The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Age: 48

Hometown: Belleville

Occupation: Property maintenance inspector

Personal background: I was born and raised in Belleville, New Jersey, where I continue to live today. As a first-generation resident, my roots trace back to Italy, from where my parents immigrated. After graduating from Belleville High School, I followed in my father’s footsteps and joined the bricklayer’s union. I currently serve as an inspector for the Belleville Township Building Department. My interest in immigration stems from my personal background as the son of hardworking, legal immigrants.

Political background: I am a proud member of the Essex County Republican Committee. Last year, I launched a write-in campaign for state senate, securing a place on the ballot and winning the primary without a listed Republican candidate. Despite competing in a district traditionally viewed as unwinnable for Republicans, I managed to garner votes from half of the registered Republicans. Although my Democratic opponent received only a small fraction of Democratic votes, I was not victorious in the end.

This year, with President Trump on the ballot and the possibility of representing my district at the federal level, I am compelled to run again. I am driven by a deep belief that our current state of governance is akin to tyranny, and that our freedoms are under threat. I am convinced that the best way to preserve America is to support Donald Trump, who requires dedicated, America-first representatives in both the House and Senate to effectively lead our nation.

Reason for running: I am running for office because I believe it’s crucial to restore integrity to our government. As an everyday working man, not an establishment politician, I’ve decided to step up out of sheer frustration with the ongoing disappointments in our leadership. Our borders are currently vulnerable, overwhelmed by illegal immigration that facilitates drug trafficking, disease spread, and enriches cartels—all while women and children are tragically trafficked. Meanwhile, Congress recklessly spends without adequately funding border security. It’s time for pragmatic, principled leadership, and I am committed to being that voice.

Biggest issue: The central issue in this election is the restoration of integrity within our government. This encompasses a comprehensive agenda: securing our borders, curbing excessive government spending, implementing sensible tax incentives to retain jobs domestically, safeguarding our children from ideological indoctrination concerning gender identity, ensuring the security of our elections, promoting fair trade practices, and guaranteeing the safety of our water and food supplies. These priorities are fundamental to preserving the principles and welfare of our nation.

On the federal government’s role in women’s reproductive health: None. Although I don’t like the laws in New Jersey concerning this issue, I accept the Supreme Court’s ruling to leave it up to the state’s legislature to create laws based on their constituents’ beliefs

On the U.S. transition to clean energy: In addressing the transition to clean energy, I strongly advocate for the inclusion of nuclear power as a primary solution. Nuclear energy is a clean, efficient and reliable source that can significantly aid in reducing our carbon footprint. While the push toward solar panels and wind turbines is well-intentioned, these technologies currently do not provide the stable and continuous power supply needed to maintain a secure energy grid. Furthermore, it’s imperative that we continue to utilize oil responsibly, as it remains abundant in America and is crucial for energy security during this transition period. Therefore, a balanced approach that includes nuclear power, the strategic use of oil and gradual integration of renewable sources is essential for a sustainable and safe energy future.

On ensuring free and fair elections and the transition of power: To ensure fair elections and a smooth transition of power, it is critical to restore public trust in our electoral process. Other nations successfully conduct same-day elections and promptly announce results, highlighting a disparity that needs addressing in the United States, where delays in counting votes have contributed to a loss of confidence.

Key reforms should include the enforcement of strict voter identification laws to confirm the eligibility and citizenship of all voters, thereby preventing any possibility of illegal votes influencing outcomes. Additionally, maintaining clean voter rolls is essential to ensure that only eligible voters participate, and eliminating same-day voter registration can help prevent errors and fraud.

These measures will bolster the integrity of our elections, ensuring that each citizen’s vote is properly counted and not undermined by irregularities, thus fostering a more transparent and trustworthy electoral system.

On the U.S. role in foreign conflicts: Our approach to involvement in foreign wars, including aid and military support, must prioritize fiscal responsibility and a clear strategy for conflict resolution. Continuous expenditure without oversight or a concrete plan to resolve conflicts is unsustainable. For instance, U.S. financial aid to Ukraine extends beyond military needs, covering aspects like pensions, which raises questions about the scope and intention of our financial commitments abroad.

As an advocate for the ‘America First’ policy, I believe our foreign engagement should always align with national interests, including economic considerations. It’s crucial to scrutinize the ramifications of funding foreign conflicts, especially when such funding indirectly supports warfare, which some might view as profiteering from conflict, or “blood money.”

Supporting our allies like Israel, particularly in times of crisis such as the terrorist attacks they faced last October, is essential. Israel’s right to defend itself, especially before any ceasefire with Hamas, should be upheld until all hostages are safely released. This stance underscores the importance of supporting our allies while ensuring our foreign policy aligns with American values and interests.

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Age: 59

Hometown: Lake Hiawatha

Occupation: Currently on disability

Personal background: I am originally from Cartago, Colombia and living in US for 35 years. I am a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 8 plus a dog, 3 cats and a gecko. I love my family and there are my first priority always. I graduated from high school in my hometown. I did a couple of semesters in college here in NJ but I didn’t graduate. I held many different jobs throughout the years being the last one a school bus driver. I went into disability when I was 43. However I continued being an activist for human rights and immigrants rights and still do with different organizations and on my own as well.

Political background: I was elected New Hampshire State Representative for the 2007-2008 period with the Democratic Party. I moved back to New Jersey at the end of 2008 due to illness and I didn’t participate in politics again until 2016 when I became a member of the Green Party of New Jersey. I have been the co-chair for the Morris Chapter. I was then the Chair of the Action Committee. I am currently the Chair of the Finance Committee.

Reason for running: My main motivation to run are the children, mine and everyone else’s children. I would like to leave a better world for them, a safe and peaceful world.

Biggest issue: The biggest issue for me in this election is the current genocide of Palestinians on the hands of Israel with the support of United States by sending arms, military equipment and personnel all paid with our tax money.

On the federal government’s role in women’s reproductive health: Roe v. Wade should have become a federal law since 1973 when abortion became legal. We would not be on this predicament right now where every state can have a say on abortion and reproductive rights. There should be a federal law that makes abortion legal and that includes free birth control of their choice for any woman in the country without restrictions. IVF treatments should also be free. The pharmaceuticals see it as a loss. The patriarchal society still see women as child bearers and child carers. Neither them or government should regulate women’s bodies and women’s decisions.

On the U.S. transition to clean energy: The Eco-socialist Green New Deal from the green Party can achieve 100% clean energy, zero greenhouse gas emissions, and economic security for all within a decade. This is a real plan that if implemented it could help lower the damage of climate change and with time will stop it.

The concept of a Green New Deal type plan started to gain traction in Europe during the 2000s and was formalized as a comprehensive plan by the Green Party in the United States in 2010. It seeks to mobilize the nation to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring that the transition minimizes the impact on workers and communities by creating new jobs and guaranteeing compensation to those affected. The plan proposes that the government shifts fossil fuel industry funds toward green businesses and green research. It also seeks to democratize the proposed green transition by giving communities direct ownership of energy companies and making energy a guaranteed human right.

This is the real Green New Deal

On ensuring free and fair elections and the transition of power: To have free and fair elections we need to move to the Ranked Choice Voting system and abolish the electoral college. That would be the only way to guarantee fair elections where the vote of the people counts.

On the U.S. role in foreign conflicts: United States should no intervene, or provide arms and military equipment to foreign countries in conflict or war. We should only provide humanitarian aid and peace building solutions.

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The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.