Democrat Megan O’Rourke’s campaign for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district has earned the support of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3403, a small union that represents government researchers, scientists and administrative employees – including, until recently, O’Rourke herself.
“Dr. O’Rourke has spent her career as a climate change expert, championing sustainable and cost-efficient agriculture for families, which plays a vital role in shaping a stronger future,” AFGE Local 3403 said in its endorsement. “Her campaign inspires our members and strengthens AFGE’s mission to protect federal employees while honoring the foundations of science.”
O’Rourke, a resident of Blairstown, spent five years working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a top scientist focused on climate change. Earlier this year, she quit that position in protest of President Donald Trump’s “aggressive attacks” on climate science, and she announced her campaign for Congress soon afterwards.
While at the USDA, O’Rourke joined AFGE Local 3403, serving as a union steward for over a year.
O’Rourke is one of eight Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) next year; also running are former Summit Councilman Greg Vartan, physician Tina Shah, businessman Brian Varela, criminal justice professor Beth Adubato, former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett, attorney Vale Mendoza, and former Small Business Administration official Michael Roth.
