For many AFT New Jersey members, the 2025 election cycle was filled with labor walks, phone banking and other get-out-the-vote efforts — and AFTNJ President Jennifer S. Higgins appreciates those who contributed over the past several months right on through Election Day.
“I want to thank you for all the work you put into turning out the vote for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and all of the down-ballot candidates we, as a state federation, supported,” Higgins said Nov. 5.
“Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. I spoke with Randi Weingarten, and she wanted me to pass along to all of our members how much she appreciates and acknowledges your dedication and efforts that got us this win.
“All of this work has put us in a great spot in New Jersey politically. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and bring the same energy into the midterm elections for Congress in 2026.”
Around 10 p.m. on Nov. 4, Higgins released a statement via social media on behalf of AFTNJ congratulating Sherrill, whose presence this fall at Central Labor Council walks, Higgins noted, “proved that she cared about organized labor and prioritized health care, and union members proudly cast their votes for her and Dale Caldwell to lead New Jersey for the next four years.”
Higgins added, “We look forward to working with the governor-elect and her staff on continuing to improve working and learning conditions in our public schools and across higher education.”
ABOVE: AFTNJ President Jennifer S. Higgins (seated second from right) with AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charlie Wowkanech and Secretary Treasurer Laurel Brennan, and Middlesex-Somerset CLC President Todd Vachon, as well as AFTNJ members, AFT staff and others on Election Day at IBEW 456 in North Brunswick. (Photo by Chris M. Junior)
BELOW: Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill gathers with AFTNJ President Jennifer S. Higgins, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and members of AFTNJ and HPAE at the Union CLC labor walk on Nov. 1 in Kenilworth. (Photo by Jennie Shanker)
