Sue Altman, a former state director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, made headlines when she was expelled from a New Jersey state Senate hearing by state troopers in November 2019. She was a leading critic of a state tax incentive program benefiting influential figures in South Jersey politics. Altman is now the presumptive Democratic nominee in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, aiming to oust first-term Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Elected, Altman would prove that a candidate with roots in progressive politics can win a GOP-held swing seat, potentially shifting the view on progressives’ electability.
Altman’s campaign focuses on restoring democracy, fighting corruption, and public service, rather than ideological debates. She has distanced herself from controversial positions taken by the activist left, such as imposing conditions on U.S. aid to Israel and defunding the police. Altman supports a public option for health care and a government intervention to support families struggling with health care bills but is not fully committed to Medicare for All. Her more moderate stance may make it challenging to erase Republican attacks based on her past progressive views and associations.
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District has a diverse geography, covering Democratic urban areas to rural communities along the Delaware River. It was flipped by Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2018 but went to Republican Tom Kean Jr. in 2020 making it a battleground district. Altman’s fundraising edge and ability to win over rank-and-file Democrats have been key in defeating primary contenders. While she faces formidable opponent Kean, who is a reliable party vote and maintains a moderate image, Altman has gained support from progressive groups and Democratic donors.
Altman’s appeal extends to moderate voters in the district who see her as principled, smart, and caring. Winning over skeptics and building bridges to the establishment have been crucial for Altman to secure the Democratic nomination. Her fight against the New Jersey party machine and involvement in efforts to overturn the “county line” system that benefitted favored candidates showcases her commitment to fairness and democracy. Altman’s ability to connect with a wide range of voters, from progressive Democrats to moderate conservatives, has positioned her as a compelling candidate for the swing seat in New Jersey.
The recent ruling to strike down the “county line” system in New Jersey politics is a significant victory for Altman, who has long fought against the establishment’s control over the nomination process. This decision has the potential to reshape New Jersey politics and level the playing field for candidates like Altman seeking to challenge the status quo. Altman’s campaign represents a shift towards a more inclusive and fair political landscape that values integrity and authenticity in candidates, regardless of their ideological background.
Altman’s bid for Congress in a Republican-held swing district is a test of progressives’ electability and the Democratic Party’s ability to win over diverse voters. Her campaign focuses on core issues of democracy, corruption, and public service, aiming to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. Altman’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape in New Jersey, build alliances across the political spectrum, and connect with voters on a personal level makes her a compelling candidate for the 7th Congressional District. Her success in the upcoming election could signal a shift in the traditional power dynamics within the Democratic Party and showcase the power of grassroots organizing and progressive values in winning key political races.
