Vin Gopal
Former Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal. Credit: JT Aregood/Observer

NEWARK, N.J. (Diya TV) — Vin Gopal, the former Monmouth County Democratic chairman who is currently a candidate for the New Jersey state senate, won the endorsement of one of the state’s most influential labor unions Wednesday.

The Communications Workers of America announced its support and endorsement of Gopal’s candidacy, he’s running against popular Republican incumbent Jennifer Beck in the state’s 11th legislative district.

While Beck has been critical of Republicans such as President Donald Trump and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the Communications Workers of America’s state director Hetty Rosenstein cited opposition to the new administration in a release announcing the endorsement.

“With Chris Christie in the Statehouse and Donald Trump in the White House, we need leaders at all levels who will fight for economic and social justice—not people who only go along to get along,” Rosenstein’s statement read. “For years, Jennifer Beck has carried Christie’s water. And the Christie-Beck agenda has consistently hurt middle-class and working families. We enthusiastically support Vin Gopal. He’ll fight for jobs, services, fully-funded pensions and an economic system that works for all.”

Gopal reacted to the announcement with enormous gratitude, and pledged to be the voice those from Monmouth County needed representing them at the state level.

“I am so happy to have the support of CWA New Jersey,” Gopal said. “The working families who make up the CWA are the families that I am committed to fighting for in Trenton. Monmouth County needs a true advocate in our State Senate who will put our community’s interests first, and I promise to be that voice.”

It is just the latest endorsement Gopal’s camp has received. Previously, the Amalgamated Transit Union also endorsed his candidacy. Gopal helped launch the candidacies of Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey during his time as chairman of the county Democratic organization, leading to the biggest upset victory of the state’s last round of legislative elections in 2015.

His candidacy has been garnering attention on the national level as well — Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez visited Monmouth County last week to lend his support to the Gopal-Houghtaling-Downey ticket at an event in Asbury Park last week.