Garden State Times

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a prominent small business advocacy group, has announced its endorsements for the upcoming New Jersey legislative elections. The list includes both Senate and General Assembly candidates who have shown support for small businesses in the state.

Eileen Kean, NFIB NJ State Director, unveiled the bipartisan slate of candidates chosen by NFIB New Jersey PAC. "More than ever, New Jersey small businesses need strong representation and legislative champions in Trenton," said Kean. She emphasized the importance of supporting leaders who are committed to free enterprise and small-business interests.

The selection process involved input from NFIB members, candidate questionnaires, and an analysis of the 2022-23 NFIB/NJ Voting Record. Kean noted that these endorsements highlight those who genuinely support small business owners beyond election season. "Our members remain confronted with an unpredictable environment and ever-changing economic headwinds as they continue to rebuild post-pandemic," she stated.

In the Senate, endorsed candidates include Michael Testa Jr., Vincent Polistina, Edward Durr, Chris Del Borrello, James Beach, Troy Singleton, Carmen Amato Jr., James Holzapfel, Vin Gopal, Declan O’Scanlon Jr.*, Shirley Turner, Jon Bramnick, Parker Space*, Anthony M. Bucco, Joseph Pennacchio, Robert Singer, Holly Schepisi, and Kristin Corrado.

For the Assembly endorsements were given to Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen from District 1; Don Guardian and Claire Swift from District 2; Bethanne McCarthy Patrick from District 3; Amanda Esposito and Matthew Walker from District 4; Michael Torrissi Jr. and Brandon Umba from District 8; Gregory Myhre and Brian Rumpf from District 9; Gregory McGuckin from District 10; Kim Eulner and Marilyn Piperno from District 11; Robert Clifton from District 12; Victoria Flynn and Gerard Scharfenberger from District 13; Adam Elias from District 14; Roy Freiman and Ross Traphagen from District 16; Michelle Matsikoudis and Nancy Munoz from District 21; John DiMaio from District 23; Dawn Fantasia and Michael Inganamort from District 24; Christian Barranco and Aura Dunn from District 25; Brian Bergen* and Jay Webber from District 26; Sean Kean and Edward Thomson from District 30; Robert Auth and John Azzariti from District 39; Al Barlas and Christopher DePhillips*fromDistrict40.

Kean assured that NFIB will actively support these candidates who align with their mission to foster growth for New Jersey's small businesses.

Since its founding in 1943 as a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to advocating for small businesses across America’s states including Washington D.C., NFIB continues this commitment today.