Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: New Jersey roundup


New Jersey is holding elections, including for legislative offices, on June 6, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of April 10. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.

Michelle Burwell (D) is running for New Jersey State Senate District 19 and the primary election is on June 6. Here’s how Burwell responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Mental Health- …I also understand the importance of creating legislation that focuses on prevention to ensure sustainable outcomes and solutions. …Community Investment-Creating sustainable and equitable solutions alongside the community to build community resilience and partnerships with community and police to ensure ongoing public safety. …Gun Safety Laws-Creating legislation that will continue to keep children and communities safe from gun violence.”

Click here to read the rest of Burwell’s answers. 

Adrian Ghainda (D) is running for Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders District 2 and the primary election is on June 6. Here’s how Ghainda responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“I’m passionate about climate change, affordable housing, tenants’ rights, creating equity for the working class, education, civics, safe streets and so much more.”

Click here to read the rest of Ghainda’s answers. 

Michel Hurtado (R) is running for New Jersey General Assembly District 15 and the primary election is on June 6. Here’s how Hurtado responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“I am most passionate about things that can foster a sense of community amongst people. I like when people band together and work for a solution that has real, tangible results in their neighborhood. I believe that public safety, be that from the law enforcement side or the quality of life side is what most people care about. I’m also passionate about policies that can assist in rejuvenating urban areas and opening up opportunity for people who feel there is a set limit to what the can achieve because of where they live or what they look like.”

Click here to read the rest of Hurtado’s answers. 

If you’re a New Jersey candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

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