Rutgers AAUP-AFT endorses Andy Kim to be the next Senator representing New Jersey.
In his fight to overturn the party-line ballot, Andy Kim has been a leading voice for democratic ideals in our state. As US Representative for New Jersey’s 3rd District, he has fought against political corruption in our state and at the federal level. In this time of rising authoritarianism at home and abroad, his commitment to democratic ideals is necessary and worthy of our support as a union.
On key issues that impact our union, our university, and our community, Andy Kim is the clear choice. On labor rights, he co-sponsored the PRO Act, walked picket lines, and has committed to an open line of communication with our union leadership once elected. He supported Biden administration policies that have led to the cancellation of $116 billion in student debt, and he worked to codify into law the SAVE plan, which will greatly increase this number. He supports making college more affordable, co-sponsoring legislation to increase funding for PELL grants and the Jayapal-Sanders College for All Act. He has co-sponsored legislation to increase the availability, affordability, and sustainability of housing, particularly to low-income individuals and families. He understands the current threats to reproductive rights, LGBQTIA+ rights, and academic freedom and is committed to protecting these essential principles.
Andy Kim recognizes the critical threat that climate change presents to all of us. His support of the Inflation Reduction Act has been a necessary first step in the long fight for a sustainable future. More work must be done, and Rep. Kim recognizes the role that research institutions like Rutgers can and must play in creating this future.
Andy Kim’s opponents in this race include Bob Menendez (running as an independent) and the Republican Curtis Bashaw. Menendez’s well-documented corruption is a disgrace to the state, and Bashaw—a real estate developer—would be a reliable vote against transformational action on climate, academic freedom, reproductive rights, housing, and defense of democracy.
As a labor union whose members prioritize reproductive rights, the rights of minoritized groups, the principles of academic freedom and public education, and the need for sweeping action on the climate crisis, the choice in this election could not be more clear.
The Executive Council of the Rutgers AAUP-AFT union endorses Andy Kim for the New Jersey Senate seat. We look forward to supporting his candidacy and working with him as he ably represents the people of New Jersey in the US Senate.