After deciding to leave the Democrat Party earlier this year, ex-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii decided to go to work electing Republicans from New Hampshire to Arizona.
On Sunday, she endorsed New Jersey’s Bob Healey who’s laboring to unseat incumbent Andy Kim in the 3rd Congressional District (Burlington-Monmouth-Mercer).
“Bob Healey is a business owner, yoga instructor, and former punk rocker – but most importantly, he is stepping up to serve the people of New Jersey and be their champion in Washington,” said Gabbard. “Bob is a thoughtful, independent-minded person, and unlike his opponent, Bob will never be a rubber stamp for any political party or special interest. I’m supporting Bob because he is committed to protecting our freedoms and upholding our Constitution, placing the wellbeing of the people of this country above all else.”
Gabbard served in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021; she unsuccessfully sought the Democrat nomination in 2020 and later earned derision from her former party for being an outspoken critic of certain Leftist policies and positions ranging from the war in Ukraine to woke culture.
“Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s endorsement of my campaign is of course a personal honor, but it also makes an important statement that individuals from all sides of the political arena understand – that to change Congress we need to change who is in Congress, and that starts with retiring Andy Kim’s ‘party over the people’ representation,” said Healey. “I am thrilled Tulsi Gabbard has joined Team Healey because she personifies the independent, strong voice that our district deserves but has not had over the last four years.”
“Tulsi’s support shows our campaign is poised for victory because we have been listening to the voters and we represent the desperate change Third District voters are looking for. I believe our District is as anxious to see that change as I am,” added Healey.
NJ-03 was one of New Jersey most competitive districts until the redistricting process resulted in a gerrymandered configuration benefitting the Democrat incumbent. Still, Jack Ciattarelli came close to a tie with Phil Murphy there in 2021 and the district is back on the radar of many pundits in anticipation of a possible red wave. Healey has also invested significant cash into the district which inarguably increases the change of an upset on Tuesday.