Phony Progressives Ditch Democrat for Stance on Life 

Morristown, NJ–Democrats For Life of America (DFLA) is very disappointed that NJ 11th for Change has decided to revoke the endorsement of AJ Oliver because of his pro-life views.

Mr. Oliver’s county has not had a Democrat win a county-wide race since the 1970’s. NJ 11th for Change would rather have a Republican in office than a progressive champion for human rights.

“This is really bad politics on the part of NJ 11 for Change,” said Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats For Life. “It alienates centrist voters and risks Democratic defeat. It’s one thing to quietly withdraw an endorsement. It is quite another to launch a public smear campaign against a candidate with whom you agree on a hundred other issues. Why are they jeopardizing a great chance to elect a Democrat as a Morris County Commissioner? We call upon party leaders to defend loyal Democrat AJ Oliver against this smear campaign."

Mr. AJ Oliver in a statement highlighted the "whole life" issues affecting Morris County that he has brought attention to throughout his campaign, including “food insecurity, reducing the maternal mortality rate, homelessness, [and] mental illness.”  

“The Democratic Party is a big tent and we have room for those who don't agree on every single issue,” continued Mr. Oliver. “I am honored to be the nominee of my party for County Commissioner.  I will continue to advocate for the ‘least of these’ in my campaign, especially the vulnerable who have been bullied and marginalized for what they believe in and who they are."

Mr. Oliver is continuing to run a positive campaign focused on issues that matter to the district and the goal of electing Democrats for the first time in 50 years.

“Democrats For Life deeply questions the progressive values of NJ 11th for Change,” said Day. “If they are willing to revoke endorsements of candidates because of a single issue, are they really interested in elevating marginalized voices?”

FULL STATEMENT BY A.J. OLIVER

"The endorsement revocation from NJ 11th for Change is unfortunate and disappointing.  As a pastor, veteran, community leader, and Morristown Democrats Chair I have tried my best to conduct my life with a sense of honesty and integrity.  The reality is that I have never hidden the fact that I am pro life.  The endorsement questionnaire that my running mates and I filled out said that we are all feminists and support women's rights and that is completely accurate.