The New Jersey Second Amendment Society has endorsed Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district.
Peterson wants to take on Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) in a district that was drawn by Democrats to favor Republicans.
“Erik Peterson has consistently received ‘A’ Ratings from the Association of NJ Rifle and Pistol Clubs, the NJ branch of the National Rifle Association, and been an unwavering voice in support of the Second Amendment,” said the group’s president, Alex Roubian. “No one has fought harder on behalf of gun owners and gun rights in the New Jersey Legislature than Erik Peterson. We need him in Washington, D.C. fighting for the Second Amendment, our rights, and our freedom.”
Peterson, a seven-term assemblyman and former Hunterdon County freeholder, is one of seven Republicans vying for the chance to take on Malinowski, a two term incumbent.
“We need someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for us in the halls of Congress. Without a doubt, we need Erik Peterson fighting for us. No other Congressional candidate in the Seventh Congressional District has been tried, tested and true to the Second Amendment,” stated Roubian. “Over the past several years, I have gotten to know Erik well enough to call him a friend and a true patriot worthy of the NJ Second Amendment Society’s enthusiastic endorsement.”
Major gun safety advocacy groups split in 2018 when Giffords endorsed Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton Township) and Brady endorsed Malinowski. Giffords backed Malinowski in 2020.
“I believe the Constitution is worth fighting for. The Second Amendment was established to assure that the People have the means to protect Democracy. It is no accident that it is second, only to freedom of speech and religion,” Peterson said. “I have always fought and will always fight for the rights of the people to bear arms, and I will always fight for our freedom.”
Former Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean, Jr. has emerged as the front-runner after winning Republican organization support in Union, Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties.
Kean won the three counties that Peterson represents in the legislature. He beat Peterson in Hunterdon by seven votes on a second ballot, in Warren by eight votes, and by a 59%-33% margin in Somerset.