The Garden State Equality (GSE) Action Fund announced its 2024 federal election endorsements today. The organization each year privides guidance for its 150,000 members and the general public ahead of the beginning of mail-in voting.
They endorsed candidates who the organization said “demonstrate a strong commitment to uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ community through education, advocacy, and a steadfast dedication to equality in New Jersey and nationwide.” This year, protecting LGBTQ youth is their top priority said a press release. This is in response to escalating political attacks from well-funded national campaigns.
“While [Republican] Curtis Bashaw’s potential election to the U.S. Senate would indeed be historic, after careful review of his responses to our questionnaire, it is clear that his positions do not meet our criteria for being a true pro-equality candidate,” said Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Chair of the GSE Action Fund. Bashaw is a gay Republican running for the U.S. Senate. He is on the ballot against Democrat Andy Kim.
“As a woman of color who has broken barriers in my own career, I understand the importance of representation. However, representation alone cannot outweigh the need for leaders who prioritize the safety and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, especially our youth. Curtis Bashaw’s responses fell short of the commitment we require from those seeking our endorsement.”
“As attacks on LGBTQ+ rights ramp up, driven by Donald Trump and his cronies pushing false narratives, it’s more urgent than ever to elect federal leaders who will unapologetically defend our community not just here in New Jersey, but across our nation,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of GSE Action Fund. “In 2024, we need candidates who aren’t just symbols of representation but are fiercely committed to advancing equality and protecting our most vulnerable, especially LGBTQ+ youth.”
GSE will release its full list of endorsed candidates on New Jersey ballots in the coming weeks. The following federal office candidates have already received Garden State Equality Action Funds and the groups endorsemnet.
Endorsements
President: Kamala Harris
U.S. Senate: Andy Kim
CD 1: Donald Norcross*
CD 2: Joe Salerno
CD 3: Dr. Herb Conaway Jr.
CD 4: Matt Jenkins
CD 5: Josh Gottheimer*
CD 6: Frank Pallone*
CD 7: Sue Altman
CD 8: Rob Menendez*
CD 9: Nellie Pou
CD 10: LaMonica McIver
CD 11: Mikie Sherrill*
CD 12: Bonnie Watson Coleman*
*Incumbent
GSE is New Jersey’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organization for over 20
years.
