NEW JERSEY - Clean Water Action, a national organization with an active presence in the Garden State since 1982, is working in pivotal mid-term federal races across the country to both retain pro-environmental champions like Congressman Frank Pallone (CD6-NJ), as well as flip seats in Congress to be pro-environment with challenger candidates like Rebecca Bennett (CD7-NJ).
New Jersey has long led the way in setting a high bar for environmental and public health safeguards. This has resulted in the adoption of federal policies like the Superfund for toxic site cleanups, stricter drinking water standards, and so much more. Over the last two years, our accomplishments have been eroded by draconian federal rollbacks in policy, funding and staff.
Changing the make-up and voices in Congress is one of the best ways to slow down the dismantlement of vital agencies, like the US Environmental Protection Agency, and erosion of democracy as we know it in this country. Our ability to do this starts with exercising our voting rights – knowing how, when and where to vote.
This summer was a wakeup call for action - extreme heat, flash floods, loss of lives, homes, and businesses left no part of the state untouched by devastation. We are in an economic and environmental crisis that will only intensify over time and with greater frequency. Sending a strong pro-environmental majority from our NJ delegation to Washington is one way of helping to turn the tide of national policy towards protecting, not abandoning, our struggling families and economy. Becoming informed about NJ’s congressional candidates is key to making the right choices at the ballot box.
To that end, Clean Water Action is proudly supporting nine congressional candidates from New Jersey including: US Senator Cory Booker, Herb Conaway MD (CD3), Frank Pallone (CD6), Rebecca Bennett (CD7), Robert Menendez Jr. (CD8), Nellie Pou (CD9), LaMonica McIver (CD10), Analilia Mejia (CD11) and Dr. Adam Hamawy (CD12).
Below are selected quotes from Clean Water Action’s endorsed NJ candidates for Congress:
U.S. Senator Cory Booker
“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of Clean Water Action. Protecting our environment and our water has been central to my work since my time on the Newark City Council, as Mayor, and as New Jersey’s Senator. I was proud to help secure $100 million to get lead out of Newark’s drinking water and stand up to Donald Trump’s efforts to roll back environmental protections hurting New Jersey. In the Senate, I’ll continue to partner with Clean Water Action to deliver for New Jersey families feeling the worst impacts of climate change.”
CD 3 - Herb Conaway MD
"It is an honor to be endorsed by Clean Water Action, an organization that champions impactful, common-sense policies and candidates who fight to protect public health and our environment across the country.
As a physician, I have seen firsthand how the health of our environment directly impacts health outcomes in our communities. Now more than ever, as we face an administration that too often disregards science and facts, we must do everything we can to protect our natural resources and ensure every community has access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment."
CD 6 – Frank Pallone
“I am honored to be endorsed by Clean Water Action, which has fought to protect our rivers, lakes, and oceans for over fifty years. In our collective fight against corporate polluters who refuse to pay for the damage they cause, we need voices willing to stand up to anyone in defense of our planet. I will always use my voice to defend the environment against any attack.”
CD 7 – Rebecca Bennett
“I am excited to earn the endorsement of Clean Water Action in this race. As a mom to two daughters, I believe all of our kids should be able to grow up with access to safe, clean drinking water and outdoor space. In Congress, I’ll work to bring home federal funding to replace aging lead pipes, remove PFAS “forever chemical” contamination from our environment, and clean up Superfund sites that continue to harm our communities.”
CD 8 - Robert Menendez Jr.
"Every family deserves safe, clean drinking water. That is exactly what I am fighting for whether its by opposing Republican efforts to gut the Clean Water Act, holding AI data center companies accountable for their environmental impact, or securing millions to replace lead service lines. I am grateful to Clean Water Action for their partnership in this fight and proud to have their support as we keep working to protect the water our communities depend on."
CD 9 - Nellie Pou
"I am honored to have the support of Clean Water Action and proud to stand with an organization that has fought for decades to protect Americans' water and public health. In Congress, I have prioritized water issues and worked hard to bring federal resources home for safer drinking water, stronger wastewater systems and flood protection. Clean water is fundamental to healthy families and strong communities, and I will keep fighting to protect it across New Jersey," said Congresswoman Nellie Pou.
CD 10 - LaMonica McIver
“I am grateful to be endorsed by Clean Water Action. During my first full term in Congress I have fought to make sure that everyone in New Jersey, and across the country, has access to what they need to live a healthy life. Protecting our planet goes hand in hand with protecting our communities and delivering justice—no matter your ZIP code. At a time when so many people in power have forgotten about communities like mine, I am glad to be fighting shoulder to shoulder with the leaders at Clean Water Action to deliver what people deserve and what our planet needs.”
CD 11- Analilia Mejia
"Now more than ever, we need people-powered movements fighting for our right to clean water, clean air, and a livable planet. Protecting the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the communities we call home must be a priority. As an organizer, I know firsthand that real change happens when everyday people come together, organize, and demand better. That’s the kind of movement Clean Water Action is building, and I’m proud to have their endorsement."
CD 12 - Dr. Adam Hamawy
"A cleaner environment in New Jersey means healthier New Jerseyans. As a physician, I see the impacts of toxic pollution all the time. I am proud to earn the support of Clean Water Action and look forward to fighting together for the environment we deserve."
###
Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table. Learn more at www.cleanwater.org/nj.
