As Congressman Andy Kim vies for a U.S. Senate seat in the 2024 New Jersey Democratic Primary against Lawrence “Larry” Hamm, he faces scrutiny from various special interest groups.
Kim, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2019, has received mixed ratings on his legislative performance, which could drive primary voters to choose a stronger advocate.
The Children’s Defense Fund rated Kim at 75% for 2019-2020, reflecting his moderate support for children’s welfare. Conversely, the Campaign for Working Families gave him a low 17% for the same period.
The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste consistently rated him poorly, with scores of 1% in 2019, 0% in 2020, and 2% in 2022, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility.
Results, a movement of passionate, committed everyday people who use their voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to hunger and poverty, rated Kim at 32% in 2019, improving to 65% for 2021-2022, and 63% for 2023-2024.
The American Association of University Women gave him an 86% rating for both 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, reflecting his less than perfect support for gender equity in education and the workplace.
Kim’s Senate bid started after Hamm, known for his lifelong dedication to justice and leadership of the People’s Organization for Progress, announced his candidacy shortly before Menendez was indicted for the second time in September.
Hamm, who supported Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns, is the only one of three Democratic contenders who did not support Senator Bob Menendez after his federal trial on bribery charges ended with a hung jury.
Kim ran on the 2018 Democratic primary ballot alongside
Kim has garnered significant support from the New Jersey political establishment and has a strong track record in fundraising, consistently outspending his Republican opponents. The Democratic primary will test Kim’s appeal against Hamm’s grassroots advocacy and longstanding commitment to progressive causes.