Kevin Mooney of Restoration News Media said on April 18 that the America First movement in New Jersey faces challenges similar to those encountered by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, emphasizing the importance of achieving a significant win to maintain momentum. Mooney’s remarks were made in a feature article previewing the inaugural edition of Independence Magazine, which positions New Jersey as central to current conservative organizing efforts by drawing parallels with the state’s historical role in the nation’s founding, according to Restoration News.
The topic is relevant as New Jersey continues to experience political and economic pressures. The state recently saw Mikie Sherrill defeat Jack Ciattarelli in the 2025 gubernatorial race by a margin of approximately 56 to 43 percent, keeping the governor’s office under Democratic control. The result highlighted ongoing shifts among suburban and working-class voters who have started moving away from long-standing Democratic dominance, according to CNN.
Mooney said, “We’re like George Washington, standing on the banks of the Delaware River, knee-deep in snow and doubts, struggling to keep his army together. And like winter 1776, we need a victory to keep hope alive. The MAGA coalition came along and offered working-class New Jerseyans a genuine alternative to the shopworn, corrupt, cynical, Democrat ruling class,” according to Restoration News.
Economic concerns remain at the forefront for many residents. New Jersey homeowners faced an average property tax bill of $10,570 last year—an increase of $475 from the previous period—with Mercer County residents experiencing a 22 percent hike in one year. The statewide levy totaled $34.5 billion, underscoring fiscal pressures on families across the state, according to data released by the Department of Community Affairs as reported by NJ Spotlight News.
Mooney is a New Jersey native and longtime investigative reporter specializing in energy policy and political accountability issues affecting high-tax states such as his home state. He has contributed reporting on economic burdens facing working families for several national conservative outlets including The Daily Signal, according to his biography.
