To the Editor:

As we near the November 6, 2018 midterm election, numerous signs point to a “blue wave” of Democratic enthusiasm cresting over New Jersey. The fight to restore the balance of power in both chambers of Congress begins in our state, where U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, whose voting record demonstrates a strong history of defending health care accessibility, the right of women to choose, LGBT rights, and protecting the environment, faces a critical re-election campaign that depends on a strong turnout from all parts of the state.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic candidates must flip a total of 23 Republican-held seats to gain the pivotal U.S. House majority. Opportunities to flip five of these seats are present in New Jersey alone, as strong Democratic challengers Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Josh Welle (NJ-04), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), and Mikie Sherill (NJ-11) run on a platform of enacting legislation to lift up all Americans and to protect the rights we have fought so hard to secure. All these candidates are inspiring grassroots enthusiasm powered by women, people of color, and young people, reminiscent of the 2006 midterm election, where Democratic candidates flipped dozens of seats and control of Congress blue.

While much attention has been drawn to seats at the national level, the common adage “all politics is local” rings especially true this year. Two candidates for Princeton Council, Eve Niedergang and Dwaine Williamson, are running on “A Princeton for All,” a platform of inclusiveness, fiscal stewardship, affordability, and sustainability that emphasizes the importance of how local government impacts our daily lives. Their history of service and commitment to the community will undoubtedly follow them to the Princeton Council, where their compassion and commitment to celebrating diversity presents an opportunity to benefit the lives of all in Princeton.

As a relatively new resident, I became eager to get involved with this campaign (my first in Princeton!) after hearing Eve and Dwaine speak on multiple occasions. Hearing the visions of these and all the excellent Democratic candidates running in New Jersey this year would dissolve the political apathy that saps so many of us, if we would but listen. The defense of our progressive values is predicated upon our vigilance. Therefore, it is paramount that people of all ages and backgrounds commit their time and talents to these campaigns and our community.

Your vote for Princeton Council, your vote for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, and your efforts to register new voters and bring them out to the polls on November 6 are all essential steps in amplifying your voice. The “blue wave” begins with you.

Chris Fistonich, PhD

Moore Street