EMILY’s List today announced its endorsement of Barbara Buono for Governor of New Jersey.  

“It’s about time New Jersey has its first pro-choice Democratic woman governor,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List, “and as a progressive champion with an impressive track record of fighting for women and families, Barbara Buono is the perfect candidate to finally break that glass ceiling. Buono is a lifelong New Jerseyan and mother of six, who understands firsthand the struggles that working families face. And during her nearly two decades in public service she fought for families like hers by protecting women’s healthcare, cutting the budget by $4.5 million while still preserving vital programs, and expanding access to affordable housing. 

“That’s why we’re so thrilled to have been with her every step of the way – starting with her first campaign for State Senate. The EMILY’s List community – now two million members strong – is ready to unseat the aggressively anti-woman Governor Chris Christie, and replace him with a smart and pragmatic fighter who will expand opportunity for women and families.” 

During the 2011- 2012 election cycle, EMILY’s List helped elect a historic number of candidates – the only pro-choice Democratic woman governor in the country, 19 new women to the House, six Senate incumbents, and three new Senators – all the first women to represent their states in the Senate, according to a release. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY's List has worked to elect 100 pro-choice Democratic women to the House, 19 to the Senate, 10 governors, and over 500 women to state and local office. In the 2011-2012 cycle, EMILY's List had the largest number of members and donors in its-28 year history, and raised a record-breaking $52 million, according to the organization.