Congressional Candidate Jason Castle Endorsed by Assemblyman, Ex-Giant

Former Marine and 5th District Congressional Candidate Jason Castle picked up endorsements from Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-37) and NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson at a campaign event in Teaneck over the weekend.

“When I was originally considering running for Congress, Democrats, Independents and Republicans came up to me and said they were supporting me because we needed more good people and good leaders in Washington,” Carson said in a prepared statement. “That is what I have to say about Jason Castle: He is a good person and a good leader. He is authentic, genuine, and will fight to change Washington.

Carson announced last month he had decided not to run against Republican Rep. Scott Garrett for the .

Johnson, of Englewood, also said he would back Castle.

“From the first moment I met with Jason, his passion and commitment were clear,” Johnson said in the statement. “There is still a long campaign ahead but he will have my help and support in this great endeavor.” 

Castle, who is moving to Teaneck from Cliffside Park, never held elected office and has billed himself a moderate Democrat .

Teaneck , and sources told politickernj.com he was more likely to be backed by the Bergen County Democratic Committee, assuming no other Democrats enter the race.

Public relations executive and News12 host Jim McQueeny was expected to run, but abruptly dropped out last week.

The new Republican-leaning 5th district now stretches from the Teaneck-area into Sussex County.