“Have nots” have a chance to elect Larry Hamm as rich folks back Andy Kim

Lawrence “Larry” Hamm, a seasoned civil rights activist and chairman of the People’s Organization For Progress, is making his second bid for the U.S. Senate as a candidate in the 2024 New Jersey Democratic Primary.

Hamm, known for his decades-long commitment to social justice causes, is campaigning on a platform focused on healthcare reform, climate change, and economic equality but his chances are largely overshadowed by the unified political establishment support that is lining up behind warmongering Congressman Andy Kim, a one time advisor to disgraced former General David Patreaeus.

After raising more than $3 million and scoring a number of victories among political insiders at conventions held to award unfair ballot advantages, Kim forced Governor Phil Murphy’s wife, Tammy, out of the race for the Democratic nomination leading power brokers and party bosses to close ranks around him.

PACs and media outlets are already calling Kim the ‘presumptive Democratic nominee’ months before a single vote is cast, but Hamm is the working class hero struggling to organize a push against the establishment pick.

A prominent figure in New Jersey activism, Hamm gained recognition for his advocacy work, including his leadership in Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns, but his constituency is largely comprised of working class Americans who lack financial wealth and rarely participate in political organizing.

He has outlined an extensive agenda highlighting key priorities such as Medicare for All, reparations for slavery, affordable housing initiatives, and laws to address police brutality.

“Senators should fight every day to make life better for all of us. For me, that means, first and foremost, fighting for Medicare For All,” said Hamm, who proposed a comprehensive healthcare system that eliminates private insurance and provides coverage for all Americans.

Hamm’s background as an activist traces back to his early years in Newark, where he was appointed to the Board of Education when he was only 18 years old and emerged as a vocal advocate for equity and community empowerment.

His activism continued during his time at Princeton University, where he organized protests against apartheid in South Africa, leading to the Ivy League college’s divestment from the apartheid economy.

Over the years, Hamm has held various leadership roles, including his work through the People’s Organization For Progress, which he founded and currently chairs. Under his leadership, POP has campaigned for social, economic, and racial justice, staging protests and advocating for policy changes.

Hamm’s campaign is also focused on environmental issues, advocating for measures to combat climate change and promoting gun control policies, including a ban on assault weapons.

On the economy, Hamm supports increasing the federal minimum wage and addressing systemic inequalities.

Hamm and Kim hold very different positions on Medicare for All, erasing student loan debt, and immediately ending the slaughter of children in Gaza, where Israeli military forces are indiscriminately killing Palestinians in retaliation for the October 7 terrorist attacks.

Kim is opposed to Medicare for All, erasing student loan debt, and ending the slaughter of children.

Hamm is for all that and he is the only remaining contender who did not support Senator Bob Menendez in the 2018 primary election, when a progressive challenger took four of ten ballots cast away from the corrupt incumbent, who was Kim’s running mate at the time.

Hamm has received numerous awards and honors for his activism, including recognition from the National Education Association and Insider NJ’s Power List.

With a strong emphasis on protecting reproductive rights and advancing social justice initiatives, Hamm’s campaign represents a push for progressive policies within the Democratic Party, which has largely been subsumed in a Wall Street-style hostile take over.

As the primary race unfolds, Hamm’s platform is likely to resonate with voters seeking substantive change on key issues but his ability to spread the word is likely to be hindered by a lack of financial backing.

The contest will present a challenge to the party of the people, as political power brokers try to cut the public out from the process.