New Jersey Senator Andy Kim addressed a standing-room-only town hall on Thursday, urging the crowd to stay politically engaged. Speaking to a packed audience at a union hall in Egg Harbor City, Kim emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping government policies. His message came as he kicked off a three-day tour across GOP-held districts, aiming to connect with voters and address their concerns.
Kim’s visit comes at a time when Democrats are struggling to push back against former President Donald Trump’s policies. He called on citizens to mobilize, stay informed, and take action to influence political decisions.
“Please stay engaged, stay with me, and help build the movement we need,” he urged the attendees. Many in the audience voiced frustrations over potential budget cuts, particularly regarding Medicaid and other essential services.
Emotional Moments and Strong Opinions at the Town Hall
One of the most touching moments of the town hall came when Susan Coll-Guedes, a mother from Galloway, expressed concerns about Medicaid cuts. Her 24-year-old son with Down syndrome relies on Medicaid for nursing care, and she fears these services might be taken away.
Fighting back tears, she said, “We are not bad people. This is not waste. It’s not fraud. It’s real.” Moved by her words, Kim approached and hugged her, showing his support.
Throughout the event, attendees demanded that Democrats take a stronger stance against Trump’s policies and other influential figures like Elon Musk. Heather Ogden, a Camden County resident, expressed frustration over what she saw as a disregard for established political norms. “They have tossed all of the rules out of the window,” she said, calling for stronger resistance from Democratic leaders.
Kim Responds to Critics and Calls for Accountability
Not everyone in the town hall opposed the Trump administration. One pro-Trump attendee wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat questioned Kim about his behavior during a recent Congressional speech.
He asked why Kim did not clap when Trump honored certain individuals in the House gallery. In response, Kim explained that he did applaud when a young boy battling cancer was recognized but felt that the president had set a tone of “disrespect” throughout the event.
Kim also addressed the broader concerns of the audience, emphasizing the need to hold leaders accountable. He highlighted that while legal challenges against the administration are necessary, public engagement and political activism are equally important. “
So much of what we believe about checks and balances in this country is just based on norms,” he said, “and we see what happens when people refuse to follow them.”
Town Hall Highlights Public Interest in Politics
Kim, who took office early after Bob Menendez’s resignation, has been an active voice in Democratic politics since his first election in 2018 in a Republican-leaning district. His town hall was packed beyond capacity, with some attendees watching from outside on their phones after being turned away due to space limitations.
His call for civic engagement resonated with many, as he continues to build support in districts that remain politically divided. With a focus on grassroots activism, Kim’s message was clear—political involvement is essential for shaping the future of the country.
