EDISON — Middlesex County Chairman Kevin P. McCabe and Senator Vin Gopal partnered together last night for a virtual event with over 120 participants to raise money for the Democratic Middlesex County ticket of County Surrogate candidate Claribel Cortes, Commissioner Director Ron Rios, and Commissioner Shanti Narra. Commissioner Narra is the first South Asian county-wide elected official to the Board of County Commissioners in the history of New Jersey.
“The Middlesex County Democratic Organization has led the way in advocating for communities that have traditionally been underrepresented,” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6). “Whether it is electing women to every single constitutional row office in the county, ensuring that the South Asian community is represented on the Board of Commissioners or guaranteeing that men and women of color serve at all levels of county government, the MCDO has demonstrated a commitment to diversity that is representative of our county and our state.”
“Middlesex County has continually pushed to be a leader in ensuring our residents are represented by public servants who reflect the communities they serve,” said Middlesex County Democratic Organization Chairman Kevin P. McCabe. “In light of the divisions that have emanated from Washington for the last four years, our county candidates are committed to building an equitable and fair county government for every single one of our residents.”
“We can never stop in our relentless pursuit to build a better New Jersey for every community,” said Senator Vin Gopal (LD 11 – Monmouth). “As elected officials, our voices are amplified with the ability and responsibility to take a stand for what we believe is right. Surrogate candidate Claribel Cortes, Commissioner Director Rios, and Commissioner Narra will continue to do that.”
“Our Board of County Commissioners has remained committed to serving the people of Middlesex County and our ability to be a model in how we were able to respond during the early days of the pandemic is a perfect example,” said Director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Ron Rios. “This ticket will continue that dedication to our residents.”
“As a Councilwoman in North Brunswick, I am proud of the work done in collaboration with the County, and I am excited to continue working with the County in my new role as County Surrogate,” said Surrogate candidate Claribel Cortes. “The County government has worked closely with our local communities and their leaders to ensure that we will be a model for representative, fiscally responsible government in the state of New Jersey.”
“We have no room for the hate and violence that has been allowed to permeate across our nation,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra. “Middlesex County has worked tirelessly to uplift members of our community who have been previously excluded from the democratic process. As a member of the AAPI community, I am proud to be a leader and advocate for the people of Middlesex County.”