New Jersey is holding elections, including for state legislative offices, on Nov. 7, 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 Oct. 16. To read each candidate’s full responses, click his or her name at the bottom of the article.
Michael Byrne (R) is running for New Jersey State Senate District 27, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Byrne responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Phil Murphy’s Administration is suing multiple school districts to ban them from informing and involving parents in the most sensitive aspects of their childrens’ lives. … I will leverage the power of senatorial courtesy to stop every single gubernatorial appointment Phil Murphy tries to make until he ends his twisted war on local school boards, parents, and children.
The Abbott Court decision governing school funding failed generations of children — both those it was supposed to help with extra money in 31 select districts — and those who were denied opportunities in the rest of the state because so much taxpayer money was confiscated from their districts. … In reforming school funding, the money should follow the child and parents should have complete authority to select the school that is best for their child — whether government, private, parochial, or homeschool.
Assemblymen and senators should each be term-limited to 10 years with a maximum combined service of 18 years.”
Click here to read the rest of Byrne’s answers.
Lucille Lo Sapio (D) is running for New Jersey State Senate District 13, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Lo Sapio responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“My entire adult life, I have been an advocate for women’s reproductive rights. We are currently facing a termination of those rights on a state by state basis since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. We cannot let this happen in New Jersey. But it’s not just abortion; it’s also the right to contraception, which will be seriously impaired if our legislature is controlled by the republican party.”
Click here to read the rest of Lo Sapio’s answers.
Baramdai Sharma (D) is running for New Jersey General Assembly District 24, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Sharma responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“I am personally passionate about a variety of public policy issues, including defending women’s freedom to choose, gun safety, public education, healthcare, veteran care, etc. However, there are two issues that I would like to start working on right away: environmental sustainability and educational reform. 1) I firmly believe that policies to combat climate change, safeguard natural resources, and support renewable energy sources are necessary; and 2) I am deeply committed to enhancing our educational system by promoting equitable access to high-quality education, cutting-edge teaching strategies, and sufficient resources for both students and teachers.”
Click here to read the rest of Sharma’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.
Additional reading: