New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates Program

For over 25 years, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO has been proud to offer the Labor Candidates program as a proven method of building the power of working families.  Since 1997, 1,232 union members have been elected to offices across the state, ranging from U.S. Congress to local boards of education. The impact of having the voices of working men and women in the halls of government cannot be overstated.  These voices have helped to advance a progressive legislative agenda and deliver countless victories for New Jersey’s working families.

Union members seeking election to public office and to apply for the program, please visit www.njaflcio.org/become-a-labor-candidate.

Through the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates School, we afford union membership the opportunity to learn and develop the skills they’ll need to mount a successful run for public office and is the cornerstone to our success.  The school features instruction from a number of seasoned election experts who cover subjects such as fundraising, election law, campaign research, message development, public speaking, media relations, voter contact, volunteer recruitment, targeting, digital strategy, and get-out-the-vote.  By teaching these skills free of charge to union members we level the playing field between candidates who represent the interest of working families and those of big business. 

The 2023 Labor Candidates School will be held at the following date and location: 

Date:  Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, 2023 

Place:  To Be Announced 

Pursuant to the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates Resolution, union members seeking election to public office must secure the support of their local union’s presiding officer who shall then notify the Central Labor Council and the New Jersey State AFL-CIO.  All non-incumbent labor candidates are required to graduate from the Labor Candidates School and be reviewed by the Central Labor Council before resources can be earmarked for their election campaign. We look forward to achieving many more labor candidate election successes together.