In an effort to increase LGBTQ representation in the New Jersey Legislature, Democrats are throwing their support behind a group of four Assembly candidates. With Pride Month in full swing, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee LGBTQ Caucus has issued “special pride month endorsements” for the four individuals vying for seats in the Assembly.
The candidates receiving this significant backing are Luanne Peterpaul, running in the fiercely competitive 11th district, Raya Arbiol in the 12th district, Paul Eschelbach in the 13th district, and Diane Salvatore in the 25th district. These individuals have not only demonstrated a strong alignment with the values of the Democratic Party but also offer unique perspectives due to their lived experiences as LGBTQ individuals.
Lauren Albrecht, Chair of the NJDSC LGBTQ Caucus, expressed the caucus’s pride in endorsing these exceptional candidates, emphasizing their potential to enhance legislative representation by amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ community. Albrecht stated, “Their commitment to equality and social justice will undoubtedly contribute to making New Jersey a more inclusive and accepting place for all.”
The 11th district race, in particular, has garnered attention as Luanne Peterpaul, a former municipal court judge from Asbury Park, takes on two Republican assemblywomen who defeated long-term incumbents in the previous election cycle. By endorsing Peterpaul, along with the other candidates, the NJDSC LGBTQ Caucus aims to underscore their dedication to creating a more inclusive society and advancing LGBTQ rights.
Since the resignation of Reed Gusciora in 2018 to assume the mayoral role in Trenton, Democrats have been without LGBTQ representation in the Assembly. This latest move by the party signifies a renewed commitment to rectifying this gap and ensuring that the LGBTQ community’s concerns and perspectives are adequately represented in New Jersey’s legislative landscape.