excited to support Mikie Sherrill.”

The council represents more than 20,000 state residents and is part of the International Association of Machinists and  Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO.

32B SEIU

On June 27, 32BJ SEIU endorsed Sherrill.

“Mikie co‑sponsored the PRO Act to strengthen workers’ rights and fought to raise the federal minimum wage — real, tangible actions that prove she understands the struggles working families face,” President Ana Maria Hill said. “She doesn’t just talk about supporting unions—she fights for them. We need leadership that will keep New Jersey moving forward, and that’s exactly what Mikie Sherrill offers.”

The union represents about 15,000 property service workers in areas such as janitorial, security, airport, and school custodial in New Jersey.

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Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

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Blizzard causes heavy damage to New Jersey animal refuge

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Blizzard causes heavy damage to New Jersey animal refuge


A New Jersey animal shelter is asking for the public’s help after last month’s blizzard did heavy damage to its property in Ocean County.

On social media, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge posted a video and described the fury of the storm. saying that the blizzard “caused unexpected damage… impacting habitats, fencing, structures, and critical infrastructure.”

The nonprofit animal haven says its team “worked tirelessly to keep every animal safe during the storm,” however, “the aftermath has left us facing urgent repairs and significant financial strain.”

Photo: Popcorn Park Animal Refuge

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The refuge says this winter has been “especially challenging.” It says “repeated severe weather has forced extended closures to the public, further limiting vital support and creating an added burden during an already difficult recovery period,” adding “we need our community now more than ever.”

Popcorn Park was established in 1977, according to its website. It’s part of the Associated Humane Societies — which bills itself as New Jersey’s largest animal welfare organization. Popcorn Park describes itself as “a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused, or elderly farm animals, birds, and wildlife (domestic and exotic).”



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Natural Daylight Time: What is it, and why New Jersey should adapt this practice instead

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Natural Daylight Time: What is it, and why New Jersey should adapt this practice instead


We’re now officially less than a week before we spring forward in New Jersey, and everyone has an opinion on it. The clock change, by the way, will happen on Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026. We’ll essentially skip the 2 a.m. hour and gain the extra hour of daylight in the evening.

But the reality is, we don’t gain a thing when we do this. We’re so conditioned to believe we gain sunlight, but all we’re doing is shifting the clocks. Animals don’t do this, and are unaffected by what a clock says.

ALSO READ: Snow vs. no snow: How most in NJ feel after latest blizzard

Our pets, on the other hand, are forced to change with our practice of doing this. It really is an outdated practice, but we can’t stop it just like that simply because we’ll either complain about it being too dark during winter mornings under daylight saving, or getting dark too soon during summer nights under standard time.

It should be a lot simpler. And for those of us in New Jersey, it can be. Here’s what I think we should do.

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Time clocks calendar thumbs up green check approve sunrise sunset

Canva (Townsquare Illustration)

Leave the clock, adjust our day

When I worked on a golf course, all we did was adjust when we came in based on when the sun came up. During the longer days, we started at 6 a.m. And when the sunrise was later than 6 a.m., we adjusted our start time to 7 a.m.

Why can’t we just do this when it comes to work and school? Leave the clocks in standard time since that’s the one truly aligned with the Earths rotation. During the winter, make the regular workday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., then adjust it to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the summer. It’s just that simple.

In other words, we’d be following Natural Daylight Time. Just get rid of the clock change, and adjust our day based on the sunrise. Problem solved.

Final flakes: When does snow season end in NJ?

Gallery Credit: Dan Zarrow

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Significant or historical events in New Jersey for March (in chronological order)

Here are some of the historical or significant events that impacted New Jersey or happened in the Garden State during March. Is there an event missing? Let us know with an email to dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.





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Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware lawmakers react to U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran

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Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware lawmakers react to U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran


The United States and Israel announced a major military assault against Iran Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through the Middle East. The massive aerial attack killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Trump says “heavy and pinpoint bombing” of Iran will continue for as long as necessary.

The strikes sparked demonstrations in Philadelphia and across the country. Reaction from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey lawmakers to Operation Epic Fury was swift.

Pennsylvania lawmakers react

CBS News Philadelphia was at an event Saturday night at Villanova University with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

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While the governor didn’t have time to take our questions, he said in a statement:

“In going to war with Iran, the President has not adequately explained why this war is urgent now, what this military campaign may look like, or what the strategic objective is.”

Both Pennsylvania senators expressed views of support for the strike.

Republican Dave McCormick released a statement, writing: “They (Iran) are the world’s number one sponsor of terror. The president has given the ayatollahs a chance for a deal, and they have rejected a path to peace and prosperity.”

Democrat John Fetterman posted on social media: “President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region.”

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Delaware senator shares concern

Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware is concerned the move by the Trump administration further destabilizes the region.

“I’m hopeful that this phase of war will come to a quick conclusion,” Coons said over a Zoom interview with CBS News Philadelphia. “I’m alarmed President Trump launched a full spectrum war against Iran with our ally Israel without meaningfully consulting the American people.”

New Jersey lawmakers split on strikes

New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, a democrat, called the attack an appalling action by the president.

“He literally called this a war and said American lives could be lost and to be able to do this with justification, no congressional authorization, and most importantly American people don’t want this.”

South Jersey Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew arguing the attack removed a critical threat to national security:

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“What we are witnessing now is a decisive response to years of aggression. The leadership of the world’s largest state sponsor of terror has been dealt a powerful blow. We killed one of the most evil men in the world….”



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