FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 9 New Jersey Incumbents for Reelection to Congress
Categories:
Congress, Election 2026, House
AFGE says these candidates always stand with federal workers
BRIDGETON, N.J. –The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of nine incumbent members of Congress for reelection to the U.S. House representing New Jersey in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is June 2, and the general election is Nov. 3.
The following candidates have received AFGE’s endorsement:
Donald Norcross, 1st Congressional District
AFGE is proud to endorse Rep. Donald Norcross for reelection. A lifetime union member, Norcross has been a staunch ally of organized labor and AFGE. Norcross has served since 2015 and is a member of the Labor Caucus. He has consistently supported the interests of federal workers by voting for the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, which would help narrow the pay gap between federal employees and those in the private sector.
“Don Norcross is a fighter for AFGE and a fighter for organized labor. Working families know that they will always have an ally in Don Norcross,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Herb Conaway, 3rd Congressional District
AFGE stands with Herb Conaway for reelection to Congress. Rep. Conaway has served since 2024 and he has been a friend to AFGE, attending our rallies and events and standing up for federal workers in the face of attacks from the Trump administration. He currently serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, where he fights for the interests of AFGE members, and is also a member of the Labor Caucus.
“Herb Conaway is a friend that AFGE can rely on to advocate for the best interests of our members,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Chris Smith, 4th Congressional District
AFGE endorses Rep. Chris Smith for reelection because he has consistently voted to support veterans in a bipartisan manner. Smith has voted to increase funding at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is a major legislative priority for AFGE.
“Chris Smith is an ally who stands up for the interests of veterans and federal workers. Roughly one-third of all AFGE members are veterans, and Rep. Smith has been a friend to them since entering Congress in 1981,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Josh Gottheimer, 5th Congressional District
Josh Gottheimer has served in Congress since 2017, and AFGE is happy to endorse his reelection to his seat. Rep. Gottheimer recently introduced the Shutdown Fairness Act, which is bipartisan legislation that would guarantee federal employees, service members, reservists, and contractors get paid in full in the event of a government shutdown.
“Rep. Gottheimer understands that federal employees are not political pawns – they are hardworking Americans who keep our country safe, moving, and running,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Frank Pallone, 6th Congressional District
Frank Pallone has served in Congress since 1988, and he has consistently spoken out in favor of more funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Rep. Pallone is a longtime supporter of the VA and the veterans whom the VA is designed to serve. We need Frank to continue serving in Congress because he is an experienced legislator who knows how to accomplish things for the American people,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Rob Menendez, 8th Congressional District
Rob Menendez has served in Congress since 2023. Rep. Menendez is a member of the House Labor Caucus and was one of the original sponsors of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would expand workers’ rights to form unions and collectively bargain.
“The PRO ACT is one of the most important pieces of legislation that has been introduced in Congress, and Rep. Menendez was one of the original co-sponsors. Rep. Menendez is committed to providing unions with the 21st century tools they need to give workers the wages and rights they deserve,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Nellie Pou, 9th Congressional District
Nellie Pou has served in Congress since 2024. Rep. Pou has been a friend to AFGE by supporting pay raises for federal workers and for speaking out against government shutdowns.
“Nellie Pou has been a strong advocate for federal employees, standing up for fair pay and opposing harmful government shutdowns that put our members at risk. AFGE is proud to support her reelection because she understands the importance of protecting the workers who keep our government running,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
LaMonica McIver, 10th Congressional District
LaMonica McIver has served in Congress since 2024. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. McIver has consistently stood up to efforts to privatize the Transportation Security Administration. She supports the TSA workforce and wants to make sure that they continue to receive the rights and benefits that they deserve.
“LaMonica McIver has shown real leadership in defending the TSA workforce and fighting back against privatization efforts that threaten good union jobs. She stands with working people, and AFGE is proud to stand with her,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Analilia Mejia, 11th Congressional District
Analilia Mejia has been serving in Congress since April, when she won a special election to fill the seat that was vacated when former Rep. Mikie Sherrill was elected governor. Rep. Mejia is a committed progressive who is a staunch supporter of organized labor. She served in the Department of Labor during the Biden administration and supports the PRO Act.
“Analilia Mejia is a committed champion for organized labor who understands the critical role unions play in strengthening our workforce. Her support for policies like the PRO Act makes clear she will continue to fight for the rights, dignity, and future of working people. AFGE is proud to stand with her during her reelection,” AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
AFGE previously endorsed Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. for reelection to his seat representing the 7th Congressional District.
About 29,000 federal employees live in New Jersey – caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 51,500 federal employees in District 2, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
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