On April 5, 2025, the Green Party of New Jersey held its 2025 annual convention at the Jackson Township Library. The event was in person and virtual and was a resounding success. The all-day event featured an inspirational keynote address by Dr. Jill Stein, an address by our gubernatorial candidate, Stephen N. Zielinski, Sr., and other speakers, along with breakfast and lunch, entertainment, and GPNJ elections.
Candidate Zielinski spoke of the need for regenerative agriculture, Medicare for All for all New Jerseyans, and green jobs and infrastructure as a way to grow the state economy.
Dr. Stein spoke of the divide between rich and poor, which is growing in this country, and the failure of the Democratic Party to address the needs of working people. She also recounted her situation in which she is currently being charged with resisting arrest and assault of a police officer, after she was accosted by police at a college protest.
Tom Knoche and Lloyd Alterman, on the board of the New Jersey Universal Healthcare Coalition, spoke of the ongoing efforts to bring Medicare for All to New Jersey and cover everyone under federal Medicare. Informative hand-outs were provided and questions answered. Pending bill S-304 in the state legislature embodies this proposal, which is fully supported by the GPNJ and its candidates. We are on the Board as a member of the Coalition.
Rachael Bane and Steve Zielinski provided training and support for the current state GPNJ candidates. Anam Raja, of the Green Party of South Jersey, addressed the convention about forming an Arab/Muslim Caucus within the GPNJ. A resolution and written bylaws were submitted for approval by the Green Council.
Madelyn Hoffman, GPNJ Policy Committee Chair and Chair of the GPUS GPAX Committee, spoke of the recent developments of the genocide in Gaza by the Israeli government and her new book, A Fleeting Glance, which is from the point of view of two girls in Palestine as to the horrific situation there. One girl is an illegal Israeli settler, and the other is a Palestinian. Li Adorno of Movimento Cosecha, a community organizer, spoke of the current immigration issues surrounding detention centers and ICE activity that face New Jersey.
The GPNJ also submitted reports of the various committees, the Assembly and local candidates introduced themselves and their campaigns, and held its annual elections of officers and committee chairs. The following were elected by unanimous acclamation, and their annual terms begin on June 1, 2025, per our bylaws:
- Co-Chairs: Ben Taylor (re-elected), Lily Benavides, and Rachael Bane
- Treasurer: Barry Bendar
- Secretary: Tom Cannavo
- Action Committee: Robin Brownfield
- Finance Committee: Lily Benavides
- Membership Committee: Renee Johnston
- Communications Committee: Craig Cayatano
- Elections Committee: Barry Bendar
As for the National Green Party of the United States, the delegates are Kim Meudt and Jon Serrano. The delegate alternates are Steve Welzer and Robin Brownfield. Renee Johnston was recently appointed to the National
Outreach Committee and is on the Black Caucus. Anam Raja was appointed to the GPAX National Committee. Jon Serrano was appointed to the National Media Committee. Tom Cannavo is currently on the Accreditation Committee. Barry Bendar is currently on the Eco-action and Animal Rights committees. Madelyn Hoffman is the chair of the GPAX Committee. Craig Cayatano is currently on the Steering Committee, Campaign, Merchandise, Media, and Outreach Committees.
Report prepared by: Tom Cannavo