The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council has endorsed Robert J. Menendez for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th district, giving him the support of powerful labor leader Richard Maroko.
“Rob has shown us that he understands this moment and what it means for working people,” said Maroko, the HTC president. “Workers are facing unique challenges as we come out of the pandemic, and Rob has shown to us that he’s willing to fight for the right of workers to face those challenges collectively and democratically.”
Menendez, a Port Authority Commissioner and the son of U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, is the clear front runner for the seat of Rep. Albio Sires (D-West New York). Sires is retiring after hold the Hudson-based House seat since 2006.
A Montclair resident, Maroko runs a politically potent union representing about 40,000 hotel and gaming industry employees in New York and New Jersey,
In 2019, Maroko and his union spent more than $1 million to pass a referendum to regulate the short-term rental industry in Jersey City as part of an expensive fight with Airbnb and other short term rental companies. Voters approved the ordinance, which had the backing of Mayor Steven Fulop, with a landslide 70%.
“I am confident he will do a great job in Congress, and our union is proud to endorse him,” Maroko said on Menendez.