As a fellow Republican who happens to be transgender, I believe that Mr. New Jersey needs a new senator who will work independently to make Washington work better for us and not the other way around. >READ MORE: The threat to our democracy? Our indifference to fixing our voting machines.
Hugin will add his voice and his vote to protect our transgender service members serving around the world and in harm's way. All these senators spoke out forcefully against the Trump administration's proposed ban on transgender military service. John McCain, Orrin Hatch, Joni Ernst, Richard Shelby, and N.J. Marine Corps.īy taking this position as a senatorial candidate, Bob Hugin stands with Republican Sens. Hugin learned to respect while serving in the U.S. Inclusion, diversity, and service to country are all things that Mr. Anyone who is fit to serve should serve and that includes transgender people, and I would have no trouble saying that publicly." military?" He responded unequivocally: "Yes. Hugin: "Do you believe transgender Americans should be allowed to serve in our U.S. Hugin this past March, I asked him about his commitment to protecting the liberty, freedom, and equality of LGBTQ Americans, and he said that he is for marriage equality and is for non-discrimination protections in employment, housing, and medical care.įurther, I asked Mr. I've had success as well because, for me, these issues aren't about party or politics, they're about people. I've spent the last few years working to advance liberty, freedom, and equality for transgender Americans and to help gain support and understanding for non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people – here in New Jersey and across America. I always remind people of the Ronald Reagan rule: my 80 percent friend isn't my 20 percent enemy.Īs a transgender woman in American politics, this rule has served me well. I've approached people from all walks of life, including Democrats and Republicans, to find common ground on the issues that unite us. What struck me is how unlike other national Republicans he is and also, how similarly we approach politics. How'd they get stuck with corrupt Bob Menendez? | Will BunchĪ few months ago, my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Hugin and speaking with him about why he's running to be New Jersey's next senator. Now, our state's LGBTQ community is caught up in the furor of campaign politics. But that's exactly what's happening in New Jersey with Bob Hugin. This is an intriguing race to watch because it's not often that good people give up a successful career in business to run for public office, especially when our politics are so partisan and divisive. Senate campaign between Republican Bob Hugin and Democratic incumbent Sen. We are witnessing a very tough, competitive U.S. At this time of year, many New Jerseyans are thinking more about shore visits than politics.