(Partial Listing)
2022 Election
New Jersey PBA, FOP laud Smith’s steadfast commitment to police Smith Backed by Largest New Jersey Law Enforcement Organizations
Toms River – The New Jersey Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)—which collectively represent over 49,000 officers and are the two largest police organizations in the state—have announced that they are strongly backing Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) for re-election, underscoring the widespread support Smith has with law enforcement.
“Chris Smith is a fighter who has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to public safety, the rule of law and the brave police officers who protect our fellow citizens,” said NJ PBA President Pat Colligan. “We are grateful for his leadership and we know we can count on Chris to continue to work hard to ensure that law enforcement has the support, training and equipment needed to keep our communities safe.”
“Our members are grateful for Chris Smith’s support and unyielding advocacy, which helps them fulfill their duty and keep New Jerseyans safe,” said NJ FOP President Robert Fox. “While our officers are faced with an increasingly difficult job in recent years, Chris has always stood with law enforcement, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the next Congress.”
“The rise in crime and attacks on law enforcement have gone hand in hand,” Smith said. “I fight every day in Washington to ensure our officers have the tools and backing they need to guard our neighborhoods and keep us safe.”
Smith has long stood firm in his support of law enforcement, especially amid increasing attacks on the profession. Particularly notable in his extensive record is his “no” vote to abolishing qualified immunity—a legal doctrine which protects police officers and other civil servants from being personally sued for their actions on the job. He has also supported numerous bills, such as the Protect and Serve Act, which strengthens federal penalties for targeting and harming police officers; and the Public Safety Enhancement Act, which would provide grant funding to hire an additional 100,000 officers over five years.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the New Jersey PBA and FOP—organizations which have courageously fought on the front lines for police officers throughout our state,” said Smith. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with both the FOP and PBA in the next Congress to pass policies that protect and defend the men and women in blue.”
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Endorses Chris Smith for Re-Election
Toms River – Today, Rep. Chris Smith received the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business organization of over three million members across the country.
“Chris Smith is not only a champion for New Jersey but for free enterprise policies that help our economy grow,” said Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley. “Whether delivering aid to small businesses suffering from the pandemic or a natural disaster or supporting the infrastructure investment necessary to keep the Garden State moving, job creators in New Jersey can count on Chris Smith. That is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse him.”
“I am sincerely grateful to the U.S. Chamber of Congress for endorsing me for re-election based on my record in support of economic opportunity,” said Smith. “Especially in New Jersey, businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and Biden’s anti-economic growth policies. I look forward to working with the Chamber in the next Congress to pass legislation that assists small businesses and entrepreneurs and improves our economy.”
National Federation of Independent Business endorse Smith for re-election
TOMS RIVER– This week, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)–one of the nation’s largest associations of small businesses–had endorsed Congressman Chris Smith (R-Manchester) for re-election in New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District.
“On behalf of New Jersey’s small businesses, we are pleased to endorse Rep. Smith for re-election today,” said Sharon Sussin, NFIB Senior National Political Director. “He recognizes the concerns our members have and has been a pro-small business voice in Congress.”
“Congressman Smith is a proven supporter of New Jersey’s small businesses,” said New Jersey’s NFIB State Director, Eileen Kean. “He understands the issues impacting small business owners and has advocated for them in Congress. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”
“I am grateful to receive the support of the NFIB–an organization that serves as an effective voice for the thousands of small businesses throughout my district,” Smith said. “I have long worked in Congress to advance policies that allow small businesses–the backbone of our economy–to thrive.”
Smith voted against the Biden Administration’s anti-small business policies, which will raise taxes and impose new burdens from regulations, including the so-called “Build Back Better Act” and the “American Rescue Plan Act.”
Smith is a staunch advocate for small businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he advocated for robust funding of programs that provided a lifeline to struggling business owners, such as Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
“I look forward to future collaboration with the NFIB and small business advocates to continue cutting red tape and delivering a more business-friendly environment that fosters entrepreneurship and hard work,” Smith said.
Praising his “long record of support for the law enforcement community,” the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association has endorsed Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Manchester) in the June 7 Republican primary.
The troopers union praised Smith for his help in securing personal protective equipment during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, saying that was “not just the procurement alone,” but his cutting through “layers and layers of red tape and bureaucracy to deliver the PPE.”
“I doubt any of your challengers could have provided this crucial outcome absent your experience, contacts and dedication,” the troopers PAC said in a letter to Smith.
The endorsement by the 18,000-member union comes as Smith faces a Republican primary in his bid for a 22nd term in Congress. One of his opponents, Steve Gray, is a retired FBI agent.
“Our brave police officers put their lives on the line every day, all while working in an increasingly thankless and hostile environment–and they need our unequivocal support,” Smith said. “I am committed to working in Congress to make their jobs easier, not harder, by crafting policies that deliver better pay and working conditions and increased safety for our men and women in blue.”
FORMER SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH AND AMBASSADOR CALLISTA GINGRICH ENDORSES SMITH:
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich: “ I am proud to endorse Congressman Chris Smith, an effective lawmaker who works in the trenches every day to protect democracy, religious liberty, individual freedom, entrepreneurship, growth and prosperity.”
“Congressman Chris Smith is widely respected for his work to combat human trafficking and to defend fundamental human rights,” said Callista Gingrich, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.
HOUSE GOP LEADERSHIP ENDORSES SMITH:
The top three Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives have endorsed Rep. Christopher Smith for re-election in New Jersey’s 4th district, a move that makes a primary challenge against the 21-term incumbent more difficult.
“Chris Smith is a bold and effective legislator for the people of New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Steve Scalise called Smith “a true fighter.” He said “Standing true to his principles, Chris knows how to protect our Nation’s treasured values, champion a strong economy, and stand up for the rights that make America the beacon of freedom for the world.”
Elise Stefanik called Smith a “trailblazer who has led the way in protecting women and children in the U.S. and around the globe from the heinous crime of human trafficking.”
State Legislators show overwhelming support in endorsing Chris Smith
Declan O’Scanlon, Senator, 13th District; Victoria Flynn, Assemblywoman, 13th District; Sean Kean, Assemblyman, 30th District; Edward “Ned” Thomson, Assemblyman, 30th District, Republican Conference Leader; Marilyn Piperno, Assemblywoman, 11th District; Kimberly D. Eulner, Assemblywoman, 11th District; Robert Singer, Senator, 30th District; Samuel D. Thompson, Senator, 12th District; Ronald S. Dancer, Assemblyman, 12th District; Robert D. Clifton, Assemblyman, 12th District; John Catalano, Assemblyman, 10th District; Gregory McGuckin, Assemblyman, 10th District; Chris Connors, Senator, 9th District; Brian Rumpf, Assemblyman, 9th District; and DiAnne Gove, Assemblywoman, 9th District
Monmouth and Ocean County Commissioners enthusiastically endorse Smith
Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, Commissioner Director John “Jack” Kelly, Commissioner Deputy Director Susan Kiley, Commissioner Deputy Director Virginia “Ginny” Haines, Commissioner Lillian Burry, Commissioner Bobbi Jo Crea, Commissioner Nick DiRocco, Commissioner Gary Quinn, Commissioner Ross Licitra, and Commissioner Joe Vicari
Smith receives full support from Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon
Ocean County Screening Committee unanimously endorses Rep. Chris Smith for Convention
SMITH RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM SUSAN B. ANTHONY LIST:
“Congressman Chris Smith is a lifelong leader in the pro-life movement and a staunch advocate for the unborn and their mothers in Congress,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “Rep. Smith’s experience leading the House Pro-Life Caucus is invaluable. At every turn he has exposed the extreme Biden-Pelosi agenda of making taxpayers complicit in abortion on demand. He is a champion of the Hyde Amendment, which has saved more than 2.5 million lives, and its entire family of policies that keep taxpayers out of the abortion business domestically and abroad. At a time when the Supreme Court could finally return the right to protect life to the people and their elected representatives, heroes like Rep. Smith are needed more than ever in Washington. We urge New Jerseyans to re-elect him.”
N.J. Right To Life Endorses Chris Smith For Re-Election
The New Jersey Right to Life PAC has endorsed Smith in his bid for re-election in New Jersey’s 4th district.
“Congressman Smith is the strongest, most consistent pro-life champion in Washington, and in the fight to stop abortion around the world,” said NJ Right to Life executive director Marie Tasy.
Smith, the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, faces six challengers in the June GOP primary in the state’s most solidly Republican House district.
“Unborn children and their mothers know they can count on Chris Smith’s experience, knowledge, legislative skills, compassion and dedication to advocate for life affirming policies to help protect the weakest and most vulnerable among us,” stated Tasy.
TONY PERKINS FROM FAMILY RESOURCE COUNCIL SUPPORTS SMITH:
Family Research Council Action’s President–and former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom–Tony Perkins, today endorsed Congressman Chris Smith for re-election in New Jersey’s fourth district.
“The most vulnerable, whether at home or abroad, have always been able to count on Congressman Smith,” said Perkins. “He has been an effective, consistent leader, standing up for pro-life policies and the protection of basic human rights including the fundamental human right of religious freedom.”
FORMER OPPONENT HYLAND ENDORSES SMITH:
Rev. Shawn Hyland, the former executive director of the Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, will announce today that he’s dropping out of the race for Conrgess in New Jersey’s 4th district and will endorse Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Hamilton) for re-election to a 22nd term.
“A Better America has always been the battle cry of my campaign—that our nation would renew our spirit of civility, stand by our convictions, and dedicate ourselves to the common good,” said Hyland, “Congressman Smith has a record that embodies those values. I’m concluding my campaign for Congress but continuing my fight for a better America alongside Chris Smith, who I’m proud to endorse.”
2020 Election
New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association
Pat Colligan, President of the NJ State PBA on Rep. Smith:
“We need elected officials who can see beyond party and politics…Too many politicians offers lip service or run away…We believe you will take action in those times when we need it most.”
JNESO District Council 1
Douglas Placa, Executive Director of JNESO District Council 1, on Rep. Smith:
“Thank you for your commitment to safe staffing for hospital workers, the protection of collective bargaining rights, and to affordable and accessible healthcare in the State of New Jersey.”
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
Steve McConlogue, President of Professional Firefighters Association of NJ:
“Chris Smith has been a consistent and influential advocate for firefighters and other emergency responders and we are delighted to endorse him for reelection…Most recently, Chris helped secure federal funding to purchase essential personal protective equipment needed to protect our firefighters during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
National Wildlife Federation Action Fund
Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund:
“Rep. Chris Smith has emerged as a champion for ensuring clean water, restoring wildlife habitat, and bolstering the resilience of coastal communities to hurricanes and other severe weather. New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District is fortunate to have such a common-sense conservation champion and wildlife advocate in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
New Jersey State Postal Workers Union
Bill Lewis, NJ State Postal Workers Union President and Trenton Metro Area Local President:
“For many years—especially this year with the COVID-19 crisis—Rep. Smith has been a consistent champion for postal workers, advocating for a safer and better work environment. Chris has been tenacious, fighting for PPE for our postal workers, supporting essential emergency relief and maintaining operational equipment so that our men and women on the frontlines can continue to serve our customers safely and effectively.”
New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police
Bob Fox, President of the NJ Fraternal Order of Police:
“Chris Smith has always been there for the women and men in law enforcement. Chris is dedicated to public safety and the rule of law and works tirelessly to make sure our police have the support and resources we need to protect New Jersey families and keep our communities safe for everyone.”
Animal Wellness Action
Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action on Rep. Smith:
“We are pleased to endorse you for U.S. Congress in the 2020 election. Your outstanding advocacy and leadership on animal welfare issues is indicative of your keen attention to these issues… We are grateful for your expressions of support for a range of animal welfare policies.”
State Troopers Fraternal Association of New Jersey
Wayne Blanchard, President of State Troopers Fraternal Association of NJ, on Rep Smith and slate of endorsed candidates:
“We recognize that our nation is at a crossroads on so many important issues. These candidates represent the needed leadership and we are certain will provide the utmost support for the men and woman of the STFA. Most important, we believe…they will work tirelessly…on policy making and initiatives to ensure public trust in police while balancing the needs of our membership.”
New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association
Ed Donnelly, President of the NJFMBA, on Rep. Smith and slate of endorsed candidates:
“Each of these endorsed candidates have shown that when times are tough they are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with New Jersey’s career firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers.”
Humane Society Legislative Fund
September 11th Advocates (“The Jersey Girls”)
“As Sept. 11 widows known as “The Jersey Girls,” we have spent 19 years fighting for truth, justice, transparency and accountability with regard to the murder of our husbands…Congressman Smith (R-NJ) gave us a road map for how to navigate Congress to accomplish our goals. He also held our hands and walked us through … every step of the way…We have personally witnessed Chris Smith’s commitment to his constituents and his tireless efforts on human rights issues. His work has made the world a more humane place. We cannot think of a better person to represent New Jersey’s 4th District in Congress.”