Akil Khalfani Wants ‘Change, Progress’ If Elected In NJ-10

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The doctor is in – and he’s looking to capture a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dr. Akil Khalfani says he’s banking on the public’s desire for change and progress to launch him to victory in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District this November. (Learn more about his platform here)

Khalfani, who is running as an independent candidate, has been framing his outsider status as a plus, asking his supporters to “vote off the line” on his campaign website.

• See related article: NJ Primary Ballots Bamboozle Voters With 'The Line,' Experts Say

A veteran educator – and the first in his family to earn a college degree – Khalfani has taught sociology and Africana studies at Essex County College for nearly 15 years. He’s also an active member of the West Orange Human Relations Commission.

Khalfani’s platform includes “dismantling racial and social inequities,” improving public education, and addressing homelessness. He also is pushing for criminal justice reform, Medicare For All and “environmental equity,” and is a supporter of slavery reparations.

Equally important to Khalfani is the concept of “family.” Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, his parents raised him along with his three siblings in a tight extended family and community. His grandparents lived next door, and his aunt lived in the apartment upstairs.

Khalfani is running against incumbent Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who won the Democratic Party nomination in the primary election, and Jennifer Zinone, who captured the Republican Party nomination. He is also facing John Mirrione of the Libertarian Party and Khaliah Fitchette, who is running as an independent candidate.

New Jersey's 10th Congressional District covers portions of Essex, Hudson and Union counties, including the following municipalities: Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Maplewood, Montclair, Newark, Orange, South Orange, West Orange, Bayonne, Jersey City, Hillside, Linden, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park and Union Township.

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