George Helmy in 2024 NJ Senate race
On Abortion:
Played a role in codifying Roe v. Wade into state law
As Murphy's chief of staff, Helmy played a primary role in guiding New Jersey through a global pandemic, significant upgrades of the state's credit ratings, and the passage of legislation codifying Roe v.
Wade into state law and strengthening the state's gun safety regulations. On Helmy's watch, Murphy became the first Democratic governor in 44 years to win re-election.
Source: New Jersey Globe on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 14, 2024
On Drugs:
Worked with Helmy on legalization of adult-use marijuana
ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNETTE QUIJANO: "George Helmy is a consummate public servant who will be an outstanding U.S. Senator for New Jersey. Under the Governor's leadership, I've worked closely with George to move our state forward on a
range of challenging issues, including expanding driver's licenses to New Jerseyans regardless of immigration status, anti-wage theft legislation, expungement expansion, expanding paid family leave, and the legalization of adult-use marijuana."
Source: New Jersey Globe on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 16, 2024
On Health Care:
Covid exasperated crisis in youth mental health
There'll be a number of things that I worked with on the state level. We already had a crisis in youth mental health. Covid, in my opinion, exasperated it.
I think I want to help drive a conversation about federal resources to help states and localities deal with high school and college-age children who may be in crisis.
Source: Politico.com on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 30, 2024
On Immigrant:
Immigrant parents gave sons chance to pursue American Dream
I am the son of immigrants who left the country they loved, left everything and nearly everyone they knew and cared about, and arrived, as millions had, in New Jersey. Their hopes were the same as millions who came before and who
have come since--my parents, who are here today, left everything behind and chose New Jersey as the place to give their as-yet-unborn sons the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.
Source: Insider NJ on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 16, 2024
On Principles & Values:
Was unaffiliated; became Democrat to support candidate
Mr. Helmy registered as a Democrat in March, six days before the candidate he was supporting in the Democratic Senate primary, Tammy Murphy, New Jersey's first lady, dropped out of the race. Before then, he was registered as
an independent--or "unaffiliated"--voter. "I've worked my entire career to advance Democratic priorities," Mr. Helmy said in an email, "and that's what I'll continue to do during my short tenure as a U.S. Senator."
Source: NY Times on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 23, 2024
On Principles & Values:
I consider public service a privilege
I consider public service a privilege. You get to roll up your sleeves and make a difference. And if you approach it in a thoughtful way, where you don't start off as a partisan, you start off as an American--you come into every conversation
saying, "How can I make a little bit of progress here?"--the winners and the losers are not the people in the room. The winners and the losers are the people who you work on behalf of.
Source: Politico.com on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 30, 2024
On Principles & Values:
First member of the Coptic Christian Church in the Senate
When he takes office, Helmy will be joined on the Senate floor by Booker, his former boss and the state's soon-to-be senior senator. He will be one of about fifteen former staffers serving in the U.S. Senate. Helmy will become the first member of the
Coptic Christian Church and the sixth Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate. He will be the fifth-youngest member of the Senate.
Source: New Jersey Globe on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 14, 2024
On Principles & Values:
I have never--nor will I ever--seek elected office
I have never--nor will I ever--seek elected office. As a matter of fact, as the Governor alluded to, the idea of being called "Senator" bothers me deeply--and I recognize I'll now be spending the rest of my life telling people, "Please, go back to
calling me what you did before."But our residents deserve a functioning Senate office upon which they can call for help. And yes, New Jersey deserves its full voice and representation on the floor of the United States Senate.
Source: Insider NJ on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 16, 2024
On Civil Rights:
Ensure all marginalized communities have a seat at the table
GARDEN STATE EQUALITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRISTIAN FUSCARINO: "Governor Phil Murphy's appointment of George Helmy to fill the Senate vacancy reinforces his commitment to social progress.
George is a tireless and unwavering ally--often working behind the scenes with social justice organizations to ensure all marginalized communities have a seat at the table. This choice reflects the Murphy administration's enduring dedication to inclusion.
Source: New Jersey Globe on 2024 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 16, 2024
Page last updated: Sep 16, 2024