Providing another significant marker of the broad support earned by Governor Christie and his strong, effective leadership for the state, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and 10 members of the state’s African American clergy community today endorsed the Governor’s reelection.
Bishop Jackson’s support represents yet another new, important endorsement earned by Governor Christie in 2013 that was received by his opponent in 2009, and a powerful signal of support from one of New Jersey’s most prominent African American leaders.
“Those who know me know that, for me, the most important issue in this state is education, particularly education of low income and minority children. Governor Christie has not only made education a priority, but he has been vocal and strong in his commitment to see that every child in the State of New Jersey gets a good education," said Bishop Reginald T. Jackson. "This governor has tried to ensure our children a quality education, which will give them standing in society, and opportunity for a bright future, not only for them, but also our communities. I and my colleagues here today gladly, strongly, and unapologetically endorse him for reelection and commit to work with him as he seeks to help our children."
For more than 30 years, Bishop Jackson served as Pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, NJ. During that time, he established himself as a strong voice and leader on issues confronting his community. Bishop Jackson also held the leadership role of Executive Director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey, where he represented more than 600 African American churches throughout the state. He became an Elected and Consecrated Bishop in 2012.
“For years, Bishop Jackson has been a genuine and impassioned voice on some of the most pressing issues to our state’s future. His friendship and partnership has been essential in the progress we’ve made over the last four years on important issues like reforming education, fighting for the Opportunity Scholarship Act, and working together closely to increase diversity in the ranks of the State Police,” said Governor Christie. “His support in this campaign is just the next development in what has been one of the most important and cherished relationships I’ve developed since becoming governor. I thank him for his support today and his friendship, and look forward to our continued work together.”
Bishop Jackson was accompanied by a group of 8 ministers and clergy members from across New Jersey who also offered their support and endorsement of Governor Chris Christie. The 10 ministers to endorse Governor Christie include: Rev. J Stanley Justice of Mt. Zion AME Church in Trenton; Rev. Wayne Griffith of First Baptist Church in Pennington; Rev. Linda Ellerbe of Mt. Pisgah in Lawnside; Rev. Sidney Williams of Bethel AME Church in Morristown; Rev. Joseph Hooper of Mt. Zion AME Church in New Brunswick; Rev. Ronald Slaughter of St. James AME Church in Newark; Rev. Dennis Hughes of Bethel AME Church in Vauxhall; Rev. Ron Christian of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington; Rev. Erika Crawford of Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway; Rev. Robert Jackson of Mt Zion AME Church in Bridgeton. Their support provides another reflection of the Governor’s commitment to protecting and providing for New Jersey’s most vulnerable citizens.
In June, along with eleven elected officials from Essex County, Governor Christie was endorsed by a dozen leaders of the state’s African American clergy community. The Governor has earned strong support from across the state and political spectrum, many of which represent new endorsements in 2013 that were not received in 2009, including 32 elected Democrats, 21 building trades organizations, the National Coalition of Latino Officers, the Career Fire Chiefs Association, and leaders of the Hispanic and African American communities.
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