Democrat Accepts MAGA Endorsements in Special Election

Montclair Democrat Brendan Gill is running in a crowded field of candidates in the Democratic primary special election for NJ Congressional District 11’s seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill. Early on, and more recently, Gill has accepted the endorsements of two Essex County MAGA officials. The campaign tactic is significant not because it doubles down on the no-holds-barred political machinations for which New Jersey is infamous, but because it effectively blurs distinctions between political camps.

Gill, who has the backing of the Essex County Democratic Committee, and who is oft lauded for his progressive positions, essentially has allied with individuals who represent the staunchest of anti-progressive ideals: two unabashed MAGA politicians. Michael Melham, mayor of Belleville, who used his official capacity to campaign for “NJ Trump” Jack Ciattarelli, and Al Petracco, Nutley Commissioner who for example, has taken ultra-conservative positions such as repeatedly refusing to sign Township Pride Proclamations.

Here in lies the problem: when there is not a bright distinction between party operatives, effective identification can become hampered, co-opted, diluted, and otherwise confused. The following excerpt from the NJ Globe is illustrative: “On a local level, Gill also picked up endorsements from a commissioner in the town of Nutley, Alphonse Petracco. Gill has the official backing of the Essex County Democratic organization and launched his campaign with day-one endorsements from a huge number of Essex Democrats, among them Petracco’s fellow Nutley commissioner, Thomas Evans.” Gill picks up more endorsements in NJ-11 primary, including a former congressman - New Jersey Globe. A casual reader would reasonably assume that all mentioned are Democrats— party affiliation is muddled and works against conveying clearly delineated Democratic ideals.

Gill prides himself on well-honed coalition building skills, both within party ranks and across the aisle--- ordinarily, an asset for any successful politico. But these are not ordinary times. The era of business as usual, with bi-partisan polity, is long gone. Collaborations and comity which produced benefits in the past, no longer are worth the deal; not only because the results may not be forthcoming (e.g., Gateway tunnel project: Construction stops Feb. 6 as Trump halts payments - nj.com) but also because in the end, such collaborations may be leveraged against Democrats given this Republican administration’s turn toward authoritarianism.

We are at a dangerous juncture in our democracy, and standing strong against any alliance with those who support the Trump regime is critical. Our country needs an unequivocal bulwark to fight against the current assault on civil rights and liberties, and that can only be achieved with the strongest repudiation of authoritarianism, which includes distancing from those who align with it.

Democratic candidates undermine this fight by accepting MAGA endorsements. Americans require congressional representation against the onslaught of tyranny coming from the federal government and those who are in league with it— vote accordingly.

Emma Cortese

Nutley, NJ