New Jersey’s Conservative Shift, Opening Gubernatorial Debate Attract Washington Attention

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ—As Garden State voter attention turns to November’s gubenatorial race, local and national policy leaders are taking notice—and showing up. Against the backdrop of tonight’s Republican gubernatorial debate at Rider University, the state has a new infusion of attention and resources from one of one nation’s leading think tanks.

America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the nation’s leading voice for America First policies, recently created a New Jersey chapter (AFPI-NJ) with former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael J. Donohue as chair and Attorney Matthew T. Rooney as executive director. Rooney is the owner and editor of Save Jersey, the state’s leading conservative media outlet and co-host of tonight’s debate. Donohue is also the long-time chairman of the CapeGOP and former State Assembly candidate.

Both Donohue and Rooney will attend tonight’s debate. AFPI national leadership will also attend, including AFPI Executive Vice President and President of America First Works, Ashley Hayek, and South Jersey-native and AFPI Executive Vice President Martin Gillespie.

“It’s an honor for AFPI-NJ to have Ashley and Martin attend the first Republican gubernatorial debate,” Donohue said. “This demonstrates AFPI’s commitment to advance America First policies in the Garden State, and we know the people of New Jersey are ready to take back our state for freedom and prosperity.”

“Our AFPI state chapters are a critical part of advancing America First policies throughout the country,” said Hayek. “AFPI-NJ, under Mike and Matt’s leadership, will drive New Jersey-oriented, America First policy wins and bring together a coalition of partners to capitalize on the momentum we have from last year.”