Weber suspends Congressional campaign after Union County loss

BERKELEY HEIGHTS - After not receiving the endorsement of the Union County Democratic party, Linda Weber has suspended her campaign for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican incumbent Leonard Lance in November's election for the House of Representatives.

Though Weber had received the early backing of the Somerset and Essex Democratic organizations, she had pledged that she would not continue in the race if she did not get the backing of the majority of the county organizations in District 7.

Rocky Hill resident Tom Malinowski received the endorsement of the party organizations in Hunterdon, Warren and Morris counties in the district that stretches across the wealth belt of New Jersey from Union Township to the Delaware River.



Malinowski, who served as assistant secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the Obama administration, is now the favorite to win the Democratic primary in June. He leads all candidates in fundraising.

READ: How Murphy's budget hits NJ

READ: Watch: Central Jersey students participate in National School Walkout

“It with great sadness that I announce that I am suspending my campaign," said Weber, a Berkeley Heights resident. "I am enormously grateful to my family, friends and supporters without whom I could not have made it this far."

Malinowski also received the endorsement of the party organizations in Hunterdon, Warren and Morris counties.



With Weber and Lisa Mandelblatt dropping out of the campaign, Malinowski is now the favorite to win the Democratic primary in June. Others in the race are Scott Salmon, Peter Jacob (who lost to Lance in 2016) and Goutam Jois.

Malinowski had a $200,000 lead over Weber in fundraising, though Weber had already spent $100,000 more than him.

Weber said she will remain active in politics.

"I will continue to work hard to help flip the 7th District and to elect more Democrats, and in particular, more women," Weber said.

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com