HACKENSACK, NJ — Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan touted the endorsement of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Wednesday morning, bringing the first national endorsement into the Republican primary in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District.
“Steve Lonegan is a tireless advocate for our founding principles who has proven his willingness to boldly take his message directly to the people of New Jersey, and I am proud to endorse him to become the next Member of Congress from the Fifth District,” Cruz said in a statement released by the Lonegan campaign. “I have known Steve for many years, and look forward to working with him to grow jobs, expand freedom, and ensure the security of the American people.”
Lonegan, a reoccurring combatant for high office including governor, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, previously served as New Jersey state chairman for Senator Cruz’s 2016 presidential campaign, ferociously executing surrogate duties for the Texas conservative and making national headlines by dismissing Donald Trump as a “Hillary Clinton with a penis” during a May 2016 Indiana primary election appearance on CNN.
The Former Mayor (who recently received the endorsement of LD39 State Senator Gerry Cardinale) is now competing for the right to challenge freshman Democrat Josh Gottheimer; the Cook Political Report identifies the seat as “Lean Democrat” this cycle.
Former Cresskill Councilman John McCann and Warren County Freeholder Jason Sarnowski are also seeking the nomination.
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