Alexander Endorsed by Bishop Reginald Jackson

Bishop Dr. Reginald T. Jackson announced his endorsement of Mark Alexander this week in the 34th District Democratic Primary on June 4.

Jackson is the 132nd elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Executive Director of the Black Ministers’ Council, representing more than 600 African American churches in New Jersey. He is a civil rights leader who fought to end racial profiling by the New Jersey State Police and is a driving force in reforming urban and first-ring suburban school districts.

“I am endorsing Mark Alexander for the New Jersey State Senate because we need energized, independent leaders who can fight for our children and make our State a more fair and just place,” said Jackson in a press release.

"I've known Mark Alexander for nearly a decade and worked with him on numerous issues that are important to me, the members of my church, and to families across New Jersey. He is an honest and trustworthy man of character, and has the drive and energy needed to bring new leadership to Trenton. Mark understands the importance of education and investing in our children. As an educator himself and Policy Director to President Obama, I know Mark can lead the way in Trenton on education reform and so many other important issues being debated in Trenton.”

Jackson serves on numerous boards and is the recipient of hundreds of awards from social and civic organizations. Currently, he serves on the Board of Trustees of Essex County College, is a member and former president of the Board of Education of the Orange Public Schools, and is a member of the Board of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He also serves on the Board of Barnabas Health and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. In 2000, he was named ‘Man of the Year’ by New Jersey Monthly Magazine and was a recipient of the William Ashby Award by the United Way.

Alexander said in a press release, “I am humbled and honored to receive Bishop Jackson’s support for my campaign to bring independent leadership to the 34th District. As the son of parents who fought on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement, I know firsthand how important Bishop Jackson’s contribution to our society has been. I look forward to working with him in the coming years to make our schools more effective, strengthening our urban communities, and fighting for working class families in the 34th District.”

A Montclair resident since 1995, Mark Alexander is a Professor at Seton Hall University School of Law and former Senior Advisor to President Obama. He worked in a number of capacities for Obama during the 2008 campaign, including as a National Policy Director and New Jersey State Director. He was also General Counsel to Newark Mayor Cory Booker in 2006, and an aide to Senator Ted Kennedy.

The 34th Legislative District includes Clifton, East Orange, Montclair and Orange.