At a spirited town hall held in the heart of South Jersey, Democratic Senator Andy Kim urged residents to remain politically engaged in what he described as a “critical moment” for American democracy. The event, held on March 20 at a local Teamsters union hall in Egg Harbor City, brought together a diverse group of voters — including supporters, critics, and concerned citizens — all eager to share their thoughts on the current political climate.
The town hall marked the first stop in Kim’s three-day tour across Republican-held congressional districts in southern New Jersey, a region closely tied to former President Donald Trump’s past casino ventures in Atlantic City. Kim’s visit comes amid heightened political tensions and mounting concerns over the trajectory of national governance.
“Please stay engaged, stay with me, stay with others and help me try to build the kind of movement that we need to be able to mobilize,” Kim told the audience of around 150 people. “That’s what gives me hope.”
A Call for Civic Responsibility
Senator Kim, who is also vying for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by indicted Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, centered his message on civic responsibility and unity. He emphasized that democratic participation must extend beyond elections and into everyday conversations, activism, and holding elected leaders accountable.
Kim’s appeal appeared to resonate with many in attendance, particularly those voicing fears over potential cuts to essential public services, such as Medicaid. Several constituents raised questions about how Democratic leaders plan to defend such programs against Republican-led proposals.
One emotional exchange came from Susan Coll-Guedes, a local mother whose 24-year-old son has Down syndrome and relies heavily on Medicaid-funded nursing care.
“I don’t know how we’re going to keep living if Medicaid is taken away,” she said, tearfully expressing her family’s reliance on the program.
Senator Kim left the podium and hugged her, offering reassurance and stating his commitment to protecting healthcare for the most vulnerable.
Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and provides health coverage to low-income individuals and those with disabilities. More information about Medicaid programs in New Jersey can be found on the NJ FamilyCare website.
Frustration with Democratic Leadership
While many attendees supported Kim, several voiced frustrations about what they see as a lackluster Democratic response to President Trump’s aggressive policy maneuvers.
“They have tossed all of the rules out of the window,” said Heather Ogden of Camden County. “We want to see Democrats fighting harder.”
That sentiment has been echoed nationally as some Democrats criticize the party for failing to mount a more forceful opposition to recent Republican actions. These include challenges to voting rights, proposed cuts to federal aid programs, and controversial judicial appointments.
A detailed record of Congressional actions and pending legislation can be accessed through Congress.gov.
Bipartisanship and Respectful Dialogue
Not all attendees were Democrats. Some Trump supporters also attended, including one who questioned why Kim didn’t applaud during parts of Trump’s recent address to Congress.
Kim responded calmly, stating that while he applauded sections he agreed with, the speech overall lacked respect for many Americans.“I want to see more respect in our political discourse,” he said. “That includes respect from the President, from Congress, and from each of us in this room.”
The event emphasized Kim’s efforts to maintain dialogue across the aisle, something he believes is crucial for rebuilding trust in democratic institutions.
A Campaign with a Message
Kim’s town hall tour comes as part of a broader campaign effort to connect with constituents ahead of the 2026 Senate race. His candidacy for the seat currently held by Senator Bob Menendez gained momentum following Menendez’s indictment on federal corruption charges, which have shaken New Jersey politics.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed multiple charges against Menendez, including allegations of bribery and obstruction of justice. Kim has positioned himself as a clean and accessible alternative, focused on transparency and public service.
Throughout the event, Kim highlighted his roots as the son of immigrants and his background in national security and public service. His remarks were often punctuated by audience applause, especially when he spoke about protecting democracy, healthcare access, and restoring faith in government.
Looking Ahead
The turnout at the town hall — which exceeded the venue’s capacity and saw additional attendees standing outside — reflects a growing desire among New Jersey residents to remain informed and involved.
Senator Kim plans to continue his tour across additional towns in southern New Jersey in the coming days, listening to concerns and outlining his legislative priorities.
For constituents interested in attending future events or learning more about Kim’s policy positions, visit his official U.S. Senate webpage or follow his updates on Senator Andy Kim’s X account.
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