Democrat,

As you know, last month New Jersey Democrats wrote to DNC Chair Jaime Harrison requesting to have our Presidential primary moved up to one of the first four slots. I believe firmly that having our Presidential candidates compete in a diverse state like New Jersey will make our party stronger. This week we saw the first significant momentum in that direction, with the DNC announcing that it will officially consider reworking the primary calendar. I spoke to NPR about this change and why New Jersey is the right choice to lead the nation. Together with Vice Chair Schaffer and our team, we will continue to make the case for New Jersey. 

After years of effort from Governor Murphy and legislative leaders, New Jersey’s legal cannabis market is now ready to open next week. This is the culmination of a movement that started over a decade ago and has been spearheaded by grassroots advocates who saw the unjustness of a system that jailed Black and brown people for marijuana possession at a dramatically higher rate. I would like to also recognize the work of Senate President Nicholas Scutari, who sponsored the original legalization bill, the grassroots community organizers who spent many years educating our legislators and the public about cannabis and about the social justice and economic imperatives of this legislation, and Governor Murphy who campaigned on this issue and pushed to make it a reality. 

For more information about New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis program including important safety procedures and more, visit the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission website.  

This week, we’re spotlighting Rep. Tom Malinowski! Since 2018, he’s fought to create a stronger New Jersey economy. He helped secure funding for the Gateway Program and has worked to lower healthcare costs. He’s an advocate for the America COMPETES Act which would strengthen the US economy. Rep. Malinowski has worked to bolster the American supply chain and he also voted to pass the CARES Act. He continues to fight to restore the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction for middle-class New Jerseyans.  

To help with his reelection, visit malinowskifornj.com. 

President Biden is continuing to support the Ukrainian people in their fight against Vladimir Putin and the Russians, authorizing a new round of funding for weapons, ammunition and supplies. The bravery and valor shown by the Ukrainians continues to be a true inspiration, and President Biden continues to meet this historic moment.  

-- Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.  

P.S. —  I would like to recognize the important religious occasions happening this weekend, including Passover, Easter and Vaisakhi. Celebrating New Jersey’s diversity is critically important and we at the NJDSC always want to highlight the many cultures that make our state so unique.  

Also, thank you to everyone who attended our first Coalitions Mixer last night in Morristown! The event was a tremendous success, and you could feel the energy in the room.  Be on the lookout for more information about our upcoming events in Central and South Jersey as we work to engage with Democrats all over our state. I would like to give a special thanks to our NJDSC team for their amazing effort in coordinating this event including Leslye Moya, Kinn Badger and Kerry Kilborn.