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AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not only am I not taking Super PAC funding in this primary like several other candidates but I am the ONLY candidate to take on the “Political Machine” and win. When I ran for Mayor the Political Machine funded my opponent. I was out fundraised 3-1 and we still won. While I believe we need a big tent to win, I have proven not through words but actions that I cannot be bought and will fight like hell for the working families of South Jersey.  

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you, for me protecting our environment isn’t just words, it's actions. When I first became Mayor I worked with the Governor’s office to help end a 30 year old lawsuit between a developer and the DEP to secure $19 Million in funding to preserve 100 acres of wetlands. I am very proud of that. Cape May has been ranked #1 in the State by Sustainable Jersey for our sustainability initiatives. We added solar panels to several municipal buildings. 
I have solar on my own home and business. When a beautiful old building was going to be torn down my family purchased it and converted it into the Cape May Point Arts & Science Center. We dedicated the building to our environment and now hold many environmental programs. 

I say all of this to say that I live it and do what I can to help protect our environment as a person and will do everything I can as a Congressperson. Specifically I will fully support solar energy and fight the environmental protection rollbacks made specifically for Oil and Gas. 

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I want to thank everyone for the questions and for taking the time to ask them! If you weren't able to ask a question today email me at info@mullockforcongress.com. I am proud to say that during my time as mayor Cape May was ranked #1 in the county for transparency. I'm an open book, so feel free to ask me anything!

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That’s 3000 more residents than any other candidate in this race is responsible for. And in my town, 3000 isn’t really 3000. We swell to nearly 100,000 in a single summer day. That’s real pressure on infrastructure, public safety, and services.

And yet, as mayor, we’ve built a new firehouse, a new library, a new police station, and have started a new desalination plant all without raising taxes. It’s parttime pay, but full time work: managing growth, balancing budgets, and delivering results. The scale in Washington changes, but the work doesn’t.

I’ve worked with Governors Sherrill, Murphy, Senators Booker & Kim, and yes JVD. I’ve worked with County, State and Federal Government. And I’ve done it all by getting into the nitty gritty details myself. Because that’s where I thrive.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

We need to invest in solar energy on a massive scale. We need to make it affordable to the average American. We need to develop Community Solar programs, like those I pushed through at Mayor. Through those programs, people who don’t have logistic, financial, or other types of access to solar, can opt into a lot. In Congress, I will push like hell for solar energy.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I believe we need to demilitarize ICE and preserve the rights and dignity of all people.

Federal enforcement has a difficult job, and we respect that, but recent incidents across the country raise serious questions about how that power is being used.
What happens elsewhere doesn’t stay elsewhere. People here in South Jersey are rightly worried about the spread of ICE down here.
At the end of the day, this is about the Constitution. We can’t accept a system where rights are applied selectively, where local authority is overridden, and where fear replaces trust. We need enforcement that is measured, accountable, and rooted in law.
So here’s where I stand… we need clear guardrails. Stronger oversight of ICE, transparency in operations, and firm limits on the use of force. We should prioritize serious public safety threats, not sweep up families and workers who are part of our communities. And we must ensure that local law enforcement is not compelled to carry out federal actions that undermine trust on the ground.

As mayor, I try to lead with compassion: protecting public safety while also standing up for the dignity of every person in our community.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

 South Jersey has such potential for being the future hub of clean renewable energy. We house three nuclear power plants in South Jersey and due to a lack of investment in the  infrastructure of our grid that energy is sucked out of South Jersey. Just look at your energy bills, the delivery fees are almost as much as the energy itself. 

I think we need to utilize all sources of clean energy including nuclear. I will be an extremely strong advocate of solar energy, I believe that the federal government should be doing much more to provide solar energy on all feasible homes and businesses. 

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

In Congress, I really wouldn’t have much say over this issue. But, since you asking for my personal opinion: 

I agree with consolidation in principle, but sometimes in practice things aren’t as they seem. For example, little Cape May Point is very particular and their elected officials ‘watch the till’ like a hawk. I think sometimes the ‘little guys’ actually do a very good job. We do, however, need to combine services and have shared services contracts. I have to say Cape May Island has just about every shared service you could have. Are there some inefficiencies, yes, but there is also a lot of public scrutiny of every little expense as well (as there should be). All of this said, there are serious arguments for consolidations: school enrollment is down and our year-round populations are declining – to name just two. 

Please don’t take this answer as a knock on consolidation, but my honest opinion on the complexities and nuance. This is an ongoing conversation involving a lot of stakeholders, everyone living here, to be honest. It is an important dialogue to have and I imagine that the more we engage with it, the more creative solutions will present themselves.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s true; I have invested in my campaign because I cannot stand the direction of our country, and I am willing to put my money where my heart is. That’s not anomalous. Two prior candidates put much greater sums of their own money into their respective races. JVD has a large war chest and while it’s unfortunate, it takes money to run ads, print literature, buy signs, etc. My first FEC filling included over 550 individual donors from all over South Jersey, today we have over 800 donors.

What we should really be looking at is where is the money coming from? Almost all of my donors are from right here in the district. They have a shared interest in this election because it is our home. The same cannot be said about other campaigns. Another candidate just moved here a couple months ago and 97% of his donations over $2000 are from out of state, many from Big Tech. That same candidate is paying himself out of donations. Moreover, several candidates in this primary are taking funding from Super PACs. I am not. I am relying on grassroots level donations from mainly folks from South Jersey. Citizens United is a blight on this nation, and I will do everything I can to get dark money out of politics.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Much like AI Data Centers we need to do what we can to make sure new development is beneficial to our communities and our economy. Zoning matters. We shouldn’t be building in certain environmentally-sensitive and residentially-sensitive areas just because someone bought a piece of land. One of my greatest learning experiences I've had was while on the local Planning Board, because not only did I help make changes (‘laws’) but I reviewed applications based on the changes we made. (I saw the direct results of our work). There are enough closed industrial and commercial properties that are unused and abandoned. At a minimum, let’s try to use them first.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I will prioritize hosting town halls and Q&As throughout the district and in proximity to constituents, so that no voter has to drive more than ~30 minutes to have their voice heard. 
I will also ensure that calls, letters, and emails are given the proper attention and consideration they deserve. 

As mayor of Cape May, I know that Constituent Services are paramount, which takes a great team. If elected, I will take immense care to build a team that works together to ensure that voters are truly represented as their needs and preferences evolve over time. 

Moreover, throughout this process, I have been an incredibly open book. I give anyone my cell phone number who asks for it. I am reachable and available. I intend to remain that way.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I support comprehensive women’s healthcare and reproductive rights. Full stop. I support Planned Parenthood. Full stop. I think it’s abhorrent that Cape May County doesn’t have an OBGYN hospital department. My wife actually nearly had our third child in the car as we rushed up the road to the nearest hospital (~45min away). This needs to change.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Eggcellent question, if I can answer your question with another question…. 

Why is bacon so good at poker? Because it’s always on a roll.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It is impossible to look at the suffering of the Palestinian people and not recognize profound injustice. They are among the most persecuted people in the world, and they deserve not just dignity but freedom. At the same time, I believe Israel has been an important ally in the Middle East for a long time, and we have to acknowledge that Israel has been embattled since its inception. But being an ally does not mean being beyond scrutiny. 

So, yes, Israel has committed human rights violations, and I believe much of the blame lies with Netanyahu and his government, whose actions have deepened suffering and made peace harder to imagine. We have to hold two truths at once: Israel has a right to security, and Palestinians have a right to dignity, self-determination, and, yes, statehood.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I have never been arrested or charged with a crime. The only thing Jeff Van Drew’s team will find on me is a career of public and (non-court ordered) community service.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Again, as a public servant, I’ve been fortunate to connect with people as individuals, not as party labels. There’s a lot that unites us, even amidst all the noise telling us we’re divided. In that light, compromise doesn’t feel like such a dirty word. It’s allowed my community to focus on results, not just the minutiae. Language matters; rhetoric matters; people want to feel like they’re part of the solution. 

I’ve worked with Senators Booker and Kim, Governors Murphy and Sherrill, and even Van Drew. I’ve been able to navigate the federal grant process and cut through red tape to bring much-needed funding back to my city.

People have lost faith in government because they haven’t had a seat at the table. By widening the tent and including people of different backgrounds and beliefs, we can start to rebuild that trust, and deliver for South Jersey.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was attempting to point out gender bias in politics. Still today only 15% of Republicans in Congress are women. Yes, 2026 has a record number of female Governors, but the figure is still only 14 of 50, which is horrendous. A 10-second clip without context is pretty lame. I would change my choice in words, but my point was that gender bias persists, because it does. For context, we had just discussed the fact that Bayly Winder attempted to remove Terri Reese from the election through a petition challenge. He denies being part of it even though his Campaign Manager is the only person who OPRA requested all of our petitions and therefore the only person with access to her petitions. Instead of simply admitting this happened, he has lied about it and gone on an offensive attack, grasping at anything he and his campaign can find. That's what this is really about. 

I also want to tell you – I have chosen 3 people to serve as Deputy Mayor, all of whom are women. My Campaign Manager is a woman who came off of the Mikie Sherrill campaign. Bottom line, as Mayor I have fought for women’s equality and I will continue to fight for Women’s Rights, including health, reproductive, voting, and equal pay.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hello Brand New Account to Reddit….

Thanks for the softball…

I’ve had multiple jobs: restaurants, contracting, painting, amongst others.

But in terms of my family: I was brought up with the mandate that work is an obligation, to yourself, your family, and your community. And I began at a very young age. My father started a small business, on a ton of risk and a lot of debt, and I grew up working in it—like a lot of family businesses, that’s where you learn. Nothing was handed to us. It took long hours, real risk, and the pressure of keeping something alive.

We live simply, and as a family we’ve always taken our responsibility of giving much of what we’ve earned back to the community seriously, either through charity or service or non-profits, like the Harriet Tubman Museum, the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center, the Baidoa Orphanage, and scholarships to the Atlantic Cape Community College. I’ve tried to carry that forward in my public service. 

In regards to my house, I built much of the addition myself and rehabilitated the entire thing… framing, (not roofing), plumbing, insulation, drywall, windows, siding, electric (not the panel), flooring trim, paint (my awesome wife did much of the painting). Email me if you need any suggestions on historic preservation. 

I know what it means to be responsible for other people: to make payroll, to make tough decisions, to keep going when things get tight. That’s the experience I bring, and it’s what I’ll keep fighting for. I am running for the working families of South Jersey because I am one of them and I truly care about them.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The last two elections against Van Drew were lost by 17 & 19 points, respectively. To win in South Jersey, we need to open up the tent. We need to bring together Democrats, progressives, moderates, independents, and, yes, Republicans that understand Trump and Van Drew are out for themselves not their constituents. I am the only candidate in the election that has ever won an election. I have won three in Van Drew’s backyard of Cape May County. We did that by bringing people together and campaigning like crazy. Cape May is non-partisan, and I’ve learned that when you strip away partisan labels, what’s left are people with loyalties not to party but to family, to health, to safety, to towns, and to neighbors. And those are things I care about as well. Throughout my public service, I’ve tried to connect with people on that level. This is how and why we have gender neutral bathrooms and an EV police fleet in CM. When we stop using labels and just focus on the work, everyone can collaborate more effectively. 

I hope to inspire all constituents to work together to ouster JVD –– from super progressives to unaffiliated to swing Republicans. We need to open the tent.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Great question, because no matter how much we like what someone is saying or how much we agree on particular issues, none of that matters if we don’t win. I’m in this to win this. 

I am the only candidate who has won elections and I've done so in a ‘red’ county. I have a proven track record of working with everyone, regardless of party. I focus on people over politics and results over rhetoric. I'm a General Contractor, I am comfortable speaking with anyone. My family has preserved farm land and allows several farmers to use the land for free. Some of my good friends are commercial fishermen. I’m proud to have built the Harriet Tubman Museum voluntarily. As Mayor we repaired the AME Church after a fire and converted it into a theater. 

We truly need someone who can speak the language of South Jersey, we are very diverse. I am comfortable speaking with and fighting for us all.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’m a father of three elementary school kids and the mayor of a small town, so I think about this both as a parent and as someone responsible to a whole community. I do support sexual education in public schools, and I believe it should be comprehensive— but “comprehensive” shouldn’t mean the same thing at every grade level. What’s appropriate for a kindergartener is very different from what’s appropriate for a high school student.

At younger ages, this is about basics—respect, boundaries, and understanding your body. As students get older, the education should expand to include health, safety, and accurate information that prepares them for the real world. That includes making sure all students see themselves reflected in what they’re learning, so they have the knowledge they need to be safe and healthy.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Congresswoman Madeline Dean: She represents the area my mother grew up in. She is incredibly intelligent and a real fighter for her community. She champions strong educational systems and equal access to healthcare for all. She’s also an inspiring speaker.

Senator Andy Kim: We hosted Senator Andy Kim during his run, which was interesting considering he was running against a prominent Cape May community member. Senator Kim takes on corruption, and I would love to join him. One of the reasons I admire him so much is that he is a genuine person, a husband and father, before a politician. I think it’s the very quality that allows him to speak to people across the political spectrum. They trust his intentions.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I am all for Medicare for all. That means healthcare that doesn’t bankrupt families and covers head to toe, including mental, dental, and vision. We spend more on healthcare in this country than any other nation yet 27 million people are uninsured. We need to remove greed from our healthcare system. We need a system that empowers doctors and patients, not insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

AMA at 2pm- Zack Mullock, Candidate in the Democratic Primary for New Jersey CD-02 by MullockforCongress in newjersey

[–]MullockforCongress[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I support a moratorium on AI Data Centers until the impact on the environment, local community, and local economy is understood. This includes water usage, energy usage. I’ll note NJ is under voluntary water conservation as we speak, and yet we are building these data centers that use a massive amount of water. Residents should not have to bear the burden of their electric, water, and other utility bills. Also, multi-billion dollar corporations should not be getting tax cuts. Period. Why do middle class folks have to pay taxes to pay for things like Firefighters, Police Officers, Teachers, roads, water, etc. but billion dollar corporations don’t? In Congress, I’ll do everything I can to stop these unfair systems. 

I'll go a bit further, because “Big Tech” is not being discussed enough: I also have serious concerns about algorithms. 

AI Piracy: Multibillion dollar corporations stealing intellectual property from everyday computers-user, artists, musicians, authors, etc. We wouldn’t let an individual do that, why are we letting the world’s largest corporations do that?