Better together; at least, that’s how Chris Tully and Lisa Swain feel after seven years of serving together in the New Jersey state assembly. Now, the dynamic duo is running for reelection in the 38th District, emphasizing their deep commitment to fighting antisemitism, strengthening schools and expanding essential services for everyone in their constituency. At the heart of their campaign is a track record of steadfast support for the Jewish community and a clear, inclusive vision for the state’s future.

Assemblyman Tully may be known to many in Bergenfield as the only government official who came to show his support in person when a protest in front of a private residence unfolded in November 2024. While on a visit in the area, Tully was informed that a large anti-Israel mob would be convening in front of a home that was hosting an Israeli real estate event, and made a point to attend the counter-protest in solidarity with the Jewish community.

“I was not invited ahead of time, but as soon as I heard what was happening I knew it was important for me to be there,” he shared with The Jewish Link.

This show of solidarity is just a small slice of Tully’s commitment to the needs of the Jewish community in his constituency, which he has championed alongside Swain. This has included advocacy in Trenton, which Tully explained led to a push to move the primary election from its original date of June 2—falling out this year on Shavuot—to June 10. “We are always listening to the concerns of our Jewish constituents, and we want to jump into action,” Swain added.

That principle was reflected this week, when New Jersey native and dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander was released from Hamas captivity. Alexander, originally from Tenafly, was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023 and was the last remaining living American hostage in Gaza. Upon hearing the news, Tully and Swain were “overcome with relief and joy” for Alexander’s return home.

“Edan’s strength and courage throughout this heartbreaking experience is truly admirable, and we’re keeping him and his loved ones in our thoughts as he begins the process of healing,” they said. “Our hearts remain with the families of all hostages who are still waiting for the safe return of their loved ones. We continue to hope and pray for their release and for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.”

And in the face of rising antisemitism nationwide, Tully and Swain have made it a top priority to advocate for increased resources, security and educational initiatives. According to Swain, the priorities are beyond financial; she has even leveraged her leadership role in the state assembly to push for an adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and continued Holocaust education across the state.

Part of their advocacy has been paying special attention to students in nonpublic schools. Swain and Tully have significantly increased state aid for nonpublic schools—raising security aid from $75 per pupil in 2018 to $205 in the 2024-2025 school year. They’ve also bolstered funding for technology, STEM programs, transportation and nursing services in nonpublic schools, ensuring that students in these institutions receive comprehensive educational support. Impressively, they have also increased the maximum aid-in-lieu of transportation payment to $1,177 per pupil.

“We believe that every student deserves a great education, and deserves to be safe and healthy, no matter which school they choose to attend,” Swain emphasized.

Beyond schools, the duo has championed funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which allocates $10 million in the FY25 state budget to secure religious institutions and nonprofit organizations. According to Tully, their office of constituent services is working “around the clock” to assist with grant applications.

“It’s been a difficult budget cycle … but our priorities remain: safety, security and education,” Tully noted.

Tully and Swain’s FY25 budget priorities included co-sponsorships of resolutions to support $500,000 for Kosher Meals on Wheels through the Jewish Federation of New Jersey, $1.5 million for security initiatives for the Federation and $100,000 for the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Mobile Museum of Tolerance—programs that not only serve the Jewish community but promote tolerance and safety for all New Jersey residents.

“The key for us has been keeping close communication with our constituents,” Swain noted. “We continue to check in on rabbis, lay leaders and Jewish families to make sure we’re taking the right actions.”

Tully added that it’s been a top priority for the both of them to make appearances and issue statements whenever they can to show their unwavering support. “People need to see where their elected officials stand … and we make sure to be there.”

And, of course, working together is central to their campaign. “Lisa and I have an incredible partnership,” said Tully. “I feel so fortunate to have her as my running mate, and I couldn’t do this without her.”

Their shared priorities for the next term remain clear: increasing public safety, fighting discrimination, expanding educational opportunities and making sure community services meet the needs of every resident in the district. “We’re running as a team, fighting for the community together.”

Channa Fischer is digital editor of The Jewish Link. She resides in Washington Heights.