PAC Announce Statewide Endorsements and Launch Latino Voter Mobilization Campaign
Newark, NJ – Latino leaders gathered at the 32BJ SEIU location in Newark to officially launch Latinos United for NJ’s Future–a statewide voter mobilization campaign aimed at increasing Latino voter turnout for New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election. This initiative is led by UnidosUS Action PAC, the national sister mobilization organization of UnidosUS that works to strengthen Latino political power through voter engagement and candidate endorsements, and is backed by a significant investment to expand its reach. This year, the effort includes supporting Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for governor, alongside a slate of endorsed candidates committed to advancing the values of Latino communities. In partnership with Latina Civic Action, a leading statewide bipartisan organization dedicated to increasing Latina political representation, LiUNA Eastern Region and 32BJ SEIU, the campaign seeks to amplify Latino voices, increase voter turnout, and ensure more Latinos are elected to office. For Latina Civic Action, leading these efforts reflects its core mission: mobilizing voters and building lasting political power to achieve fair representation in Latino communities across New Jersey.
The event featured keynote remarks from Janet Murguía, President of UnidosUS Action PAC, who emphasized the urgent need for Latinos in New Jersey to engage in the democratic process and ensure their voices are heard in this critical election. As part of the event, UnidosUS Action PAC officially announced its endorsements of Latino candidates. The slate includes Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, and the following Assemblymembers: Annette Quijano and Eduardo Rodriguez, Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight, Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie and Alixon Collazos-Gill, Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein, Carmen Theresa Morales, Clinton Calabrese and Gary Schaer, Craig Coughlin and Yvonne Lopez, Ellen Park and Shama Haider, Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul.
“At UnidosUS Action PAC, we support leaders who share our values and our vision for an America where every Latino has the opportunity to thrive. Mikie Sherrill is one of those leaders. As a Navy veteran, mother, and proven public servant, she has fought to expand access to affordable healthcare, protect reproductive freedom, and create good-paying jobs that lift up working families,” said Janet Murguía, President, UNIDOSUS ACTION PAC. “She understands that the future of New Jersey depends on investing in all its people — including the hardworking Latino families who strengthen this state every single day. We are proud to stand with her and confident that, as New Jersey’s next governor, Mikie Sherrill will make our community not an afterthought, but a cornerstone of her administration.”
Thank you to Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Carmen Morales, who came to support this voter campaign and helped emphasize the importance of Latino voter mobilization and their priorities.
According to the 2020 Census, Latinos make up 21.6% of New Jersey’s population and 15.9% of its electorate. Despite this, Latino–especially Latina–representation in state and local government remains disproportionately low. Organizers cited this gap as a driving force behind the campaign’s mission to empower Latino communities through education, civic engagement, and voter turnout. “Latino families make up nearly one in six voters in New Jersey, yet our representation in government still doesn’t reflect our presence or contributions. This campaign is about changing that. By investing in outreach, education, and mobilization, we are ensuring that Latino voices are not just heard on Election Day, but that they shape the policies and leadership of our state for years to come. With UnidosUS Action PAC and our labor allies, we’re building lasting political power rooted in equity, dignity, and opportunity for all,” said Lucia Gomez, Latina Civic Action Board Member.
Organizers stressed that the stakes are high in this year’s gubernatorial election, where critical issues such as housing, education, healthcare, and workers’ rights are on the line. The event served as a rallying cry to mobilize Latino voters–particularly young, first-time, and infrequent voters–through outreach, education, and community organizing efforts.
32BJ SEIU, a partner in this statewide effort, hosted the event at its Newark location, uplifting the voices of workers and emphasizing the importance of political power to secure better working conditions, wages, and protections for immigrant and Latino workers. “I support Mikie Sherrill because she embodies the leadership our community deserves. A leader who fights for working families, stands with immigrants, and believes in a future where every worker is valued and every family can thrive. Mikie has never wavered in her fight for the working class, from fair wages and equal pay to dignity and opportunity for every family striving for a better life,”said Luis Valera, SEIU 32BJ Member. “With her leadership and our unity, we can build a future where every worker is respected, every family has opportunity, and every voice is heard. This is why 32BJ is committed to mobilizing thousands of its members to knock on doors and head to the polls until Election Day. Mikie Sherrill fights for us, for working people, for immigrants, and for every family working toward a better tomorrow.”
This is one of the most coordinated efforts in recent years to unify Latino voters around the shared goal of building political power in New Jersey. Organizers are planning community events and voter education initiatives in the weeks leading up to the November 4 election.
About Latina Civic Action
Founded by a group of Latina leaders, Latina Civic Action is a statewide bipartisan organization dedicated to increasing Latina representation in New Jersey politics and advancing the interests of Latina families. Since its founding, Latina representation in the New Jersey Legislature has tripled. Latina Civic Action Advocates for progressive policies that support women’s social and economic well-being, expand educational opportunities, and ensure Latino families thrive in New Jersey. For more information about Latina Civic Action, visit latinacivicaction.com.
About UnidosUS Action PAC
UnidosUS Action PAC is the political arm of UnidosUS, the nation’s largest civil rights and advocacy organization. They work to increase Latino political power by endorsing candidates who reflect the values of Latino communities and by mobilizing Latino voters across the country. UnidosUS Action PAC advocates for policies that advance racial equality, economic opportunity, social justice, and supports leaders committed to building a more inclusive democracy. For more information about UnidosUS Action PAC, visit unidosusaf.org.
