Prominent Dem Endorses Norcross; Republican Formally Enters Race

A prominent Democrat announced her endorsement of an incumbent South Jersey Congressman this week, while a Republican has formally announced her intent to run for that seat in 2020.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Rep. Donald Norcross in his re-election bid for the First Congressional District seat, the Camden County Democratic Committee announced this week.

Also this week, former Collingswood school board member Claire Gustafson announced that she has entered the race to challenge Norcross.

Norcross and Gustafson are diametrically opposed in their views on national politics. Norcross was endorsed by a prominent Democrat who is leading the impeachment inquiry of a president Gustafson has voiced strong support for.

“From working tirelessly to provide our children with a high-quality education to protecting our national security and advocating for lower drug costs, Congressman Norcross always ensures that the issues of his constituents are at the forefront,” Pelosi said. “Congressman Norcross is a relentless champion for labor and progressive issues who is fighting to increase Americans’ paychecks at a time when the wages of our workers are falling further and further behind. His patriotic service in the Congress is respected throughout his state and the country. I am proud to support Donald Norcross’ reelection.”

In October, Norcross voted in favor of resolution defining the scope of the next phase of theimpeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. He has been avocal supporter of impeachment, saying “No one is above the law.”

He also supports Pelosi’s stand on supporting working families and lower prescription drug costs, according to the Democrats.

“Speaker Pelosi and I share a deep commitment to standing up for what is right — including fair wages for working men and women, affordable access to health care, quality education and a sustainable environment — and we are working tirelessly to defend our democracy against President Trump and his administration’s divisive, dangerous agenda,” Norcross said. “I sincerely thank Speaker Pelosi for her trust and support as we work side–by–side to uphold America’s values for the people we are elected to serve.”

Congress’ only electrician, Norcross serves as the Vice-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and its liaison to the Labor community. He is a lead sponsor of the Raise the Wage Act to responsibly raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Norcross has also earned the support of a diverse group of organizations that represent the interests of working people and our rights to education, health care and environmental justice, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the National Education Association (NEA / NJEA), the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and the Sierra Club.

When announcing she was launching her exploratory committee last month, Gustafson said the Republicans need to nominate candidates who will stand by President Donald Trump, which she will do.

“The exploring is done,” Gustafson said. “I spent the past few weeks talking with friends, family and colleagues and am confident we will be able to raise the funds necessary to run an aggressive campaign against Congressman Norcross and the political machine that has a stranglehold on South Jersey.

“I am unapologetically Republican and proudly stand with President Trump. I am a Republican because I believe in hard work, self-reliance, smaller government, the preservation of our Judeo-Christian values and the free-enterprise system that has made America the envy of the world.”