With New Jersey’s June 10 primary elections behind us, we are delighted to report that some familiar names will grace the general election ballot in November, and we cannot help but conclude that pro-animal voters helped to make the difference. In the pivotal New Jersey governor’s race, voters chose Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli to run in November’s gubernatorial election. Both have been supporters of our humane agenda during their careers.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019, Sherrill has demonstrated a broad commitment to supporting our animal protection agenda. She consistently scored of 100 or 100+ on our Humane Scorecard, sponsoring legislation passed into law like the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which expanded access to lifechanging service dogs for veterans, and cosponsoring key bills like the Puppy Protection Act, to strengthen welfare standards at large-scale breeding operations licensed by the USDA. Sherrill is also a member of the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, which works to increase support for animal protection initiatives within the Congress.

A recipient of the Humane Legislator of the Year award, Ciattarelli led and championed multiple pro-animal initiatives during his time as a New Jersey state assemblyman (from 2011- 2018). Among other achievements, he introduced a 2015 law instituting severe penalties for certain animal abuse crimes, and showed his support for bills such as “Moose’s Law,” to prevent convicted animal cruelty offenders from owning or working with animals. He also supported our efforts to secure key protections for New Jersey’s farmed animals.

Animal-friendly candidates also did well in the races for the New Jersey State Assembly, in which Humane World Action Fund endorsed 17 candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, and it appears that at least 16 of them will advance to the general election (one race has not been called). We are eager to see these humane allies continue their high impact work on behalf of animals in need.

For example, “wildlife killing contests” are organized events during which participants compete to kill the most, the largest, or even the smallest wildlife species for cash and prizes. Vicious and wasteful, these contests threaten New Jersey’s precious wildlife with overhunting and cruelty. Thankfully, Asw. Carol Murphy (D) has taken a stand, co-introducing a bill to ban such events. Her dedication to animal protection is still more far-reaching, as she has been a leader in promoting legislation on such topics as non-therapeutic cat declawing, the rescue of animals from hot cars, trap-neuter-return services for stray animals, and more.

Several assembly members stood tall in the campaign to end the use of gestation crates, stalls used in factory farming that are so small that the animals cannot even turn around. In 2019, Asw. Vicky Flynn (R) and Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger (R) helped make possible a landmark new law for New Jersey banning the cruel confinement of mother pigs and calves raised for veal. Through numerous bill sponsorships, Flynn and Scharfenberger have proven their devotion to protecting animals through wise and useful legislation.

Finally, when it comes to bad breeders churning out pets from inhumane, neglectful “puppy mills” and selling them in New Jersey pet stores, Asw. Shama Haider (D) and Asw. Ellen Park (D) have stepped up. They are co-leading the fight to crack down on and cut off the puppy mill to pet store pipeline, end the persistent cruelty and suffering of puppy mill dogs, and ensure that consumers are no longer taken advantage of by retailers.

Because of voters like you, we’re in a position to celebrate the success of these compassionate leaders. Still, the road to November will be a long one. Many of these animal-friendly legislators faced no primary challengers, and some of them are facing close races in the general election. As registered voters—who deserve to see your values reflected in the actions of your lawmakers—there are several concrete steps you can take to help elect (and re-elect) humane candidates this fall.

Whether a candidate sends you a solicitation, comes knocking at your door, or speaks with you at an event, these moments are powerful opportunities. Let them know that as a registered voter, animal protection is important to you. Ask what they have done to support the Garden State’s animals, or what they will do to strengthen animal protection if elected.

There is one constant in our work.  At any given time, there are big fights playing out for the future of companion animals, wildlife, and other animals. To help them, we need humane allies on the front lines of lawmaking, allies who will stand strong. Follow along as we announce more  endorsements, and share them with the people in your life. Because animals can’t vote, yours is the one that will decide who will speak for them. Please continue to make it count.